Geomorphological Effects of Land Reclamation on the Coastal Plain East of the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

The present study aimed at identifying the transformations that occurred since the 1600s in a low-lying territory located east of the Venice Lagoon. The environmental modifications were examined in a GIS environment through the interpretation of multidisciplinary data. The analysis of historical maps realized from 1641 to 1943, as well as aerial photographs and satellite images taken in the last few decades, was fundamental to reconstruct the evolution of the study area mainly in relation to anthropogenic processes. Over the past few centuries, various attempts of land reclamation partially or totally failed. However, even if an overall general decrease in both the total pond surface area and the marsh extension has been observed since the 19th century, the territory appeared entirely dry back only in the 1940s owing to the efficacy of the main most recent works.