Maps and Images

Original maps record the visible landscape from an historical perspective. They include maps of explorers, for example John Smith and Sir Walter Raleigh whose map of Virginia is really the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Historical maps often distort distances and coordinates, record legendary “monsters” from the sea, or include icons of private companies, nationality, or even personal experience, such as John Smith’s three Turks heads. Some also locate Indian villages and English settlements while others provide rare eyewitness encounters -- usually derived from the expeditionary journeys up numerous creeks, inlets, and rivers -- between explorers, indigenous peoples, and the natural environment. “Other” maps use modern mapping techniques for a specific purpose, for example to show trade routes and settlement patterns, or identify Indian language groups. “Virtual” maps attempt to transform the landscape, for example, give users a “trail walk” experience by taking original maps and using the latest technology to zoom in on a section, highlight certain features, or chart the course of settlement and the disappearance of native people. “Virtual Panoramas” use the latest computer technology to envelop the user in images, landscape, artifacts, and the documentary record and to create a “you are there” feeling.