Vincenc Vinko Hlavinka and his Significance for Croatian Geodesy and Czechoslovak-Croatian Relationships

Abstract

This paper is dedicated to Vincenc Hlavinka (1862–1934), a civil engineer and geodesist during his 23-year academic career in Zagreb, Croatia, where he moved after graduating from Vienna. The aim of the paper is to present his career as a lecturer, his projects, and his contribution to the development of geodesy and architecture in Croatia. In addition, the paper aims to present his scientific activities after his return to Czechoslovakia, where he was professor of engineering, rector, and dean in Brno. Upon his return to Czechoslovakia, Hlavinka focused on strengthening relationships between Czechoslovakia and Croatia. For this reason, this paper also covers Hlavinka’s involvement in an association called the Czechoslovak-South Slavic League. As chairman of the association, he organized individual and group tours to Yugoslavia, contributed to the establishment of the SouthSlavic Campus in Srbská Street in Brno, and provided support for the Croatian minority in southern Moravia. In 1931, Hlavinka was awared the St. Sava Medal (Grade III) by King Alexander I, in recognition of his long career closely connected with Croatia, and for his efforts to foster Czechoslovak-South Slavic cooperation.