Method for the analysis of the transformations in the landscape of the rural mediterranean area. Evolution, causes and consequences in the alto ampurdám study case (Northeast of Catalonia).

Abstract

The paper presents a methodology for analysing the landscape dynamics of Mediterranean rural areas using four tools: historical accounts, satellite remote sensing, multivariate regression and landscape indices. The first step involves in historical analysis to understand how human action has transformed the landscape. The second is the use of remote sensing and geographical information systems to obtain land cover and land use maps from the last decades. Due to the sensors used (Multispectral Scanner (MSS) and Thematic Mapper (TM)) two periods have been differentiated: 1977-1993 analysed with MSS images and 1991-1997 with TM images. In the third step driving forces of land cover and land use changes have been analysed by means of multivariate linear regression and logistic regression. Finally, the landscape evolution has been quantified through diverse indices extracted from Landscape Ecology.