The two maps illustrate how Dalton town has developed over a 200-year period.
Overall, the area has shifted from a predominantly rural and animal husbandry-based area to a more industrialized and economically oriented region. The key changes include the expansion of housing, the construction of an industrial zone, and the elimination of trees.
The northern section, in 1815, was dominated by Dalton Forest, with a myriad of trees in the west, while the east featured a residential area and Dalton Hall, with a river bisecting these two areas. In 2015, the forest had been removed to make way for the construction of houses, a hospital, and several factories. Meanwhile, the dwelling area had expanded with more housing, along with the arrival of a hotel and a school.
The central area extended southward from the northern region to a riverside road that runs from west to east. In 1815, there was hardly anything but trees in this area, whilst a hall farm was situated at the other end, all positioned north of the river. In 2015, however, the industrial zone was set up to replace the trees. Likewise, the hall farm had been eliminated to make room for a school and a hotel.
The southern area used to be separated from the northern section by a bridge way in 1815. Eventually, after 2015, dwellers could travel between these two areas by a newly built bridge. Before the development, there was nothing near the River Dal; however, a new airport and housing had been constructed in this area.