Topographic map of the swamp near Jatznick: map of soil forms and water levels

In order to make intensive use of the peatlands in the GDR, they were mapped from the 1950s onwards. Today, these maps are important sources for research into peatland protection. Peatlands cover only around three percent of the earth’s surface. For centuries, peatland draining was regarded as “melioration” (improvement), as the soil can be used for agriculture, and peat was long an important fuel. 95 % of German peatlands have been drained. One hectare of a heavily drained area can release as much carbon dioxide per year as about 200,000 kilometres driven with a combustion engine.