New approaches to communicating and educating through the use of historical maps

Abstract. The Coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the difficulties that sometimes accompany the consultation of historical cartographic repertoires. At the same time, it has brought to the forefront the relationship between digital content and cultural fruition. The project here presented has launched the digitalization of historical maps dated between the 16th and 17th centuries and selected by the collection of the Este Maps of the Military Series preserved at the State Archive of Modena and the Modena and Reggio Emilia University's Gemma Museum. Every digitized map is supported by a descriptive caption detailing its cartographic characteristics and historical context. The project intends to promote research, study and fruition, using new technologies for more effective and dynamic science communication and education, both triggering activities with high schools related to thematic studies or work experience, and creating a virtual exhibition to overcome any structural, cultural and health barriers in order to involve users in an experience of discovery, knowledge and individual learning.