University of Wisconsin Digital Collections

New! Explore the collection in a whole new way with Google Earth

Charles J. Massart farm

The Belgian-American Research Collection was established in 1975 to help preserve and make available original materials reflecting the character of the Belgian Community. To this end an architectural survey was conducted to identify typical Belgian architecture including log, stone and brick houses. In addition local governmental records were collected that help identity the parcels of land on which those structures were located. Now these materials can be examined in a way that couldn't even be imagined when the project began more than thirty years ago. This tool enables researches to view the parcels of land superimposed over a satellite image of the land itself. At a glance it's possible to see how land use has changed (or stayed the same) over time. The locations of the structures themselves are marked with virtual thumbtacks. Click on one to see a photograph of the building right where it stood! Click on the link to see additional views as well as other items in the collection. Decide you want to visit the location? Get directions directly from your home or office.

Don't already have Google Earth? Get it here:

http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html

Tips on using Google Earth:

Use the control panel on the left to add or remove layers to your map such as roads, terrain, and even traffic. You can also save your favorite maps (such as this one) here.

Use the compass on the right to reorient your map, and the slider lets you zoom in and out to get a better look.

When the mouse icon looks like a hand just hold down your mouse button to "drag" the map around to see different areas.

Find more tips here:

http://earth.google.com/support/