Documentation
Maps And Locations
How map surfaces work across the public archive, single articles, Sanborn Maps, Signals, and workspace location records.
Documentation Summary
Maps and locations at a glance
Updated
March 23, 2026
Archive maps
The research archive and taxonomy pages aggregate many article points into a browseable hero map.
Article maps
Single research articles can show a main hero map and, when needed, multiple linked location points.
Workspace maps
Workspace location records are map-first and support editing, visual reference, Sanborn browsing, Signals, and location-linked workflow.
Sanborn Maps
Workspace locations can open Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps in the same record as live basemaps, notes, source material, and Signals.
Why maps matter
Public and workspace maps keep the place visible as research, notes, and supporting context continue to grow.
1. Public maps are browse surfaces
The archive and taxonomy globes are designed to show coverage, clusters, and geographic spread. They are there to help users see how the library is distributed, then jump into the article that fits the place they are looking at.
2. Single-article maps can hold one point or many
Some articles are anchored to one place. Others represent a network, district, corridor, or set of related locations. The map system supports both, so an article can show either a single place point or a set of linked place markers.
3. Private locations are built for follow-through
- Use the workspace location map to see the place you are working on, not just the public article summary.
- Open Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from the same location record when you want historical page context tied to the place.
- Use Signals from the same location record when you want current coverage, public attention, and network activity around the place.
- Keep conversations and AI work attached to the same workspace place record.
- Use working copies when you want a user-owned place record derived from a public research article.