Digital Resources for Biblical Mapping

Mark Vitalis Hoffman
SBL Boston - 24 November 2008

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Summary of Presentation

1: Types of Maps

• Satellite and Orthophoto: provide true detail that can be enhanced
• Physical: helpful base terrain
• Political: highlight historical shifts
• Relief: Shaded and Raised: provide sense of the land
• Road: help explain historical developments
• Topographic: probably not as helpful in light of 3D technologies
• Illustrations: provide help in visualizing events

2: Mapping Matters

• Copyright and Fair Use Considerations: basically okay if used for education or non-profit and not selling or making permanent
• Orientation: N/S or E/W: Ancient world was E/W oriented; modern is N/S
• Accuracy, bias, coverage, appropriateness: influence of 'historicity,' tradition, and archaeology
• Linked to modern locations: helpful for making correlation to present
• Edit-ability (i.e., mapping, not just maps): question of preference: ready-made or editable
• Quality: usage, clarity, interactivity
• Using Maps: provide overview and perspective, aid in illustration

3: Digital Mapping Resources

• Examples of maps in various resources
• Demonstration of Mapping Programs
  • BibleMapper3
  • Accordance Bible Atlas
  • BibleWorks7/8 Map Module
  • Logos3
  • Parsons Bible Atlas in QuickVerse2009
  • BibleMap.org
  • Interactive Satellite Map of the Holy Land
  • Manna Bible Maps
  • e-Sword maps
  • NET / neXt Bible
  • BibleAtlas.org
  • HolyLand 3D
  • GoogleEarth

4: Conclusions / Recommendations

No single program does it all, but I recommend:

• Overall: Integration and Features
  • Accordance > HolyLand3D > BW7/8 > BibleAtlas.org
• Map Creation
  • BibleMapper > Accordance > BW7/8
• Interactivity
  • HolyLand3D / GoogleEarth > Accordance
• Free Mapping Resources
  • GoogleEarth, BibleAtlas.org, NET/neXt Bible
• Maps: depends…
• The future…
• GoogleEarth
  • High resolution with 3D data (but with a Terrain layer were available)
  • Navigation, flyovers, elevations
  • Use with overlays and KMZ files (OpenBible.info)
  • Use in conjunction with existing maps
  • Extensive ability to link across the Cloud: reference works, photos, layers
  • Free and able to be linked from Bible texts/software

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