How have your ancestors' living places evolved over time?

It is always very enriching to realize the place of the past and the life of our ancestors in the present and the places we still visit today.

We have seen in this article how to find the different living places of our ancestors. But do you know how these places have evolved over time?

In this article, we will give you several tips and tools to understand the evolution of a place.

Online Geographic Map Sites

There are several online sites with old maps available for free.

These maps are interesting and important for your genealogy as they will help you verify name changes, observe new boundaries, and even get a precise idea of the environment in which your ancestors lived.

• Go back in time with IGN : this tool is particularly suitable for observing territorial evolutions. Indeed, you can use the map and aerial photo comparison tool - from several epochs - to follow the changes your ancestors may have experienced.

• Geoportail Map Backgrounds : on this site you will have access to the Cassini map, the map of the general staff, many aerial photos, and many other maps.

• Ancient map backgrounds of Gallica : find maps of France (with chronological access), maps of Europe and the world as well as nautical maps to explore the living places of your ancestors.

• The Google Maps Street View tool: this tool allows you to walk around many villages and streets around the world. Placed at car height, you can walk around, from your couch, and follow the evolution of the place over the past 10 years.

In addition to these useful map sites, you can also learn about the genealogy of a house by following our guide.

🌳 Follow the traces of your ancestors and their living places by signing up for free on Geneafinder