Boundaries
Why Rivers Make Persistent Edges on a Map
Why rivers make persistent edges on a map: understand how river boundaries shape regional identity and what a mapped…
The reading room
All stories
Explore writing about the shapes, routes, boundaries and names that make northern places distinctive.
Settlements
A Crossing or a Ridge: Two Ways to Place a Village
Compare a village at a crossing with one along a ridge to see how slopes, water, and routes shape its layout and the…
Routes
The Old Road Beneath the New Route
Trace an old road beneath a newer route by comparing dated maps, surviving boundaries, and place names to separate…
Landforms
Why a Direct Map Route May Not Be a Usable Shortcut
A direct map route can conceal steep slopes, wet ground, or missing crossings. Learn how to assess its terrain and…
Place Names
A Slow Walk for Collecting Place Names
A slow walk for collecting place names helps you map clusters and gaps, preserve local spellings, and build useful…