Quantitative Assessment of Changes in Topography of Town Caused by Human Impact, Krakow City Centre, Southern Poland

For the area of historic centre Krakow (area 9.29 km2), southern Poland, base maps were prepared showing hypsometry and distribution landforms in historical variant (ca. 1000 AD) current variant, based on published data mainly from archaeological geoengineering research carried out for last 60 years, including geographic information system (GIS) tools. The aim work is to establish changes undulation studied within (Vistula riverbed, Holocene alluvial plain, Pleistocene terrace, limestone hills) over millennium. Topographic parameters calculated basis (local relative height, mean slope, limit areas without aspect with N, E, S W aspects) considered. These linked dominating trends altitude increase due development large embankments convex landforms. assessment land includes four authorial methods quantitative determination topography changes. Until beginning 19th century flattening occurred most town centre. Then local heights started predominate which resulted other topographic parameters. Differentiated changes, both positive negative, determined.