The two maps illustrate the principal changes that took place in the town of Dalton over a 200-year period, from 1815 to 2015.
Overall, Dalton was transformed from a small, rural village into a significantly larger, more developed urban area. The most noticeable changes were the dramatic increase in housing, the introduction of major transport infrastructure, and the replacement of green spaces and farmland with new facilities.
In 1815, the area was predominantly rural. To the north of the River Dal, there was a large forest, a bridleway, a small settlement named Dalton, and Hall Farm. By 2015, this area had changed completely. The Dalton Forest in the northwest was cleared to make way for a new hospital and an industrial zone. The bridleway was upgraded into a major road, and Hall Farm was demolished and replaced by a large school. The number of houses in the settlement also grew substantially.
Further changes occurred throughout the town. The original ford across the River Dal was replaced by a bridge to support the increased traffic. In the east, Dalton Hall was converted into a hotel. One of the most significant additions is a new airport, which was constructed south of the river in the later period.