A 1:250 000 scale map of the Po Plain, northern Italy, has been produced by
a team of 11 geomorphologists from several Italian universities and other
scientific institutions. Their coordinated work in producing the map starte
d in 1986 and was organized through a consortium of 10 local groups. The ma
p provides a detailed classification of land forms based on morphogenetic c
riteria and has a clear morphographic content together with some morphometr
ic elements. The temporal evolution in regional landform patterns is not di
rectly evidenced by the legend, but may be interpreted through examination
of relic surfaces, river beds and beach ridges represented on the map. The
map also highlights the effects of human impacts on the evolution of the ri
ver system and coastal zone. This paper chronicles the mapping process and
presents the geomorphological basis for production of the map itself. It us
es extracts from the map to illustrate the major points and provides intere
sted readers with information on how to obtain the complete map. Copyright
(C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.