Visualizing Place Connection: Application of GIS in Turmoil History Research

The geographic information system (GIS) database contains spatial data from modern and ancient maps, satellite images, natural environments, and artificial scenery, special event, communications network, natural disasters; it even tells the differences between town and country and conflicting events between populace groups from the Song Dynasty. When researches of similar historical themes are lined up together, a GIS with related spatial data and geo-temporal visualization could be designed and implanted. With the aid of GIS, it is possible to draw maps of the Batu Caves Event and to illustrate the cause, the process of and solutions to it. This thesis intends to analyze the boundary management policy within the Song dynasty territory; and the growing state power, and further gains an insight into the governance of the Dong Militia, the economy of Mountain barbarians and also its cultural values. With a literature of Song anthology, epitaphs, and visuals and maps drawn by GIS, this thesis presents a historic scene from 800 years ago and the turmoil in local development.

Keywords: Batu caves, Dong militia, GIS, Mountain barbarians, Provincial people, Regional armies, Savage boundary, Sidong people, Song Dynasty, Subdued tribe.