In this paper we have proposed a synchronic approach for analysing the origin and the historical
background of the toponym bru¨sa´da in Canton Ticino, southern Switzerland. For such an
ecohistorical analysis it is necessary to have a wide range of data sources and methodologies, including
archives, lake sedimentary charcoal, GIS, geomorphological characteristics, as well as
place names. Our analysis highlighted the power of the information contained in place names,
especially when they are collected in a systematic way and are geo-referenced.