Image Credit: LPC
The enhanced version of the map was released as a part of the #LoveNYCLandmarks initiative. On May 7, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission released an enhanced version of their online interactive map, Discover NYC Landmarks. The online map shows the location of individual landmarks, interior landmarks, scenic landmarks, and historic districts in the City. The map also has detailed information for individual buildings located within historic districts. The enhanced version of the map is accessible on different devices and will now have additional search and filter functions.
The Discover NYC Landmarks map was originally launched in 2016 to allow individuals to easily search and explore the City’s landmarks. The information found on the map was compiled from data collection gathered by Landmarks. The map includes information on a building’s architect, its construction date, and any major alterations on the building. Users can also find photos and designation reports for landmarked sites and historic districts on the map. The map also has a “landmarks near me” search function where users can see which landmarks are located nearby.
The enhanced version of the online map has additional search features and now allows users to search for buildings by architectural style, architect/builder, or era of construction. Users also have the option to display search results in a list or display search results on the map itself and can street view images of the buildings. The enhanced map is now accessible on computers, smartphones, and tablets. According to the Landmarks press release, the enhanced map will allow users to have a greater understanding and appreciation of the City’s landmarks and historic districts. It will also allow applicants to easily compare historic buildings and visualize results. Landmarks created a video tutorial and will be offering a webinar on Thursday, May 14th at noon to go through the new features of the enhanced map.
The enhanced map is currently in beta mode and still needs improvement. Landmarks encourages users to provide feedback on the map and recommends they use the original map for official purposes.
The enhanced Discover NYC Landmarks map was released as a part of Landmarks’ #LoveNYCLandmarks initiative. The #LoveNYCLandmarks initiative was launched by Landmarks to provide online content on the City’s landmarks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a part of the initiative, the Commission has released articles, virtual neighborhood tours, and an interactive online timeline on their website and social media to celebrate the City’s Landmarks.
“Making our information more accessible and transparent to applicants and the public is essential to our success. [Landmarks’] updated version of the Discover New York City Landmarks provides the public, our applicants and the preservation community enhanced information about our more than 37,000 designated buildings. We are releasing this map as part of our #LoveNYCLandmarks initiative so that every New Yorker can use it as a tool to learn more about New York City’s built heritage,” stated Landmarks Chair Sarah Carroll.
By: May Vutrapongvatana (May is the CityLaw Fellow and New York Law School Graduate, Class of 2019)