A webmap showcasing the historical toponyms already collected in the framework of the Belgian Historical Gazetteer project is available here.
On the left, you can search for a historical place name by clicking on the icon with the binoculars. On the right, you can filter the type of historical toponym you can visualize, by clicking on one or several Geonames code: for instance if you click on "ML" you will only see the toponyms used to name a mill (click on "clear filter" to see the complete dataset again). The following table shows the description of all Geonames code visible on the webmap.
Geonames code | Description1 | Description2 |
ADM1 | Province | |
ADM2 | arrondissement | |
ADM3 | canton | |
ANS | archaeological/prehistoric site | a place where archeological remains, old structures, or cultural artifacts are located |
ATHF | athletic field | a tract of land used for playing team sports, and athletic track and field events |
BDG | bridge | |
BGHT | bight(s) | an open body of water forming a slight recession in a coastline |
BLDG | building(s) | a structure built for permanent use, as a house, factory, etc. |
BOG | bog(s) | a wetland characterized by peat forming sphagnum moss, sedge, and other acid-water plants |
CH | church, chapel | |
CMTY | cemetery | |
CSTL | castle | |
CVNT | convent | |
DAM | dam | |
DUNE | dune(s) | a wave form, ridge or star shape feature composed of sand |
FLD | field(s) | an open as opposed to wooded area |
FRM | farm | |
FRST | forest | |
FT | fort | |
FY | ferry | a boat or other floating conveyance and terminal facilities regularly used to transport people and vehicles across a waterbody |
HLL | hill | a rounded elevation of limited extent rising above the surrounding land with local relief of less than 300m |
HSTS | historical site | a place of historical importance |
HTH | heath | an upland moor or sandy area dominated by low shrubby vegetation including heather |
INDS | industrial area | an area characterized by industrial activity |
LCTY | locality | a minor area or place of unspecified or mixed character and indefinite boundaries |
LK | lake | a large inland body of standing water |
MFG | factory | one or more buildings where goods are manufactured, processed or fabricated |
MFGLM | limekiln | a furnace in which limestone is reduced to lime |
ML | mill | |
MLSW | sawmill | a mill where logs or lumber are sawn to specified shapes and sizes |
MN | mine(s) | a site where mineral ores are extracted from the ground by excavating surface pits and subterranean passages |
MNQR | quarry(-ies) | a surface mine where building stone or gravel and sand, etc. are extracted |
MRSH | marsh(es) | a wetland dominated by grass-like vegetation |
MSTY | monastery | a building and grounds where a community of monks lives in seclusion |
MVA | maneuver area | a tract of land where military field exercises are carried out |
OBPT | observation point | a wildlife or scenic observation point |
PIER | pier | a structure built out into navigable water on piles providing berthing for ships and recreation |
PND | pond | a small standing waterbody |
PNDSF | fishponds | ponds or enclosures in which fish are kept or raised |
PPL | populated place | a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live and work |
PPLL | populated locality | an area similar to a locality but with a small group of dwellings or other buildings |
PRK | park | an area, often of forested land, maintained as a place of beauty, or for recreation |
PRN | prison | a facility for confining prisoners |
RDIN | intersection | a junction of two or more highways by a system of separate levels that permit traffic to pass from one to another without the crossing of traffic streams |
RESN | nature reserve | an area reserved for the maintenance of a natural habitat |
REST | restaurant | A place where meals are served to the public |
RLG | religious site | an ancient site of significant religious importance |
RSTN | railroad station | a facility comprising ticket office, platforms, etc. for loading and unloading train passengers and freight |
RUIN | ruin(s) | a destroyed or decayed structure which is no longer functional |
SCH | school | building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place |
SLCE | sluice | a conduit or passage for carrying off surplus water from a waterbody, usually regulated by means of a sluice gate |
TMPL | temple(s) | an edifice dedicated to religious worship |
WTLD | wetland | an area subject to inundation, usually characterized by bog, marsh, or swamp vegetation |