The Application of GIS to the Study of Historical Geography: a Case Study of China T'ang ‘FanZhen’ Period

Abstract:

This paper sets out to explore the potential of GIS in the area of historical geography studies in particular. In essence we focus on the concept that time studies have a spatial dimension that can be highlighted by the use of GIS processes and field studies. During the later years of T'ang dynasty the most of lands between Yellow River and Yangtze River suffered a chaotic juxtaposition of separatist regimes, i.e., FanZhen. T'ang FanZhen Information System, a focused custom GIS system, has also been developed here to explore the formation and development of FanZhen. By using relevant vector data and satellite imaginary on the appropriate platform of GIS, we improved the quality and accuracy of scientific studies of FanZhen Period much more than before. GIS processes such as area, point and line representation and tracing, image/feature/script hotlinking and thematic representation are perfect to trace and display historical data across space.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 773)
• Pages: 768-774
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.773.768
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: Jing Yang, Jian Feng Chen
• Keywords: FanZhen, Geographic Information System (GIS), Historical Geograph, Jie Du Shi, T’ang

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