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PROJECT REPORT
PROJECT 4 VALLI MOCENIGHE DIGITIZING

THEORETICAL CONTEXT

This is my fourth project, in which I digitalized polygons for wetlands in an area south of Padua based
on a historical map from 1882. This map provides detailed information about the terrain's topography
and its place in the country's past.

Through this experience, I have learned how to effectively organize data and convert analog objects
into digital ones. Specifically, I used field calculations to determine the sizes of the wetlands and
performed statistical and categorical analyses to conclude my project.
Additionally, I generated additional data using GeoPachage to better highlight the wetlands and draw
comparisons to the present. The ability to develop one's own data structures and digitalize items not
already available allows for more precise studies and the freedom to explore new research avenues.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The development project takes place in the picturesque region of Bassa Padovana, previously known
as Padua Calle. The grand fortified cities in this area add to its charm and mystique, with their ancient
walls giving the impression of a magical fortress. The Benedictine monks of Santa Giustina of Padua,
dating back to the 9th century, and later the Serenissima Republic, played a crucial role in
transforming this territory into an agricultural hub. An 1882 map reveals a significant amount of
wetlands in the area, including rice fields, marshes, and irrigated meadows, with some of the mills
and water harvesting equipment from that time still standing today. The region underwent drainage
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to make way for agriculture. Today, visitors from all over
flock to the area to see its historic landmarks and immerse themselves in its rich history and culture.

GIS METHODS USED

• Upon giving the project a fitting name, I navigated to the attributes section and clicked on the
Coordinate Reference System (CRS) tab. In this tab, I entered "3003" in the filter field to
specify the Monte Mario/Italy zone 1 (European Petroleum Survey Group) 3003.

• The type and origin of data used in this project included a vector data model, with point
features representing wetlands and polygon features representing landmarks.

• Additionally, I utilized the Open Street Map raster data model and the updated Valli
Mochenige raster data model. I accessed Open Street Map through a browser and utilized
shapefile data format (comune, province, and regione). Different layers were utilized,
including OpenStreetMap.shp, Landmarks.shp, wetlands.ship, c0104021 Province.shp,
c0104031 Regione.shp, valli mocenighe modified.shp, and valli mocenighe original.shp. The
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data originated from the CORSO DI LAUREA MAGISTRALE IN LOCAL

DEVELOPMENT - Home page on Moodle, specifically from a ZIP archive titled "mapping
veneto." This project is part of the course "MAP COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS USING
GIS (2021-22) (MOD. B)" taught by Professor Silvia Piovan, whose course materials can be
downloaded here: 2021-2022/Materiali didattici/GIS materials/valli mocenighe.zip.

• During this project, I also learnt how to create new fields in attribute tables, and implemented
one in the layer wetlands to quantify the size of the wetland. There were three fields in this
attribute table, with a total of 52 wetland locations listed.

• In terms of GIS procedures, I first gave the project the name "Valli Mocenighe" and saved it.
I then selected the correct CRS and imported the necessary layers from the appropriate folder.
I examined the layer attribute table and learnt how to sort the layers alphabetically by name.

• I then created a new data structure, a geopackage called "Mocenighe," and added two new
layers to it: one called "Wetlands," for which I closed the polygon as a geometry, and another
called "Landmark," for which I closed the point as a geometry. I double-checked that the
correct CRS was applied to the underlying path layers.

• Using the "wetland" and "toggle editing" options in the edit tool, I populated two new layers.
I then updated the polygon's vertex and digitized the wetland by selecting the "add polygon
feature" option. I altered the symbolization to make the map more legible and clear by
distinguishing between three types of wetlands: rice field, swamps field, and meadow field. I
added points and labels to nine different landmarks, including the Ponte della Grompa,
Macchina Idrovora e Sostegno Vampadore, Molini, Ponte della Colonna, Ponte e Botte a Tre
Canne, Botte di Vighizzolo, Adige palaeomeander in Piacenza, Passo di Balduina, and Passo
di Barbuglio (ferry).

• Lastly, I learnt how to add a file to the wetland attribute table to compute the wetland's area
and evaluate it against the current state of affairs. I then used the open field calculator and
changed the geometry to $area in the preexisting field called "area m2."

RESULTS

The pattern generated illustrates a striking contrast between the territory of the past and present
through the comparison of two maps. The first map, dating back to 1889, offers a glimpse into the
untouched natural landscape of the region. In contrast, the second map, depicting the current state of
the area, showcases the extensive development and urbanization that has taken place. The once lush
wetlands have been replaced by modern infrastructure and designated agricultural areas, highlighting
the drastic transformation that the land has undergone.
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REFLECTION

The Geographic Information System (GIS) is an expansive platform that offers an array of tools and
plugins to achieve various objectives. There are multiple approaches to accomplish any given task,
and it is important to explore and experiment with the various options available. As a GIS
professional, I am always on the lookout for new tools and techniques that can enhance my skills and
improve my workflow. Each project presents an opportunity to learn something new and discover
innovative ways to utilize the available tools. Additionally, as I embark on new projects, I am
continuously exposed to new tools that spark my interest and inspire me to delve deeper into their
functionality. Through hands-on practice, I am able to gain a deeper understanding of the tools and
find new and efficient ways to use them.

GIS CARTOGRAPHICAL ELABORATION