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NEW ACHIEVEMENTS IN MILITARY HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION

SUPPORTED BY REMOTE SENSING AND GIS

Conference Paper · September 2012

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3rd EARSeL Workshop on Remote Sensing for Archaeology 1
and Cultural Heritage Management
Ghent, Belgium, 19st – 22nd September, 2012

NEW ACHIEVEMENTS IN MILITARY HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION

SUPPORTED BY REMOTE SENSING AND GIS

Dr. Attila Juhász1, Dr. Gusztáv Winkler2

1. Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Photogrammetry and

Geoinformatics, Budapest, Hungary, atjuhasz@eik.bme.hu
2. Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Photogrammetry and
Geoinformatics, Budapest, Hungary, gwinkler@eik.bme.hu

ABSTRACT
The traditional data acquisition sources of archaeological and military historical researches are
generally based on the written data; however, according to the objectives of the particular
research, maps can be also used. The modern high resolution remotely sensed data and the wide
range of GIS spatial analysis functions enable to use and integrate new data sources. These data
acquisition and data processing methods connect the human scientific areas to the technical
scientific fields.
In case of written and map data use, one of the most significant problem is the data reliability
issue. Researchers have to apply source criticism at high priority, and should filter out the
unreliable information, which would decrease the quality of the final result; remote sensing
technologies provide data that can be reliably considered as objective information. Based on these
evaluated and interpreted information and additional civil engineering knowledge, authentic
reconstructions can be carried out. Furthermore, GIS enables analysis and spatial queries that can
confirm or deny previous archaeological or military historical examinations, theories.
In our prior research, a methodology based on remotely sensed data and GIS analysis was
developed, which makes the above mentioned aims feasible. As far as it was possible, the
potential data sources were integrated into the data acquisition line: written-, map-, airborne- and
satellite information and also field data were used. Reconstructions were conducted in a frame of
uniform spatial system provided by GIS considering civil engineering analysis. The three major
parts of our method are the environmental, the military object and event reconstruction.
We represent the functionality of the described methodology through three typical examples. The
first one is related to the European ethnical, geographical and cultural changes. The second one is
about the battle of Győr (Hungary) in 1809, where major contradictions were identified according to
the known military historical descriptions and the characteristics of the local environment. Finally,
we processed the period of World War II and investigated the eastern part of Margaret-line.

INTRODUCTION
Recently, there are many nice examples of GIS and remote sensing applications in human
scientific areas are known, e.g. in archaeology and cultural heritage. In our prior research we
investigated the possibilities of applying these technical and engineering methods in reconstruction
of various periods’ military historical events and the connected objects. As the result of the
research we defined a methodology which integrates the different remote sensing technologies
and the GIS solutions in one procedure. Hence the archaeological and other human data can be
handled in a uniform system. This engineering type approach of the archaeological problems
provides objective results, which can be considered authentic and enables to confirm or deny
previous archaeological or military historical examinations, theories (1).
As a step forward in processing archaeological data in geoinformation system, the next interesting
challenge is the temporal data management, considering that the time has a very important role in
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these types of researches. There are different ways to manage temporal data; first of all, the
classical GIS solution, in which the temporal data is considered as an attribute. However, there are
special temporal databases, in which the geospatial changes in time defined as an entity or a
feature (space-time composite, object oriented solutions) (2). In the latest versions of GIS software
the temporal data handling is available (tracking analyst, animation); therefore we investigated how
we can use these possibilities in military historical reconstructions.

REMOTE SENSING AND GIS IN MILITARY HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTIONS

In our prior research we have demonstrated, that the various remote sensing methods are perfectly
feasible for data acquisition of military historical reconstructions and other archaeological
researches. We have investigated the possibility of integrating cutting edge remotely sensed data
into these databases, such as high resolution satellite images or LIDAR data. In addition we have
also shown that an entire reconstruction process can be achieved in the unified system, provided
by GIS. Hereinafter we present the short summary of this reconstruction process that has three
major parts: the environmental, the object and the event reconstruction (3).
The environmental reconstruction
Representing the environment is reasonable and necessary in most cases. The environmental
objects as external factors have a great influence on the location, size and other parameters of the
military defence objects. In strategy the topographic environment especially has a key role, thus
the reconstruction has to be carried out for an appropriate result. In practise the digital base map
creation of the selected area has to be created. This base map consists of the environmental
objects of the researched period. The environmental reconstruction may support the basic
orientation and helps when we have only relative information referred to the environmental objects.

