Exploring the Landscapes of Literary Works: Stories, Data Models and Maps

Abstract. This paper presents case studies and a data model developed for mapping the geographies of literature. Different literary texts convey a wide range of spatial conceptualizations. Years after our initial attempts to create a universally applicable data model for literary geography, we have concluded that achieving this goal is nearly impossible. Nevertheless, certain concepts—such as locations, routes, zones, events, and spatio-temporal links—help analyze the spaces depicted in various works of fiction, including poetry. A highly complex model with multiple associations would be challenging to use in practice. Therefore, literary scholars prefer to work with more straightforward, flat data structures when inputting data into a web application. In our research project for 2023–2025, we aim to uncover the unique characteristics of spaces in women's literature. This study presents cartographic challenges of two novels and a collection of fantastic short stories, all of which can be linked to the actual geography of Vilnius City. Throughout the mapping process, we tested various data models. We will discuss each case's methodological issues, challenges, and cartographic solutions.