Mapmaking for Language Documentation and Description

Gawne, Lauren; Ring, Hiram

Abstract

This paper introduces readers to mapmaking as part of language documentation. We discuss some of the benefits and ethical challenges in producing good maps, drawing on linguistic geography and GIS literature. We then describe current tools and practices that are useful when creating maps of linguistic data, particularly using locations of field sites to identify language areas/boundaries. We demonstrate a basic workflow that uses CartoDB, before demonstrating a more complex workflow involving Google Maps and TileMill. We also discuss presentation and archiving of mapping products. The majority of the tools identified and used are open source or free to use.

Citation

Gawne, L., & Ring, H. (2016). Mapmaking for Language Documentation and Description. Language Documentation & Conservation, 10, 188-242

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 8, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Jun 1, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Feb 24, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 26, 2017
• Journal: Language Documentation and Conservation
• Print ISSN: 1934-5275
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Pages: 188-242
• Publisher URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10125/24692