Using georeferenced historical maps in support of archaeological research and urban planning

Historical cartography constitutes a rich source of information on ancient landscapes. When managed in digital form and accurately georeferenced, it becomes an invaluable tool for investigating the history and evolution of urban contexts. Within an archaeological framework, the multidisciplinary integration of georeferenced historical cartography and archaeological data in a Historical Geographic Information System (HGIS) offers significant advantages. One of the key strengths of historical cartography lies in its capacity to contextualise, within past environments, the archaeological evidence brought to light through investigations, thereby supporting archaeologists in identifying and interpreting elements of the ancient city. The present study aims to exemplify this application of historical maps, focusing on two recently investigated archaeological sites in Ancona, Italy. This city is characterised by a rich archaeological heritage, much of which remains buried and unexplored, resulting in a high likelihood of encountering archaeological assets during public or private works. The proposed methodology, applicable to a wide range of cases, proves to be valuable not only for enhancing archaeological knowledge of urban areas but also for supporting urban planning, urban regeneration, and risk management. Historical Geographic Information Systems, enriched with archaeological data, constitute essential tools for guiding urban development and selecting optimal locations for new structures and infrastructure.