The use of web-GIS and crowdsourcing in the acquisition of historical data on the example of Polegli1939 project

Abstract

Abstract The historical Polegli1939 geoportal is probably the first thematic portal using spatial-temporal databases to present information on people killed during the World War II. In this study, we address the problem of capturing, processing and sharing historical information by supplementing it with a spatial attributes. The aim of the study is to determine the role of crowdsourcing data and the use of web-GIS applications in the process of obtaining and verifying historical information. The study was carried out as part of the implementation of the “Spatial database of soldiers killed in warfare” project, which is also known as Polegli1939. In order to achieve this goal, we acquired information using three methods: manual, automated and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). Making spatial data available through the Polegli1939 geoportal enables users to popularize and verify it. The method includes a geospatial web platform (GeoWeb) as well as a VGI application with an integrated process for verifying submitted information. As a result of the project, nearly 35,000 records were obtained. Making the project available to a wider audience opens up the possibility of extending the presented research or replicating it in other countries, taking into account a wider chronological range than just World War II.