Literature and geography may seem like two completely separate fields, but they share a common bond – the power of storytelling. Stories often take us to different places, whether real or imaginary, and transport us into the world of the characters. These settings are an integral part of the narrative and they shape the overall tone, plot, and mood of the story. But have you ever thought about visualizing these literary spaces on a map? Thanks to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), now we can.

GIS is a computer system used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying data related to locations on the earth’s surface. While it is commonly used in fields such as urban planning, natural resource management, and disaster management, it is now being utilized in the study of literature. By mapping the settings of literary works, we can gain a deeper understanding of the story and its characters, as well as the societal and cultural aspects of the time and place in which it is set.

One of the first successful projects to use GIS in literature was the Geospatial and Visual Archive of Georgetown (GAVAGe) by Dr. Jonathan E. Carlson. This project focused on the works of William Faulkner and mapped the fictional setting of Yoknapatawpha County in Mississippi. By mapping the physical locations of key events and characters, as well as creating interactive maps of the county, readers were able to visualize and explore the world of Faulkner’s novels in a whole new way.

Similarly, Dr. Martin Brückner, a professor at the University of Delaware, created the Literary Atlas of the United States. This online project maps settings of American literature, enabling readers to explore different time periods, genres, and themes through a geographical lens. For example, readers can see the various locations mentioned in Jack London’s “Call of the Wild” or the journey taken by Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”.

Apart from providing a new perspective on individual works, mapping literary spaces also allows for comparative studies across different works. For instance, the project “Mapping Alice” by Dr. Laura White captures the fantastical settings of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” to reveal patterns and connections in the narrative. By mapping the characters’ journeys, readers can see how each setting and encounter with different characters shapes Alice’s growth and development.

Moreover, by visualizing the spatial and temporal dimensions of literature, we can also uncover new insights into the socio-political aspects of a particular time and place. The project “Bruising the Salish Sea” by Dr. Rachel Watkins and Dr. Ross LeBaron maps the physical and cultural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest in Indigenous literature. By mapping the locations mentioned in Native American and First Nations literature, readers can better understand the ways in which colonialism, environmental degradation, and displacement have impacted Indigenous communities.

While there are certainly benefits to mapping literary spaces, some critics argue that it takes away from the open interpretation and imagination of the reader. However, mapping is not meant to replace or limit a reader’s interpretation, but rather to complement and enhance it. By visualizing the settings, readers can better understand the social and historical context of the story and make connections that they may have missed otherwise.

Mapping literary spaces through GIS also has implications for teaching literature. By using interactive maps, teachers can engage students in a more interactive and dynamic learning experience. Students can explore the world of the story and make connections between different literary works, as well as research societal and historical contexts.

In conclusion, GIS offers a unique and innovative approach to studying literature and its settings. By mapping these spaces, readers can gain a better understanding of the narrative, characters, and socio-political aspects of the time and place in which the story is set. It also opens up new possibilities for comparative studies and teaching literature in a more interactive and engaging way. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more projects using GIS to map literary spaces and enhance our understanding of the power of storytelling.