Evolution of land use and land cover change and decline of Mediterranean Forest in Andalucía (1956-2007)

Abstract

Andalucía is an autonomous community located in the south of Spain. This investigation puts the focus on the analysis of land use and land cover changes, and the decline of the Mediterranean forest in this particular location, from 1956 to 2007. Through the maps of vegetal cover, slope and impermeability the investigation looks for a demonstration that these indicators are directly interrelated with the recoil of the vegetal surface. Since 1956 there has been an increasing urbanization of the flat areas and a greater waterproofing of the soil, presenting a fragmentation of the space. This results in diffuse and non-concentrated growth. The cultivation plots suffer a decline of the extension in use, and leads to a greater intensification of the space. It is therefore proposed to reinstall the natural systems, avoiding the advance of waterproof areas that lead to further fragmentation of the city.