Spatial data infrastructure for historical geography and a georeferenced corpus of the biblical world
Developed at the intersection of digital humanities, historical geography and critical exegesis, the Dilexit platform is a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) dedicated to research. Its purpose is the computational analysis and cartographic representation of the textual corpora of the ancient Near East, Late Antiquity and the Christian Era. The project provides a formalised methodological framework for the study of itineraries, chronological sequences and the toponymy of the biblical world, with a progressive extension planned to the entire geographical scope of the Christian Era.
Designed as a shared research facility for the international scientific community, the Dilexit platform rests on the systematic cross-referencing of literary sources, historical cartographic repertories and archaeological data. Researchers are invited to contribute to the enrichment of this unified reference base. The project aims to constitute a verifiable corpus, subject to the standards of scholarly evaluation.
The system integrates a three-dimensional (3D) modelling engine coupled with temporal indexing. It also allows a satellite imagery layer to be superimposed. This architecture enables the fine reconstruction of spatio-temporal dynamics: micro-chronological trajectories and the location of local settlements. The 3D representation offers an environmental and altimetric contextualisation useful for the cross-examination of field archaeological data and textual sources.
The scientific scope of the project encompasses biblical geography as well as the territorial development of the Christian Era. To date, the geospatial information base lists:
As a non-profit undertaking, the Dilexit project adheres to the principles of open science (Open Access). Access to the resources and use of the platform are free, with or without the creation of a user account. In order to facilitate collaboration, Dilexit offers a multilingual infrastructure; the interface and the data are currently available in French, English and Italian.
The initial phase of conceptual development began in February 2021. After a five-year development cycle devoted to the collection, structuring and harmonisation of the reference base, Dilexit.com opened to the public on 12 October 2026.
As the platform is currently in an active phase of development and consolidation, the published data may be revised over the coming months.