Using Interactive Maps to Explore Risk Factors for Racial Violence in Reconstruction Era Kentucky

Deb Alexander

Abstract

Dynamic mapping permits the layering of county-level statistical data (percentages expressed as alpha values), used as a backdrop to the display of individual incidents of racial violence. Violent incidents expressed as points (“flags”) show geographic relationships to underlying data that might not be as visible in standard table format – especially useful for regional agricultural, economic, and political statistics and to show pertinent legal borders. To illustrate change over time using an interactive interface, each hyperlink “click” provides deeper levels of information to a user, whether the information is text-only or other media (images, small graphs or charts of linear statistical relationships or regression coefficients would enrich the analysis.  Problems in presentation include a tension between narrative and learner-centered exploration. This approach to sharing research data on such a charged subject as lynching might also suggest other exchanges: such as a comment function or guestbook, an opportunity to download portions of the project, or to a chance to explore correlates in a larger landscape. For example, if interactive mapping of one state during a 10-year period is successful, the approach could be extended and expanded to include the entire affected region (the South as a whole) over a longer time period.

Full Paper [pdf]

About the Author

Deborah Alexander received her master's degree in history from the
University of Minnesota, focusing on 20th century history and film.
Her interests as a PhD student include the socio-cultural history of
19th and 20th century America, and racial violence during
Reconstruction. She has supported her graduate studies at the
University of Minnesota working as a Web Coordinator and distance
learning designer in the School of Public Health, and is particularly
fascinated by challenges posed by technologically enhanced (i.e.,
computer-mediated) instruction.