Application of GIS tools to delimit the historic centers of small towns

Preservation and continuity of cultural heritage is an important task for local authorities, especially concerning the historic centers of small towns that have taken their shape over the course of past centuries. To this end, one develops revitalization programs that require the spatial extent of such centers to be determined. Indeed, accurate delimitation of the area to be revitalized based on transparent criteria is crucially important. Therefore, this study aims to formulate the rules that need to be followed when delimiting historic centers of small towns using GIS technology. The suggested solutions have been tested on selected examples, i.e. several historical towns from the Polish regions of Warmia and Powiśle qualified for the research. The proposed methodology for delimiting the historically shaped centers of small towns may be applied by city authorities to designate areas where various types of revitalization undertakings and repair works are to be carried out, as well as manage and implement effective spatial planning that allows for the conservation of cultural heritage.