What Was There is a really cool website that was designed as a "virtual time machine" that allows users to search for and upload historic images via Google Maps. It provides a way to quickly see how a place has changed throughout history.
"The premise is simple: provide a platform where anyone can easily upload a photograph with two straightforward tags to provide context: Location and Year. If enough people upload enough photographs in enough places, together we will weave together a photographic history of the world (or at least any place covered by Google Maps). So wherever you are in the world, take a moment to upload a photograph and contribute to history!" (whatwasthere.com: about)
I did a search in Boston, and found this image of Boylston Street from the 1910's, alongside the Public Garden. Here is what exists in this spot today. Note how the street has been widened, and the buildings to the left have changed. The new structure seems to be an updated version of the various buildings that it replaced.
And, to really illustrate the changes, the historical image becomes an overlay on the modern day street view.
Definitely take a few minutes to check it out, and upload any old pictures that you may have!
No comments:
Post a Comment