Integration of land use and land cover inventories for landscape management and planning in Italy

Abstract

There are both semantic and technical differences between land use (LU) and land cover (LC) measurements. In cartographic approaches, these differences are often neglected, giving rise to a hybrid classification. The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding and characterization of the two classification schemes using a comparison that allows maximization of the informative power of both. The analysis was carried out in the Molise region (Central Italy) using sample information from the Italian Land Use Inventory (IUTI). The sampling points were classified with a visual interpretation of aerial photographs for both LU and LC in order to estimate surfaces and assess the changes that occurred between 2000 and 2012. The results underscore the polarization of land use and land cover changes resulting from the following: (a) recolonization of natural surfaces, (b) strong dynamisms between the LC classes in the natural and semi-natural domain and (c) urban sprawl on the lower hills and plains. Most of the observed transitions are attributable to decreases in croplands, natural grasslands and pastures, owing to agricultural abandonment. The results demonstrate that a comparison between LU and LC estimates and their changes provides an understanding of the causes of misalignment between the two criteria. Such information may be useful for planning policies in both natural and semi-natural contexts as well as in urban areas.

Inference on forest attributes and ecological diversity of trees outside forest by a two-phase inventory

“…The province of Campobasso is generally hilly and located in the east, along the Adriatic Sea. It is considerably more affected by human impact, with a prevalence of intensive farming in the flattest area close to the coast and a high occurrence of natural grasslands and pastures in the inland (Sallustio et al 2016).…”

Why Italy First? Health, Geographical and Planning aspects of the Covid-19 outbreak

“…Also, socio-economic indicators play an important role in attracting people, such as new residents or commuters, generating the building of new neighborhoods or transport infrastructures. Following this model of urban growth, the soil loses its biological value, becoming unable to absorb and filter rainwater, producing negative effects on biodiversity, as well as on agricultural production [60] [61] [62]. This sealing process produces the loss of natural ecosystem functions generating a complete soil degradation [63] [64] [65] [66].…”

Lichen diversity on Trees Outside Forest in Molise (Central Italy)

“…The Adriatic coast, 40 km long, is intensively urbanized. Industrial areas, as well as the main urban areas, are located in the eastern lowlands characterized by intensive farming in the flattest area close to the coast and by natural grasslands and pastures in the inland (Sallustio & al. 2016).…”