Recording and mapping traditional transhumance routes in the South-Western Macedonia, Greece

Abstract

Transhumance is an animal husbandry system dating back many centuries. Seasonal movement of people and their livestock within the framework of this system follows predetermined routes and area-specific practices. This paper deals with the recording and illustrating of these routes for the first time in Greece where no official records available. The aim is to reveal both their historical importance and their relevance to modern herders. With the assistance of historical cartography and geographic information systems, a geodatabase was created for storing data relating to movement in the geographical space. At the same time, transhumance routes were accurately depicted on digital maps. As a result, verbal and written information on this traditional practice was effectively organized and stored, and the seasonal movement of people and their livestock was successfully visualized and analyzed. Lastly, via this process, the historical geography of transhumance in a specific part of Greece was described; foundations were laid for the redetermination of the manner of relocation of transhumant flocks and for the improvement of the traditional routes, where required. The methodology for recording and digitalizing all data can be implemented at any geographical area, aiming at the promotion and preservation of the traditional transhumance practice, keeping its historic and cultural character ever current.