GeoTwain: Geospatial analysis and visualization for researchers of transculturality

In our research cluster on transculturality many projects deal with georeferenced data. This paper offers an introduction to the new project GeoTwain that works on visualisation techniques for such data. Based on an analysis of the global telegraph network as an example of transcultural research using geo-referenced data, the paper derives user requirements by combining experiences gained from previous projects and specifies a set of solutions. It is the aim of GeoTwain to provide easy visualization of 4-D-information based on Google Earth and to grasp spatial relationships embedded in historical evidence to analyse, recombine and disaggregate geo-referenced historical data without having to use more specialized and highly complex GIS Tools. Envisioned visualization with GeoTwain allows for fast and efficient assessment of georeferencing's analytical potential in any given case; it also allows the user to carefully weigh further investments in data enrichment in relation to expected findings. Both the development and application of GeoTwain are embedded in the broader research environment infrastructure called Heidelberg Research Architecture (HRA).