A framework for a World War I military historical GIS database

Analyzing military tactical maps used during World War I (WWI), also in a GIS environment, is of paramount importance for studying war landscapes, allowing for a better definition of their characteristics and evolution over time. However, methodologies for correct mapping operations, especially for a unique classification within a GIS environment of different topographical features, are not yet fully developed. There is a lack of a detailed guide to the digitization in a GIS environment of the various topographic elements represented in military maps, particularly those not linked to the cartography of individual belligerent nations. The main objective of this research is to create an index of symbols found in British, Italian, and Austro-Hungarian maps, alongside guidelines for the most suitable methods to digitize WWI military maps and interpret their symbology. The study addresses digitization issues within a GIS framework and the methodological challenges involved. To unify the diverse symbols found in the analyzed cartographic collections, the symbologies were integrated into a single cohesive system, organized into an index of symbols. The database created could be used to explore unexplored themes in the study of twentieth century war dynamics, supporting and enhancing military history and geographical investigations in the context of WWI.