Interpretative mapping in cultural heritage context: Looking at the historic settlement of Khan Jahan in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract In the process of establishing the identity of a historic settlement, Interpretative Mapping might be unique and powerful tool to analyze tangible and intangible indicators of inheritance. Despite being a very useful and inexpensive tool, it has not yet been extensively used in the context of cultural heritage. In this kind of mapping, landscape, architecture and the layers of change that have been deposited on them throughout ages are considered as tangible indicators, while toponymy, story, memory and ancient local sayings are considered as intangible indicators. Information produced from both tangible and intangible indicators in a scientific and mathematical manner, supported by history, artefacts and vestiges, principles of urbanism, inscriptions and manuscripts, can reveal many unknown aspects of historic sites. Interpretative mapping can be accomplished either by a derivation from cartographic reference or an independent form of sense or impression (in case of intangibles). The aim of the paper is to demonstrate how interpretative mapping can combine chronological information of history, landscape, monuments and cultures of a historic site, exhibit transformation of indicators, provide evidence for hypothesis, authenticate claims of historians and manifest facts that can aid actions of Cultural Heritage agencies. For the demonstration, examples from different parts of the world and exercises on the ancient townships of Khalifatabad and Barobazar in Bangladesh, are explored.