Changes in the settlement network in the Noteć Forest (Poland) in a historical perspective

Abstract

The article concerns the utilisation of existing cartographic materials and spatial databases for an analysis and visualisation of changes in land usage which occurred in the Noteć Forest. From the year 1700, small settlements began to spring up on these lands, established on the basis of the so-called ‘olęderskie law' (‘Dutch’ law, specific name to Poland). Geopolitical, and later economic conditions caused these colonies to lose importance and gradually die off. Presently, these are in the main ruins. The land use changes are visible on maps which were drawn in various years. These changes have been researched using numerous different cartographic sources and visualised for both the entire Noteć Forest and selected townships, with particular emphasis being given to Radusz. The study makes use of archival and contemporary Polish topographic maps and archival German Messtischblatter maps.

Keywords

• sources of spatial data
• thematic map
• cartographic visualisation
• noteć forest