Historic Mapping Overlay and Analysis
 Stored in a variety of collections are thousands of historic maps and aerial photographs along with other important archival information that can be used by a wide variety of scientists, researchers, teachers, students and enthusiasts to expand knowledge regarding the geographic landscape and human history. Many of these data sources contain information that is not obtainable from any other source. Because this data exists only in archival form, digitization and enhancement of such information can open up possibilities that would be otherwise unobtainable.
Spatial referencing is the process of registering a map to a modern coordinate system for use with current geospatial softwares such as geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), global positioning satellite (GPS) receivers and internet mapping tools. Thorough mapping and aerial photography by government agencies, private companies, and individuals have, over time, produced countless exhibits that can be accurately and spatially referenced for developing historic trends in land use, development, and vegetation.
Comprehensive Mapping and GIS Services
 PBS&J, a leader in developing GIS-based solutions for public and private clients, assists in integrating historic map documents with geospatial software. Our experts developed the Positional Accuracy Assessment Generator (PAAG) that calculates positional accuracy of spatially referenced historic maps and aerial photography images. We offer experience in both large and small historic mapping projects with comprehensive services that include:
- Vectorization
- Metadata development
- Research
- Training
- Quality control and assurance for projects (QCAP)
- Image correction and cleanup
- Coordinate system registration
- Positional accuracy assessments
- Image format generation and conversion
- Data management including indexing and cataloging
PBS&J’s Information Solutions professionals use a wide variety of software—ESRI, ERDAS (Leica), Bentley, Intergraph, Autodesk, Lizard Tech, ER Mapper, and others—to meet the specific needs of our clients. Automatic and manual vectorization of historic map data can accommodate both GIS and CAD environments.
PBS&J customizes horizontal datums, projections and coordinate systems that approximate those used on historic maps. We are experienced in the creation of GIS indexing systems that facilitate storage and retrieval of digital historic map and aerial photography information. PBS&J’s scalable research capabilities blanket or target investigations using archival documents or digital data mining.
Other related services provided by PBS&J:
- Database Development
- Application Development
- Web Development
- Grant Management
- Program Management
- Field Ground-Truthing
- Archival Research
- Terrestrial Archaeology
- Marine Archaeology
Applications for Historic Mapping Overlay and Analysis
- Land Records Research
- Educational Activities
- Urban and Transportation Planning
- Historical and Archaeological Studies
- Law Enforcement (Cold Case Investigations)
- Ecological Studies
- Geomorphologic Studies
- Genealogical and Anthropological Studies
- Oceanography
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