Land Use Analysis of the Milwaukee County Institutional Grounds: a Chronological and Spatial Depiction of Cultural Change

Abstract

This thesis uses GIS analysis of spatial data and historical documentation to determine land use change in the Milwaukee County Institutional Grounds (MCIG) located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. This chronological and spatial land use analysis specifically examined aspects of the grounds in relationship to historically documented changes taking place during MCIG operations from 1850 to 1980. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a more accurate account of the grounds throughout the timeframe. This thesis, featuring a GIS model, includes a series of digitized maps that provide for a more accurate account of the grounds throughout the timeframe studied. Results include a GIS model designed to facilitate future research of the MCIG. The chronological and spatial land use analysis conducted here may serve as a basis for researchers interested in using different sources of historical documentation in order to conduct a chronological and spatial analysis of a changing land area.