Microtopographic analysis of the Mohács Plain based on Digital Terrain Models

The Mohács Plain, a gently terraced low-relief alluvial plain on the right bank of the Danube in southern Hungary, was the site of one of the most important battles in Hungarian history in 1526.  There are only a few written accounts of the battle in which the Hungarian forces suffered a defeat against the Ottomans, therefore the exact location of the battle is still debated.

In addition to the numerous studies tackling this problem we introduce another aspect: the geomorphometric analysis that contributes to our understanding. As it is a flat area, the focus is primarily on examining microtopographic features and their relative age ordering, in order to construct a feasible 16^th century drainage model of the area. The aim of our approach is to determine past and present channels of streams and watercourses that shaped the terrain. These features were analysed using a variety of software, including QGIS and our own sophisticated image processing tools.

The created runoff model helped us to identify dried-up streambeds and other avulsions. The elevated terrace encompasses incised channels that previously acted as alluvial ones. This observation may support the idea of effects of a more humid climate resulting in large discharge volumes relative to recent conditions. Image segmentation has yielded results that can be used to distinguish patterns in the terrain model including smaller subunits and patterns within them.

By applying these methods, we aim to create a reconstruction of the 16^th century landscape. By comparing this reconstruction with historical descriptions and archaeological observations, we expect to assist historians and archaeologists in pinpointing the exact location of the actions of Battle of Mohács.