Abstract

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Mapping Philadelphia History: Public Access to Historic Images
Track: State and Local Government
Author(s): Joan Decker, Bradley Breuer

The city of Philadelphia Department of Records has developed a Web-based mapping application to display historic photographs from the city's archive of more than two million photographs. Among these photographs are streetscapes that capture children playing in the streets, horse-drawn carriages, and Philadelphia's historic homes through the centuries. From historic independence hall to the docks and ferries, these images document the social history of the city since 1880. Today the department is making these photographs available on the Internet with Esri's ArcIMS technology, through an interactive Web-based mapping site. In addition, the department has created a portable handheld version that citizens and tourists can access on cellular phones and handheld PCs. Giving citizens access to these important historic assets provides the public with an important historic resource and, through e-commerce, provides a revenue stream for the Department of Records to further its preservation efforts and enhance its technology infrastructure.

Joan Decker
City of Philadelphia
Department of Records
165 City Hall
Philadelphia , PA 19107
US
Phone: 215-686-2261
E-mail: joan.decker@phila.gov

Bradley Breuer
Avencia Incorporated
340 N 12th St, Suite 402B
Philadelphia , PA 19107
US
Phone: 215-701-7712
E-mail: bradley@avencia.com