No abstract

A 1:250 000 scale map of the Po Plain, northern Italy, has been produced by a team of 11 geomorphologists from several Italian universities and other scientific institutions. Their coordinated work in producing the map started in 1986 and was organized through a consortium of 10 local groups. The map provides a detailed classification of landforms based on morphogenetic criteria and has a clear morphographic content together with some morphometric elements. The temporal evolution in regional landform patterns is not directly evidenced by the legend, but may be interpreted through examination of relic surfaces, river beds and beach ridges represented on the map. The map also highlights the effects of human impacts on the evolution of the river system and coastal zone. This paper chronicles the mapping process and presents the geomorphological basis for production of the map itself. It uses extracts from the map to illustrate the major points and provides interested readers with information on how to obtain the complete map.