GRANITE FALLS — Fred Cruger wanted to find a way to view multiple maps of Snohomish County at once.
So he searched for a way to build an electronic map that included original homestead lines, vintage maps spanning between 1910 and 1975, modern property lines and aerial photographs that could be superimposed over a topographic map.
With the help of a $6,000 grant through the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission and the support of the League of Snohomish County Heritage Organizations, the society was able to purchase computers and software mapping equipment that can overlay old maps and modern geographic data.
The result of the software and more than 700 hours of volunteer work is an electronic map of the entire Snohomish County area.
“What we’ve done is digitize these maps, and then we took the result and placed them geographically right where they’re supposed to be,” said Cruger, 62. “When we’re done it doesn’t matter if it was a map or an aerial photograph we had, they’re all in the same spot.”
The League of Snohomish County Heritage Organizations on Jan. 29 recognized the Snohomish County Digital Map Overlay Project with the 2010 Malstrom Award. The award acknowledging “outstanding contributions to the field of Snohomish County history,” was presented to the Granite Falls Historical Society.
The Malstrom Award Judging Committee on the League of Snohomish County Heritage Organizations website called the project a model for heritage organizations throughout the nation and a “multi-layered research resource that aids Snohomish County with the preservation and accessibility of valuable information embedded in vintage maps.”
Cruger said he has seen firsthand how the electronic map helps people with their research. Visitors to the museum often want to know who homesteaded the property they live on, Cruger said. The digital map helps to answer those questions in minutes.
The electronic maps were shared with 16 other museums and genealogical societies around Snohomish County, according to Cruger. The tool can be used by visiting the Granite Falls Museum or other participating organizations listed at www.gfhistory.org.
Cruger started working on the project in 2009 but he doesn’t expect it to ever reach completion. More maps and historical photos can always be contributed and added, he said.
“We can do this for all the communities,” Cruger said.
Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491; adaybert@heraldnet.com.
Learn how
Arrange to meet with a volunteer or learn how to do your own research by calling the Granite Falls Historical Society at 360-691-2603 or e-mail info@gfhistory.org.
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