Last updated on 17 December 2024
Looking to return your classes history and geography more alive? I just came across the site Old Maps Online. A gold mine.
Imagine being able to explore more than 400,000 historical maps, from the world's most prestigious institutions. This free and intuitive platform allows you to travel from the 16th to the 20th century, from Paris to New York via the smallest village in your region.
A fascinating journey through history and space to enrich your history-geography lessons.
Table of Contents
What is Old Maps Online?
A global cartographic library
Old Maps Online is an aggregator that brings together the collections of old cards digitized by the world's largest institutions. It includes funds from the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Library of Congress, as well as national libraries from different countries and many academic institutions. Quality is therefore at the rendezvous. This international collaboration provides access to a cartographic heritage of exceptional richness.
An intuitive interface
The principle is simple: imagine Google Maps, but to explore the past. The interface of the site has been designed for simple and efficient navigation. The homepage presents an interactive world map that serves as a starting point for any search. A time slider allows you to precisely select the desired historical period. The filter system by collection and map type, combined with a search by location or keyword, offers a smooth and customizable browsing experience.
How to use Old Maps Online in class?
Quick start
Getting started with the tool is quick and easy. Start by going to www.oldmapsonline.org/fr/. Once on the site, zoom in on the geographical area you are interested in, then use the time slider to set your study period. Red dots will appear on the map, indicating the available documents. Simply click on these points to discover the historical maps of the region.
Practical pedagogical applications
In history, the tool makes it possible to address many themes: the evolution of borders, urban development, or the study of historical trade routes. For geography, the applications are equally rich: the analysis of the evolution of landscapes, the study of urbanisation, the observation of coastal changes, and the discovery of old communication routes.
Plus: you can overlay the old cards on the current ones. The ‘before/after’ effect fascinates students.
Here is a plea in law simple and playful Show your students how their neighbourhood, city or region has evolved over the centuries.
Advanced Features
Download and share
The site offers practical options for the pedagogical use of maps. Documents can be downloaded in high resolution, easily shared via links or social media, and integrated into your course materials. This flexibility allows for a variety of uses, whether for classroom presentations or student work.
Analytical tools
Analytical functionalities are a major asset of the platform. The possibility of superimposing current maps, measuring distances and using precise geolocation allows for relevant and informative comparisons. These tools facilitate an analytical and critical approach to historical documents.
Examples of educational activities
For the College
At college level, several activities can be developed around the tool. Students can compare their city in the 19th century with its current state, study the evolution of European borders, or analyse old trade routes.
For high school
For high school students, the opportunities for exploitation are greater. The study of industrialisation in the 18th and 19th centuries, mapping the world at different times, or the analysis of colonial territories are particularly suitable subjects of study.
The Old Maps Online website is a great online resource to enrich your history-geography courses. Its ease of use and rich documentation make it a ideal tool to develop the spatial and historical analysis skills of your students.
Key points
The tool stands out for its intuitive and ergonomic interface, its impressive collection of over 400 000 cards and its multilingual nature. It proposes various pedagogical applications who make it a resource that deserves a place in your digital kit.
Questions you may be asking yourself
Are the cards royalty-free ? Each card shall have its own conditions of use, which shall be clearly indicated. Many cards are in the public domain.
Can we use the site offline? No, an internet connection is required. Remember to download the maps before your class.
Is the site free? Yes, access is completely free.
Is there a mobile version? The site is responsive and adapts to tablets and smartphones.
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