Besides just an understanding of how to make maps, we hope that students leave the SAL with an appreciation for the power inherent in making and presenting maps. An exhibit currently on display in the Knowledge Lab called Undesign the…
Update: When In Rome
Our most loyal readers may remember that we announced a collaborative project with the Smith College Museum of Art back in March. We set off last semester to create a Story Map for their autumn exhibition, When In Rome: Prints…
Summer science classes in the SAL
For four weeks during July and August, the SAL was abuzz with activity as dozens of high-school students designed web maps on topics ranging from local geology to bird migrations in East Asia. We worked with three different classes in…
Collaboration with the Art Museum!
by Karen Yu, Spatial Analysis Lab Assistant Despite its physical appearance, the Spatial Analysis Lab (SAL) is more than just a computer lab in Sabin Reed. Behind the scenes, we’re often busy with new projects, teaching, and always thinking spatially.…
Drones in the Humanities
Five College Digital Humanities Grant As an emergent technology, it is perhaps not surprising that there is not a clear consensus on what a drone is. Even what constitutes the technology of a drone—or, more accurately for the purposes of…
Visualizing Historical Space

Great opportunity to learn about Historical GIS (HGIS) from one of the leading thinkers in the field. Anne Knowles from Middlebury College will be on campus this Friday, November 8th to discuss her work on visualizing the Battle of Gettysburg.…
Digital Humanities Workshop Recap
On Monday and Tuesday, August 13-14, the Smith Spatial Analysis Lab teamed up with Amherst College to host a workshop for Five College faculty entitled Spatial Techniques for the Digital Humanities. We had a great two days of discussion, learning,…
Spatial Techniques for Digital Humanities

In collaboration with Amherst College, the Spatial Analysis Lab is developing a spatially themed workshop titled “Spatial Techniques for the Digital Humanities“. The workshop is part of the Five College Digital Humanities Initiative which promises to enrich curricula and scholarship…