Geospatial data

Owned by Corinna Baksik
Last updated: Mar 02, 2023
2 min read

HOLLIS+ includes data harvested from the Harvard Geospatial Library (HGL).

Primary features

Data series: HOLLIS+ records that represent data series include a list of layers that comprise the series. For example, the data series “Cambridge Citywide Vector Data,” displays a list of included layers, such as Recycling Routes, Sidewalk Snow Plow Routes, Street Trees, Public Schools, etc.  The layers in the list are each hyperlinks that lead to the individual layer record in HOLLIS+.  The data series record also includes a link to HGL where all layers in the series can be previewed. 

Data layers: Data layers from HGL are represented as individual records in HOLLIS+. For example, “Water Play Locations, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2008” is a searchable record in HOLLIS+ with subject terms, attributes, and a link back to the series record, where other layers in the series are listed. Each layer record includes a "View Online" link that leads to the data layer in HGL, where additional functionality is available. In HGL, users can preview and download data for use in GIS software. The metadata in the layer record is searchable in HOLLIS+. The records are also enhanced as follows:

  • Added keywords for searching purposes, "geospatial data, gis data, spatial data."
  • Facet: Available Online
  • Facet for Resource Type: Maps and Computer file / Data. 
  • Facet for Location: Map Coll (Pusey)
  • Facet for Form/Genre: Geospatial data.

Visual aids: any HOLLIS+ record with geospatial coordinates will be enhanced to display a graphic that indicates the geographic coverage of that resource (using the OpenStreetMap API). This applies to data from HGL, and also to any cartographic or other record from Aleph that has coordinate data (MARC field 034). Example graphic:

 

The buttons in the graphic may be used to zoom in and out. To access the digital resource itself, use the View Online link. If the resource is available in print only, open the Locations & Availability tab to find the library where the resource is held.