Visualizing the Distribution of Antioch Mosaics using ArcGIS Pro
Two weeks ago, I attended an introductory workshop on ArcGIS Pro that was offered through Data Services at the Milton S. Eisenhower Library. During this course, I was introduced to the basics of working with spatial data and creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps. As someone who had no previous background in working with geographic information systems software, I felt a bit out of my element at first, but was reassured by the course instructor and course assistant that no prior knowledge was necessary to understand the interface of ArcGIS Pro and the functions of its most commonly used tools. I quickly learned how to input data from an existing data set, rename my categories/refine my search queries, and change the colors of my map. At the end of the three hours, I had created a two-dimensional map of the United States showing the ideal geographic location for a warehouse accommodating the 65 and older population.
For the next phase of my work stream, I am interested in applying what I learned at the ArcGIS Pro training to the distribution of Antioch mosaics around the globe. As my initial data set, I plan on using a graphic published in Fatih Cimok’s Antioch Mosaics: A Corpus that shows the many repositories of extant Antioch mosaics. Considering that this map was published 20 years ago, I have been conducting my own research on whether new repositories of Antioch mosaics exist today. For example, I have learned from speaking with my fellow student investigator Ella Gonzalez that another Antioch mosaic may be located somewhere in Cuba, although its current location remains unknown. After Spring Break, I am meeting with the course assistant from the ArcGIS Pro training to discuss the first steps to inputting this repository data into a two-dimensional map. Within the next few weeks or so, I hope to create a visually striking and educational graphic that helps contextualize the original in situ locations of these mosaics and where they are now housed.
Distribution of extant Antioch Mosaics from Fatih Cimok’s Antioch Mosaics: A Corpus
On March 25th, I am attending another introductory workshop offered through Data Services on ArcGIS StoryMaps. Through using one of the StoryMaps web app templates, I will be able to integrate maps, text, scanned documents and videos. My plan is to include the two-dimensional map of the repositories that I produce in ArcGIS Pro, and feature it within my overarching StoryMap. For the StoryMap itself, depending on how comfortable I feel using it after the training, I plan on tracing the distribution history of one or more Antioch mosaics from the BMA collection, from its in situ site to its current location in the museum.
Maya Kahane