Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
83634 Applied Geography 2011 16 Pages PDF
Abstract

When conducting studies related to Chinese history and culture, researchers are oftentimes challenged by the complexities of historical Chinese geographic names and traditional Chinese calendars. Furthermore, it is difficult to integrate related social research without the input of complete and contiguous background information. To solve these problems, this article proposes a spatial-temporal framework for conducting historical and cultural research on China. First, conversion methods between the various traditional Chinese calendars were illustrated. Next, spatial-temporal data models for historical geographic names were designed and described according to the properties of the representative data sources. Based on these models, the spatial-temporal framework was further built using data collection and processing. With the help of this proposed infrastructure, researchers may more readily explore spatial-temporal information as well as conduct further historical and cultural research on China. Finally, a project entitled ‘Sino-FamilyTree-GIS’ was employed as a case study to demonstrate the value of this framework.

► We introduced a spatial-temporal framework for historical and cultural research on China. ► We provided a tool for researchers to take full advantage of spatial temporal information to promote Chinese research. ► The conversion methods between different traditional Chinese calendars were illustrated. ► The spatial-temporal data models of historical geographic names were designed. ► The steps of building the spatial-temporal framework was introduced.

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