GeoPortOst: A Specialized Gateway to the Historical and Thematic Cartography of Eastern and South-Eastern Europe

Abstract This paper examines the role of the GeoPortOst portal as a sophisticated digital repository for historical and thematic maps. It explores how modern geospatial technologies facilitate the preservation of and access to cartographic heritage. The study analyzes the portal’s technical framework, which integrates the Django web framework with advanced tools such as GeoServer, IIIF, and Recogito. It also evaluates the user interface and the specific research tools (Bounding Box search, DFG-Viewer, and OldMaps Online) that enhance the study of spatial data. GeoPortOst successfully transitions maps from “analog” archives to interactive digital objects. By consolidating over 3,400 maps, the portal provides a high degree of interoperability and semantic enrichment through collaborative annotation. The portal bridges the gap between traditional archival preservation and modern GIS functionality. It democratizes access to knowledge and encourages the reinterpretation of historical phenomena in a contemporary spatial context.