Change Detection Analysis (1986–2002) of Vegetation Cover in Romania

Mapping forest landscape change in Iezer Mountains, Romanian Carpathians. AGIS approach based on cartographic heritage, forestry data and remote sensing imagery

“…The pattern of the timberline follows the secondary ridge, where shepherd huts were a centre of pressure upon the primary timberline for centuries. Comparing the situations between 1856 (partly reliable), 1904 and 1996 with the 2002 situation (supervised classification, Mihai et al 2007) we can confirm a general forest recovery which was controlled by the grazing activities on the top of the secondary ridges (Popp, 1934). The pattern of the dwarf pine stands also indicates anthropogenic pressure upon the timberline and, in the same time the spruce fir forest recovery on grounds with a favorable soil cover.…”

“…These are not belts but groups of stands with different percentages of dominant species, canopy coverage, productivity class, age etc. Figure 5 was also compared to a supervised classification map of spruce fir (Picea abies) and beech tree (Fagus silvatica) spectral signatures on the basis of multitemporal Landsat TM and ETM+ subscenes (Mihai et al, 2007;Sȃvulescu, 2010). The reason was to validate the reliability of the occurrence and percentages of forest stands.…”

“…A further part of the forested land was covered by the Rausor reservoir waters after its formation during the early 1980s. (Mihai et al, 2007). The pattern of the timberline follows the secondary ridge, where shepherd huts were a centre of pressure upon the primary timberline for centuries.…”

“…Forestry data for the period 2001-2005 were validated with the help of multispectral Landsat ETM+ satellite imagery (maximum likelihood classification) and global positioning system (GPS) ground control points (Mihai et al, 2007) but also during field work, using inquiries involving local current and, retired forestry staff. Some historical photos were also used.…”

“…There are four vegetation zones (Mihai et al, 2007;Sȃvulescu, 2010): the deciduous forests zone (lower than 1300-1400 m), the coniferous forests zone (1400-1800 m), the subalpine zone of dwarf pines (1800-2250 m) and the alpine pasture zone (2250-2462 m).…”