Defining annotations: a visual (re)interpretation

✍ Scribed by Mary B. Ruvane

• Book ID: 102508279
• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 2007
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 35 KB
• Volume: 43
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0044-7870
• DOI: 10.1002/meet.14504301226

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

A variety of research has focused on annotations and methods for incorporating ‘them’ into digital formats. Absent from most is a clear definition of what is meant by the term ‘annotation’ and the characteristics they embody. In the digital world it is often perceived as a synonym for metadata, but in the analog world it may refer to a reader's scribbled notes in the margins. These are both types of annotation, but at opposing ends of the scale; one formal the other informal. Marshall's (1998b) seven dimensions of annotation are (re)presented here in a new visual format (figure 1) for comparison to an historical geographers information needs and note taking behavior. One of the geographer's objectives was to reconstruct a digital map of 18th century North Carolina settlement patterns. The findings point to an untapped avenue for improving access to our nations cultural heritage.