Harley is critical of the evolution of cartography toward GIS and away from traditional maps influenced by culture. This relates to our discussions on Allen Island spacetime because while the Island may not be physically changing over time (or at least minimally), how it is presented through maps has certainly changed over time. In many ways this comes down to the perspective of the mapper. Today, a computer will use satellite imagery or GIS coordinates to precisely determine the shape and geographic features of Allen Island. However, if Gideon or Alexander Allen were to map the island when they first laid claim to it, a very different map would be produced. Not just in terms of the accuracy of the shape of the island, but more notably in the features described. A hand drawn map by one of the Allen brothers would likely have incorporated significant landmarks that it would be important to know the location of on the island. For example, their houses and property lines would likely have been marked because those were the most important features of the island to them at the time. As the Island developed though, grazing land, ports and boat launches also could have been mapped. Although GIS mapping could identify these same features (and probably more accurately), it does not provide the same ability for a historian to “read between the lines” of the cartographer’s work (Harley 6). Harley’s criticism of modern mapping solely using GIS makes sense is understandable, but for the project that my timeline JS group will be tackling (ownership/use) I think the ability to combine modern GIS mapping with older maps could be a major asset to creating a successful digital humanities project.