Historical Data Processing, Modelling, Reconstruction, Analysis and Visualization of Historical Landscape in the Region of North-West Bohemia

The natural development of the region of North-West Bohemia has been affected by human activity in many ways. In the brown-coal basin, the openpit mines and the heavy/chemical industry have completely changed the shape of the georelief, including hydrographic networks, land-use and settlement. The neighboring Ore Mountains are victims of settlement extinction caused by the political situation after the Second World War and huge water dam constructions. In this paper different methods for preserving the changes that have been occurred in this region. The methods include historical data processing, modelling, reconstructions, analysis and visualizations. Historical data preprocessing is a very important part of the project as it influences the overall quality of all the results. Different methods for old maps, georeferencing, and aerial imagery processing and digital terrain models derivation were tested and used throughout the project. Data supporting the research were obtained directly in the field using the KAP (Kite Aerial Photography) and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology. The task concerning modelling and reconstruction is based on data derived from defined timeline of processed data – here we covered the period from 1720 up to nowadays. The results of this part of the project are high quality digital terrain models derived for different time periods, hydrological network reconstructions, land-use development, and extinct settlement 3D reconstructions. Analysis and visualization was performed within the GIS environment. All the processed data are published using the ArcGIS for Server technology offering data visualizations and basic analysis to the public within the Internet. The information system resulting from this project will offer a comprehensive source of processed historical data for other scientific usages and for preserving the cultural heritage of this region for further generations.