Digital technologies and geodetic infrastructures in Italian cartography

The introduction of digital technology and new mapping techniques has given rise to innovations in the field of cartography, both visually and in terms of content; what has not changed is the necessity for precision georeferencing of geographical information within the context of the chosen mapping referencing system. In Italy, the large number of organizations involved surveying and managing maps and geographic data has led to an overall lack of harmony. In recent years preparations have been made for the creation of a more standardized approach, in line with European Union indications, and a new geodetic (and cartographic) system has been adopted following the European model; this process requires a reorganization of the field of cartography industry of topographic databases, which will need to build upon an understanding of how the current situation came to be. This paper follows the evolution of cartography and geodetic infrastructures over recent decades through the eyes of specialists working in the sector.