Figure 1: The environmental reconstruction process

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The object reconstruction

Environmental reconstruction is the basis of further reconstruction tasks; first of all, the military
object reconstruction. It is the most interesting and complex component of the whole process. The
prior investigation and later the identification and integration into GIS of the various objects are
achieved by diversified work. In contrary to the environmental objects, not only the geometry but
the attributes of the objects are also important. The geometrical data are captured mostly from
archive aerial photographs and field measurements. Before the field works it is recommended to
investigate the other available data sources. It is easier to locate and identify the defence objects if
it is known where and what are we looking for. There can be several data sources in this prior
research; e.g. investigation of the available literature: history, military history, archaeology,
warcraft, arms, geography, engineering and mapping. For example special fortification regulations
(German, Hungarian and Soviet) were used in our World War II. researches. These regulations
contains the precise and authentic geometrical and attribute data about the period’s defence
objects (e.g. anti-tank and infantry ditches). After this prior research the defence object
identification and interpretation were carried out. The interpretation of the archive aerial
photographs and the satellite images needs professional experiences especially when the ditches
already buried. In these cases we have to identify the ditches by various environmental signs,
called indicator signs (in vegetation). Mostly the same data sources can be used for the attribute
data acquisition as mentioned above.

Figure 2: The military object reconstruction process

The event reconstruction
After the successful environmental and object mapping we can make an attempt to reconstruct the
selected military (historical) event. There are two major factors that have a great influence on the
quality of the event representation. Firstly, the time period when the particular military event
happened; then the amount and the quality of the accessible data about the event. Obviously,
these two factors are related to each other. As a general rule we can declare that the more we step
back in time, the less we can find considering the precise and reliable data. The three main data
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sources are the various maps, the written documentations, and if possible, the reminiscences. This
component of the reconstruction process is the most critical one because the researcher easily has
to face with contradictions. The lack of accurate and reliable information makes the source criticism
mandatory.

Figure 3: The military event reconstruction process

Temporal data in military event reconstruction
As it mentioned previously we investigated the possibility of temporal data handling in military
historical reconstructions. Representing time on maps and tracking of spatial changes are current
questions of GIS science nowadays. Several studies, algorithms and proposals are dealing with
the possible solutions. However, all of these solutions are considering the location of the objects
and events and their changes in time as an “absolute” reality, but the primary data also could be
incorrect. That is why we analyse and discuss the possibilities, which can help in the correction
and completion of events’ dates and in revealing temporal anomalies.
First of all, we declare that we can create maps valid for past periods (called reconstruction) beside
the “usual” mapping data acquisition methods. On the contrary, the quality of the production is
decreasing along with time (contradictions or calculated mistakes can be found). If there would not
be any problem with the available data sources (for example in Hungary) the reconstruction period
could expand back until the times before the great natural regularizations (4). That would mean
that the spatiotemporal connection of the represented objects and events should be correct.
Since these products are generally created for cultural, educational and technical purposes for the
whole society, and errors are corrupting these results, we have to find alternative solutions. (Figure
4.) In the closer past decades the encrypting changes, earlier the neglections and other errors
caused problems in geometry. As we go far backward in time we are facing with the lack of
information or the intentional falsification (5)(6). Unfortunately, the situation is the same in case of
determining the dates and periods.
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Figure 4: Disorientation in the connection of space and time

If we investigate the interaction of these two phenomena, then sometimes we can face serious
anomalies (fortunately just rarely) (Figure 5.) that are represented as black fields in Figure 4. To
eliminate these “black fields” and to complete the reconstruction processes we introduce some
example methods, which can be used in practices (Figure 6.).

