Elements of the Historical Cultural Landscape: Mapping Methods and Results in the District of Augsburg

Many traces of human cultures and activities over the centuries have marked the landscape, but they are often not recognisable at first glance. The recording and inventory of these historical cultural landscape elements, and their associated mapping, serve to raise awareness of—and ultimately also protect and maintain—the cultural landscape. Researchers at the Chair of Human Geography and Transition Research at the University of Augsburg have recorded all preserved and visible elements of the historical cultural landscape in the district of Augsburg that are not currently under monument or nature protection, and which consequently have not yet been mapped for the corresponding cadastre. In a first step, old maps, aerial and satellite images, local chronicles, regional books and other writings were examined. Subsequently, through public participation instruments, such as information events, individual interviews with local people and a hotline, further historical cultural landscape elements were recorded, based on the knowledge of local citizens. As a result, the three-year project was able to identify a total of 613 cultural remnants of various functions, and these were visualised and saved through numerous maps.