Unveiling Agricultural Heritage: Mapping Historical Features in Farming Landscapes

Agricultural heritage, though often overshadowed by more prominent landscapes, holds significant cultural and environmental value. This study introduces a novel methodology to assess the historical depth of agricultural features—such as roads, livestock routes, plots, buildings, and land use—in non-outstanding farming areas using historical cartography. The approach aims to recognize and preserve traditional techniques and processes that sustain cultural landscapes and gastronomic identities, even in regions lacking exceptional heritage status. Applied to Spain’s floodplains and irrigation areas near Aranjuez (Community of Madrid), the method demonstrates potential for integrating agricultural heritage into spatial decision-making, ensuring its long-term conservation.

Sánchez, M. L. (2024). Unveiling Agricultural Heritage: Mapping Historical Features in Farming Landscapes. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 16(1), 122–142. https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2024.2419143