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About the East London Atlas

The East London Atlas has emerged from the restructuring in 2023-24 of Introduction to Research Methods, a required module for all Geography first-year undergraduate students at Queen Mary University of London. Over the year-long module, each student applies the qualitative, quantitative and geospatial methods they learn in the classroom to develop a StoryMap, a form of digital visualisation that incorporates text, interactive maps and images. Through these StoryMaps – some of which are featured on this website – students tell research stories about East London. While the student StoryMaps initially focus on Tower Hamlets, in the future this will expand to other parts of East London. 

In addition, the Atlas includes a curated collection of research resources related to East London – archives, museums, datasets, research centres, etc. – as well as profiling associated publications and events. The East London Atlas aims to serve as a public resource for those seeking to research – or just learn more about – East London. To continue to develop as a public resource, we are also collaborating with the QM East London Research Network. The East London Atlas reflects the commitments of Queen Mary’s Civic University Agreement, aiming to practice inclusive place-making and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for East London.

The project was initially developed in 2023-2025 by Dr Elsa Noterman (former Senior Lecturer in Geography at QM), supported by Olivia Warren (QM Digital Humanities Support Officer) and Jack Hanlon (former QM PhD student). It received funding from the QM President and Principal’s Fund for Educational Excellence.

Advisory Committee:

  • Professor Alex Henshaw, QM Department of Geography
  • Professor Philippa Williams, QM Department of Geography
  • Professor Alastair Owens, QM Department of Geography, President, The Geographical Association
  • Professor Alison Blunt, QM Deputy Vice-Principal for Impact – Culture, Civic & Community, Chair of East London Research Network and Department of Geography
  • Olivia Warren, QM Digital Humanities Support Officer
  • Dr Elsa Noterman, School of Geography, University of Nottingham
  • Dr Meghan Kelly, Department of Geography, Syracuse University