Practical Toponymics: Szczecin on the Geographical Map of World

Abstract

This article presents practical aspects of toponymics in the context of complex analysis of different kinds of data (ethnological, historical, geographical, geological, geopolitical, and sociological). The application of toponymy is here related to the city of Szczecin—a historical city and the recent capital of Western Pomerania, Poland—in order to reveal other same-named localities established on four continents. The historical, geological, and geographical backgrounds of different Szczecin locations is described, with an emphasis on natural values and geoheritage. Analysis of different kinds of data shows several toponymical units that have geographical names related to Szczecin (Stettin, Stettyn, or Settin), which are identified and associated mostly with geological or geographical units. The historical development of the locations described is related mostly to migration and exploration by people originating from Western Pomerania (historically part of Prussia and the German Empire), especially during the colonial and post-colonial ages.

Keywords

• toponymics
• toponyms
• historical geography
• szczecin
• historical geodata
• geoheritage