The evolution of a mountain road network from its original use during the First World War to meeting today’s forestry needs: current management

In some mountain areas of northeastern Italy, the present forest road network has been partially developed using the previous military road network built during the First World War (WW I). The current management of the areas of forest considers the road network essential to provide access for forestry activities, but also to increase the value of recreational activities and tourism related to the historical importance of this area. The aim of the study was to investigate the technical evolution of a mountain road network from the beginning of the last century to today. The research consisted in a preliminary reconnaissance of the original road network using the WW I military maps, a further reconnaissance using the technical maps dated to the 1960s, and the survey of the current road network through the differential global positioning system (D-GPS). The study also aimed to evaluate the current condition of the original road network according to the use made of it today in order to highlight how building standards influenced its evolution in terms of transportation systems and traffic management.