Abstract

NIETO C., Olga Alicia; JIMENEZ N., Luis Fernando  and  NIETO R., Margarita. VARIATION OF FOREST COVERAGE AND OCCUPATION OF THE LAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ARMENIA 1939-1999. Luna Azul [online]. 2016, n.42, pp.319-340. ISSN 1909-2474.  https://doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2016.42.19.

Introduction: By observing the variation of the vegetation coverage in an area, it is possible to see its history written on the landscape. Objective: This article aims to describe the variation of vegetation coverage in relation to the dynamics of occupation and settlement of the city of Armenia, from 1939 until 1999. Method: The series of aerial photographs (by Agustin Codazzi Geographical Institute IGAC) of the city of Armenia from 1939 to 1999 were georeferenced and mosaics for each of the years were assembled by calculating the areas through a GIS tool. Vegetation coverage and urban land use were determined. The variation year to year was compared with the dynamics of occupation and settlement of the territory. Results: The urbanized area has increased from 132.9 hectares in 1939 to 1316.23 hectares in 1999. The vegetation coverage area rose from 82,52 hectares which represented 38.32% of the populated area in 1939, to 1,048 hectares, representing 4535% of the city limits in 1999. Conclusion: The percentage of vegetation coverage increased and is now considered protected land which gives special characteristics to the landscape of Armenia that must be protected and conserved.

Keywords : Vegetation coverage; landscape; territory; GIS; environmental management services.

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