title: Two steps back, one step forward: reconstructing the dynamic Danube riverscape under human influence in Vienna.
abstract: As part of an interdisciplinary project on the environmental history of the Viennese Danube, the past river landscape was reconstructed. This article describes the different types of historical sources used for the GIS-based reconstruction, the underlying methodological approach and its limitations regarding reliability and information value. The reconstruction was based on three cornerstones: (1) the available historical sources; (2) knowledge about morphological processes typical for the Austrian Danube prior to regulation; and (3) the interpretation of past hydraulic measures with respect to their effectiveness and their impact on the river's behaviour. We compiled ten historical states of the riverscape step-by-step going backwards in time to the early 16th century. After one historical situation had been completed, we evaluated its relevance for the temporally younger situations and whether corrections would have to be made. Such a regressive-iterative approach allows for permanent critical revision of the reconstructed time segments already processed. The resulting maps of the Danube floodplain from 1529 to 2010 provide a solid basis for interpreting the environmental conditions for Vienna's urban development. They also help to localise certain riverine and urban landmarks (such as river arms or bridges) relevant for the history of Vienna. We conclude that the diversity of approaches and findings of the historical and natural sciences (river morphology, hydrology) provide key synergies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management (IHG), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Max-Emanuel-Str. 17, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Severin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hohensinner
authors.affiliation: Municipal and Provincial Archives of Vienna, Rathaus, 1082 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sonnlechner
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental History (ZUG), Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental History (ZUG), Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Winiwarter
keywords: Danube; Historical GIS; Historical change; Reconstruction; River; Vienna