Figure 5: Problems in definition of time and space

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Figure 6: Solutions to eliminate the “Black fields”

According to the represented examples and the achieved GIS investigations we can declare that
the topographic, the cartographic and the GIS methods are all appropriate and important to
complete and improve the human sciences’ data (7). Furthermore, these results can reveal novel
solutions and questions, which have beneficial effects on the development of human sciences (8).
These results can be as follows:
1. Location, object reconnaissance and mapping (new phenomena, dating)
2. GIS database creation (analysis of various data, spatial connections)
3. Connecting historical data in time (temporal continuity, temporal connections)
4. Environmental reconstruction (description, modification of events, new solutions)
5. Object reconstruction (object-event relationships, modelling, dating)

GIS RECONSTRUCTION EXAMPLES

Europe’s ethnic, cultural and geographical changes
In this project we connected continuously changing thematic content to a continuously changing
geographical environment in order to gather completive information with the connection of
historical gaps (9) (Figure 7.). These completive information are mostly cultural-ethnical relations:
in the earlier periods (until 2000 BC) almost only archaeological data, later composite information
of mostly anthropological and historical data. The continuously changing geometry of the map
depended on three major factors: the permanently raising sea-level, the tectonic movements and
the interior continental geographical changes.
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Figure 7: Environmental reconstruction

Figure 8: Ethnical and cultural relations

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In order to ensure continuous data processing and to enable the comparison analysis the major
archaeological cultures (typically at the end of the glaciation) have been coded (Figure 8.). It also
enables the recording of the later ethnical mixtures and its investigation. Beside the possibility of
mathematical operations, the codes made it easier to represent a unified legend along the whole
researched period, supporting the interpretation and mapping. With this kind of system we can
complete previously not investigated archaeological periods, and connect historical and
archaeological cultures (Figure 9. 10.).

Figure 9: Historical-political map of Europe

We applied this base system during the investigation of the evolution of Hungarians. In this case
our research was carried out on the ground of authentic archaeological artifacts and applied only
GIS and engineering tools. Considering the developed reconstruction system we got results from
500 BC to AD 500 that differs from the “accepted” history (Figure 10.).
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Figure 10: Map of South-West Siberia

Figure 11: Situation of the religions

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Our next research topic was the religious evolution of the steppe people and their relationship with
the dominant monotheist religions. The confessional position of the proto-Hungarians has been
determined successfully in consideration with time. We have indicated that the recognition and the
taken of Christianity occurred significantly earlier as it has known, and positioned on the Eastern-
European steppe (Figure 11.).
The battle of Győr
The battle of Győr (against Napoleon in 1809) is our second example of the military historical
reconstruction supported by GIS. The reconstruction process was focused on the period’s
environment and the fortified lager that does not exist today. The most important reason of the
research was the lack of the signs of the lager on maps despite of the historical evidence.
Furthermore, there are significant changes in the major environmental elements; therefore it is not
appropriate for interpreting the period’s events. During the research we tried to identify the parts of
the fortified lager using topographic maps, aerial photographs and field measurements. The first
part of the basic methodology was the interpretation of the available data sources, then the data
integration into the unified GIS database. Based on the integrated information we identified the
potential locations where later the field works have been carried out. Elevation maps with 10 – 20
cm isolines have been created as the result of the field measurements to identify further parts of
the lager wall. Finally a 4 km long part of the lager wall has been identified (the full length is
approximately 7 km long) (Figure 12.).

