Digital library

Various spatial data sets of high quality and homogeneity allow a higher level of multidisciplinary research. The study is aimed at providing a clearer understanding of the technical and semantic aspects of the quality of historical maps, especially with respect to positional errors, through the georeferencing process. Georeferencing the system of historical map sheets with high precision over a large area is not easily incorporated into the less complicated standardised process. Significant problems may occur in rough mountainous regions, especially as many of the areas were not accessed at that time and therefore not surveyed. The standard process of georefer- encing comprises mosaicking of singular map sheets to a seamless map, referencing with identical points, and applying an appropriate transformation method. The quality of georeferenced maps is assessed with statistical and visual parameters. The enhanced process additionally integrates descriptive (textual) information about the mapping processes, derivative georeferenced data sets as land use analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations. This approach allows a more detailed understanding of the quality and consequently improves a georeferencing process for any historical data sets. The First Military Survey maps of the Habsburg Monarchy (Josephine survey), produced between 1763 and 1787, were used as study data and the rugged Julian Alps of the Triglav National Park in Slovenia were employed as the study area.

Triglav National Park has been on the frontier of empires most of the time and borders delineation has been a constant issue. The historical maps are commonly the most important database for various spatial analyses of the historical landscapes, urban development, influences of the economy development, toponymes changes, land use, etc. Principal data sources for our study are Austrian maps from the end of 18th century, Italian and Yugoslav maps from the mid 20th century and Slovenian maps from the end of 20th century. Major drawbacks are uncommon map legends together with different techniques of cartography even in the same time and poor knowledge of projections used. The other problems include low details for the mountainous area. We decided to analyse old cartographic techniques and to establish methodology for georeferencing and mosaicking for our purposes. GIS-based study is going to use the historical maps to analyse social processes such as depopulation, deagrarization and urbanization, as well as tourism development and political influences through the examination of land use changes as a part of Interreg IIIB, SISTEMaPARC European project in the near future.