Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
2 Towards Gallipoli 2015 Project Overview
The initial overtures of a research project began in 2009. The project being
developed will study the geographical information resources and geographical
representations used for analysis, planning, conducting and post-event analysis of
large-scale operations. As well, the project will develop and assess methodologies
for analysing and
visualising
the accuracy
of
historical maps,
imagery
and
geographical artefacts related to strategic planning and decision-making.
It aims to leverage on the combined strengths of an international research team
in cartography/geographical visualization, surveying and positioning, photo-
grammetry, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems analysis and
modelling to undertake research and visualisation tool development that can be
used to determine the accuracy (and therefore usefulness) of maps, imagery and
geographical artefacts for strategic planning and operational management. Also,
the results of the research will have the additional benefit, whereby, due to the
study area selected, the results from the studies will be available to the Australian,
New Zealand, British, French and Turkish communities to better understand the
role that political geography had in sending troops to the Dardenelles in the first
place and how the terrain of the Gallipoli Peninsula impacted on the operation of
the campaign.
3 Exploring Collections to Determine the Availability
of Maps and Geo-artefacts from the Gallipoli Campaign
Exploratory research to identify maps and geographical artefacts was undertaken
in mid to late 2009 at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, the Imperial War
Museum, the British Library, the Royal Geographical Society map library and
archive, the Army Museum and archive, all in London, the Département des Cartes
et Plans, Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the Service Historique de la
Defense, Department de l'Armee de Terre Division, France in Paris.
This initial research provided valuable information regarding the maps and
drawings available at the beginning of the Gallipoli campaign, maps used to plan
and execute military activities and maps and drawings published 'at home' by
commercial map publishers and newspapers. This paper provides an overview of
this 'first cut' of these investigations into maps and drawings produced for
Gallipoli and will illustrate the diversity and richness of the artefacts found. As
well, some of the maps sourced during research have been used to illustrate the
next section—The Gallipoli Campaign.
