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Mapping Ayutthaya “Mapping Ayutthaya ” is an online digital site that foregrounds aspects of the spatial dimension of the kingdom of Siam. Siamese goods were traded across Asia, the diplomatic reach of Siamese kings stretched from the Baltic to Tokyo Bay; moreover, Siam found power and prosperity in positioning itself as mediator in the transshipment of Asian and European commodities. This project maps at two levels: a global level, visualizing links across the Eurasian continent, and the city of Ayutthaya itself. The global mapping focuses on examples of thematic linkages, while the city mapping focuses on the temples that were the primary sites associated with the art works of the “ Kingdom of Siam ” exhibition. In addition, “Mapping Ayutthaya” includes a section on the mapping of the city itself, “Ayutthaya in Space and Time," from the earliest European travelers to the region through the latest in satellite mapping capability. Satellite and aerial photography bring a new perspective on the ancient city, and new challenges in the interpretation and analysis of images. This project has been put into TimeMap software (see Acknowledgements page) for display. With the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), these maps and images can be “geo-referenced,” or digitally linked through identification of common spatial coordinates, in order to compare “layers” of information. Projects such as “Mapping Ayutthaya” suggest the potential of GIS for studies in the arts and humanities. “Mapping Ayutthaya” will be available in modified form on-line and is freely available for educational use only. Contacts Geographic Information Science Center, UCB (GISC)
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