> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bcds.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bcds.gitbook.io/handbook/digital-scholarship-methods/introduction-to-mapping/starting-a-mapping-project.md). # ΒΆ Starting a Mapping Project ### What Does is Mapping Project look like? Mapping projects can be of all shapes and sizes, from the creation of **a traditional figure** with an explanatory legend and caption, such as might appear in an academic text, to an **online interactive tool** that allows for the searching or filtering of thousands of pieces of spatial data or hundreds of historical maps. They can combine different types of [**vector data**](https://docs.qgis.org/2.8/en/docs/gentle_gis_introduction/vector_data.html) representing real world features (e.g., points, lines, or polygons which can contain both spatial data and other qualitative or quantitative information) with [**raster** ](https://docs.qgis.org/2.8/en/docs/gentle_gis_introduction/raster_data.html)(e.g., satellite imagery, elevation data, vegetation data, or a historical map). Visualization, analysis, and storytelling are three of the most common goals for any mapping project, and they may be intertwined. **Visualization** focuses on the presentation of a collection of data, either through straightforward stylistic choices or through the ability to allow the user to filter datasets in some way. [**Spatial analysis**](https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/product/analytics/how-to-perform-spatial-analysis/) is a process in which you model problems geographically, derive results by computer processing, and then explore and examine those results. **Storytelling** then combines the two, allowing the creator to present a cohesive narrative to their reader which is intrinsically tied to the data being presented at a particular moment. ### Boston College Libraries Digital Scholarship Services BC Libraries' [Digital Scholarship Group](https://ds.bc.edu/) facilitates, supports, and consults on mapping projects, as well as designs and provides mapping related in-class instruction and [workshops](https://libguides.bc.edu/c.php?g=977606\&p=7108720). BC's [Research Services](https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/its/services/research-services.html) also provides support as well as [licenses](https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/offices/its/services/research-services/software.html) for platforms like ArcGIS.