Figure 12: Reconstruction of the fortified lager (south wall)

Several wall parts have been recognized on the surveyed and revealed area. It was probably an
almost continuous (except in wetlands) fraction-lined fortification interrupted by fortresses. The
investigation of the wetlands on the border of the fortified lager was also very interesting. As
conclusion, we can declare that the location and the shape of these wetlands (old stream beds)
have not changed through the last 200 years, despite the regularization of river Rába. The
wetlands represented in all of the available maps, thus their temporal investigation was easy. The
aerial photographs not only confirmed their long term presence, but also proved that there was no
human intervention in the particular area.
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Figure 13: Reconstruction of the fortified lager (north wall)

Margaret-line
The Margaret-line was one of the major parts of the Hungarian national defence system in World
War II. It was on the western part of the country, started from Budapest run along the Lake
Velence and Balaton and ended at river Dráva. The soviet troops broke through the eastern part of
the defence line when they encircled Budapest. We also investigated this part between the river
Danube and Lake Velence. It is important to mention that the German and Hungarian forces tried
to free Budapest several times (“Conrad” and “Spring awakening” operations) and these battles
also occurred in this area, thus the reconstruction of the military objects connected to the various
operations, periods was very interesting. First, the available written documents were collected that
described the researched line part as follows:
Major defence zone, 1. line: Danube-railway station Nagytétény- St. László barren- Baracska
south-Kápolnásnyék south-Kisvelence south-northern coast of lake Velence (Figure 16. “A” line)
Major defence zone, 2. line: Kismarton north-Martonvásár south-railway station Baracska-
Pázmánd south (Figure 16. “B” line)
The known written sources declare that the Soviets could go along relatively easily without facing
serious opposition in this part of the line. The serious fights occurred between the two lakes and
the western part of the Margaret-line.
According to the investigated area we chose M=1:50.000 scale topographic map as the basis of
the environmental reconstruction. In addition we used archive aerial photographs (1950-53) to
locate and identify the defence objects (mostly anti-tank and infantry ditches). The mentioned
objects were relatively well identifiable despite the low quality (Figure 15.). The reconstruction of
the defence line parts in the unified GIS database resulted novel and confirmative information. It
seems unambiguously that the Margaret-line has not got the same structure in this area as the
other parts (complex, proportioned defence system). The defending troops perhaps fortified just
the settlement areas because of the lack of time and manpower.
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Figure 15: Anti-tank and infantry ditches on archive aerial photographs

Figure 16: The result of the object reconstruction

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We identified a complex defence system at the southern part of the investigated area (Figure 16.
“C” line). Probably, these objects are independent from the Margaret-line and built later during the
“Conrad” operations’ period; our concept is also confirmed by an expert military historian. It seems
that the western part of the identified system is parallel with another smaller ditch-system located
south from the Lake Velence (Figure 16. “D” line) and the distance between them is appropriate for
the deep proportioned defence. As conclusion, we can declare that this defence system is created
by the Soviets either at the same time or first the western part then later the rest. Since the Soviets
expected the German counter-attack they tried to get ready to deter it and close the direction to the
capital. It is also confirmed by those soviet strategy maps which can be found on the internet
(Figure 17.).

Figure 17: Soviet strategy map from 1945

CONCLUSIONS
Summarizing the experiences of the represented examples, we can declare the following
statements:
- The cartographic and geoinformatical methods are effective in historical process analysis
- These methods can support the complementing the available maps and raising new
questions
- It is not necessary to apply the “general” historical methods. The results of the GIS
reconstructions are more authentic and convincing.
- The GIS and cartography have the potential to support the archaeological and historical
researches and accelerate the developments
- Fortunately there is a rising claim on engineering type investigation in several human
sciences.
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REFERENCES

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Remote Sensing, Proceedings of the 26th Symposium of EARSeL, edited by Z Bochenek
(Millpress, Rotterdam), 161-169.
2 A Juhász, 2011. Managing temporal data in military historical GIS. In: Proceedings of the 31th
Symposium of the EARSeL, (Prague), 43-53.
3 A Juhász, B Mihályi, 2006. Object and event reconstruction (WW II) with GIS. In:The
International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences,
Volume XXXVI. Part 2. Commission II., (Wien), 145-149.
4 G Winkler, 2004. Reneszánsz erődépítészet Magyarországon, (Tinta) 202. pp.
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7 A Juhász, G Winkler,2007. Nagyfelbontású űrfelvételek használatának lehetőségei hadtörténeti
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