OVER A CENTURY OF GLACIAL ENVIRONMENT MAPPING BY THEITALIAN GLACIOLOGICAL COMMITTEE (CGI)

Frontal retreat, areal and volume reduction, accompained by glacier surface lowering are among the fastest geological and geomorphological phenomena. Glacial shrincage is sometimes so huge and rapid that it can be noticed by inexperienced observers. It is clear, however, that appropriate tools for the quantitative assessment of glacial changes are needed. In general, for an objective understanding of the glacial landscape, photography and, more usefully, the cartography should be used. Already in 19th Century, precursors of scientific studies on glaciers felt the need for accurate base map surveying. This need was emphasized by the Glaciological Commission in 1895 that became the "Italian Glaciological Committee" CGI. In 1914, CGI opened its first Bulletin volume with the publication of the complete Miage Glacier relief map, the first Italian application with "stereoautografo" Zeiss. The tradition of surveying and mapping brought on by the CGI was strengthened particularly between 1955 and 1975; since 1985 CGI produced thematic maps on the glacial geomorphology, of which F. Sacco was a forerunner ( in the first half of the century). Extremely useful maps were produced by terrestrial photogrammetry during the International Geophysical Year (1957-1958), serving as the base for comparison with subsequent surveys and for evaluating changes in recent displacement of some of the most important Italian glaciers. Nowadays geomatics, and in particular aerial and ground laser scanner (coupled with aerial photographs and satellite images) make possible to have very detailed and precise measurements of glacial and periglacial areas in a short time, and at relatively low cost. The current extraordinary glacial environmental changes linked to global warming, make the cartographic products absolutely necessary to set the spatial and temporal evolution of glaciers and proglacial areas. The modern survey techniques are extremely important in order to provide a better understanding of geodynamic phenomena, environment planning (e.g. availability of water resources) and civil protection in case of glacial risk.