Abstract
The GIS is a tool that allows us to study the logic of the distribution of phenomena that occur on the Earth’s surface. In this article, we propose exploring its potential for historical research over long periods. Here, we present a Historical GIS (HGIS) of the railways of Europe for the period 1830-2010. This is a response to the need to carry out spatialtemporal analyses in order to evaluate the territorial impact of the railway and its influence on the distribution of population. The main objectives of this work are: to publicise the existence of this spatial database; to explain the approach followed in order to produce it; and to highlight some of the results that have already been achieved by using it. To date, the possibilities offered by HGIS have hardly been explored in research into the territorial impact of the railway. Similarly, until now, little work has been done in this area at the European scale. The most innovative aspects of this HGIS therefore lie in the methodology used and the subject treated.
Highlights
The railway has played an important role in the territorial organisation of Europe as it has been one of the main engines behind its urban and economic growth and transformation [1]
We present a Historical GIS (HGIS) of the railways of Europe for the period 1830-2010. This is a response to the need to carry out spatialtemporal analyses in order to evaluate the territorial impact of the railway and its influence on the distribution of population
The contribution that we present here follows this general line: it is a historical railway database that permits a quantitative analysis of the evolution and impact of the railway on the whole of Europe
Summary
The railway has played an important role in the territorial organisation of Europe as it has been one of the main engines behind its urban and economic growth and transformation [1]. This article presents a Historical GIS (HGIS from here on) of Europe’s railways for the period 1830-2010 It makes an important methodological contribution on two different levels. It explains how this work was conducted, as this is an approach that could be adapted for similar studies in other parts of the world or for other types of transport infrastructure. It explores the potential of our historical and georeferenced database
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