Online map of National Register-listed properties gets a makeover
By Alice Guerrant, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs archaeologist and Historic Properties Research Center manager.
Work has been completed to restore the online map provided through the Cultural and Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS), the State Historic Preservation Office’s geographic information system (GIS). The map was affected by a software issue that prevented proper filtering of historic-property information. Our vendor, GeoDecisions, researched options to address the problem and an update to the ArcGIS Online software provided the solution. The revised map is now available to the public at https://chris-users.delaware.gov/public/#/.
In addition to restoring the map, several new layers have been added to make it even more useful. For example, students and teachers can now overlay their school districts on the map to research National Register of Historic Places-listed buildings, structures and historic districts located within their school districts. Similarly, state legislative-districts have been added, allowing citizens and legislators to see National Register listings in their communities. Likewise, the map shows the state’s Downtown Development Districts, which will allow owners and developers to see what properties in those districts may also be eligible for Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Finally, we’ve added the Delaware Department of Transportation’s updated layer showing the full range of the state’s historic and scenic byways, allowing citizens and travelers to learn more about the National Register-listed places along those routes.
And of course, the National Register layers include the latest additions to Delaware’s listed properties such as the Dinker-Irvin Cottage in Bethany Beach and the Downtown Wilmington Commercial Historic District.
For additional information about CHRIS, contact me at alice.guerrant@delaware.gov or 302-736-7412.