Land Surveys and the Usage of Maps in Historical Studies

Abstract

Even though it is little late, parallel to the developments worldwide, some new ideas and methods have started to pour into history research traditions in Turkey. As a result of finding new approaches to overcome the traditionally one sided research techniques that had been based solely on the study of archives, one of the new techniques that has recently been adopted is 'land/spatial' surveys. Even though, in recent years, oral history has gained a noticeably solid ground as part of land surveys, unfortunately, other aspects that can be found in land have been neglected.

Obviously, topographic, toponomic, archeological and some other data collected from the land will contribute to history researches immensely. Thus, such multifaceted land surveys will both surmount the archival researches and enhance studies. Land surveys that have been vital to art history, sociology, geology, botany and many other fields are also as important for history researches.

In this study, the importance of land surveys in the study of history is emphasized, and the data collected from the land is evaluated. Naturally, as a means and straight result of land surveys, the use of maps comes to stage and it is definitely suggested in the studies of history. The notion of map usage has two dimensions. The first one is that a detailed map of the land should unquestionably be used while setting off the field trip. The second dimension implies the fact that after the study has been completed a map relevant to the subject should be created indicating the detailed aspects of the investigation.