Mapping the maps: implementing new geographical search methods into the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Images for All website

Abstract

This research paper examine how access to digital map collections can be made more accurate and user-friendly. Using the Royal Scottish Geographical Society as a case study, it details how new geographical search methods for browsing the RSGS collection have been implemented into the Images for All website. It details the results of system and user requirements analyses carried out on the existing IFA website and MID Database, highlighting the importance of making access to the collections more user friendly. The existing text search has been improved with fuzzy search, Soundex and relevancy scoring and a user interface which allows users to toggle between ambiguous places has been added. In order to facilitate easier and geographically based searching, a clickable map that allows users to search the collection has been created. A ‘Featured Items’ page has been set up to promote the Society’s Collection.