Cartographies of catastrophe: mapping World War II destruction in Germany and Poland

Post-catastrophic damage cartography reveals that mapping WWII destruction was not merely about recording loss but also about reshaping and reimagining Europe's historic city centers. This study highlights the coeval emergence of urban archaeology, heritage zoning, and war damage mapping across Europe, with a comparative focus on early post-war Munich and Warsaw. By analyzing these maps qualitatively, researchers demonstrate their dual role in documenting devastation and influencing urban development strategies.

Elżanowski, J., & Enss, C. M. (2021). Cartographies of catastrophe: mapping World War II destruction in Germany and Poland. Urban History, 49(3), 589–611. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0963926820000772