Using GIS to analyse long-term cultural landscape change in Southern Germany

Two case studies of cultural landscapes in Southern Germany were conducted to develop appropriate techniques for quantifying and analysing the landscape change since 1850. Methods were derived from geographical landscape change analysis, based on cadastral maps and land registers, and were rendered at a land plot level by the use of GIS. The database for the diachronic GIS, especially cadastral maps and land plot records, are discussed in detail. This study emphasizes that an approach based on a land plot level and using a land record-based GIS provides valuable results relevant for planning processes and nature conservation in changing cultural landscapes. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.