Uralic Historical Atlas (URHIA): Interactive Web App for Spatial Data
Meeli Roose, Tua Nylén, Petro Pesonen, Harri Tolvanen, Outi Vesakoski · Digital Humanities in the Nordic and Baltic Countries Publications · 2025
In this paper, we present an interactive web mapping service designed to display spatial historical data for both scientific and general audiences. The service, Uralic Historical Atlas (URHIA), was developed using user-centered design framework with Uralic linguistics researchers as the primary end-users. The platform is based on GeoNode, a local spatial data infrastructure supported by the University of Turku. Originally focused on Uralic language datasets, the platform has since been expanded to serve as other data collections as well. For example, we introduce the Archaeological Artefact Atlas as a developing case study. This paper outlines the technical solutions behind URHIA and highlights how it enhances research accessibility and usability for a broad audience.