A GIS SUPPORTED ANALYSIS OF THE AGRARIAN TERRACED COASTAL LANDSCAPE

Brandolini Pierluigi (1), Nicchia Paolo (1), Renzi Luigina (2), Remo Terranova (3)

(1) University of Genova - DISAM - Sezione di Scienze geografiche (IT)
(2) Provincia di Genova (IT)
(3) University of Genova - DIPTERIS (IT)

The poster shows the results of the PATTER project (2000-2002) named "Patrimonio Terrazze" (The terraces heritage), co-financed by the European Commission, Directorate General X (Raphaël Programme). The project has involved the co-operation of three groups of research, set up by the Consell de Mallorca-FODESMA (Balear Islands - Spain), by the DISSGELL-DISAM-DIPTERIS Departments of the University of Genoa (Liguria - Italy) and by the Association pour the Développement Infographique in collaboration with the Université de Nice-Sophia-Antipolis (Provence-Alpes - Côte d' Azur - France).
The aim of the project is to characterise and diffuse a methodology for the classification and the diagnosis of the terraced heritage, which can be applied to other mediterranean regions.

Fig. 1 - Delimitation of the terraced areas in the Cinque Terre

Methodological sketch of the terraced-areas classification model

Fig. 2 - Map of the degree of conservation of the terraced areas

Fig. 3 - Detailed map of the degree conservation in the Volastra area

As far as the Liguria's territory, the area of "Cinque Terre" was chosen. It is in the easternmost area in the Liguria region, a narrow and long coastal strip approx. 20 km long. It has very steep slopes, cut into by streams sub-perpendicular to the coastline. These streams flow down quite fast from watershed ridges that are as average 600-800 m above sea level high, sometimes at a distance of less than 1 km from the sea. This territory is in the Province of La Spezia and is divided into three Municipalities, but two of them only, Vernazza and Riomaggiore, are the objects of this study. The extension of the territory inquired is of approximately 23 square km. The methological approach consists of a first step concerning the delimitation of the area and the study of the building typologies of the dry stone terraces and of their use and degree of conservation. The data obtained in the first stage were inserted in a geo-database and analysed through GIS instruments. In particular, this study was carried out by CAD Microstation 95 (Bentley), in order to input the geo-data, and by the GIS Geographics (Bentley), supported by Access database, was used for their study.

Fig. 4 - Distribution of the arboreal, shrubby and herbaceous covering

Fig. 5 - Map of the soil use of the terraced areas


Fig. 6 - An example of terraced slope (vineyards) in the Cinque Terre (Liguria)

The use of automation instruments for the organisation and management of the geo-data allowed to produce detailed thematic maps, provided with statistical analysis concerning the conservation degree of the terraces, their environment characteristics and the impact of anthropical activities on them. The various information layers allowed us to get synthesis maps useful to evaluate the possibility of a renewal of the areas.
The data processing and the detailed analysis have been completed by the individuation of areas of particular interest. Because of their characteristical landscape, of the typology of their structure and of the agricultural activities, as well as for a revalorisation of the ancient traditions, these areas must be considered as a model to submit to the attention of local planners and managers, in order to preserve, restore and exploit this cultural heritage.
The results of this research were published in a volume and are also available - in a short edition - in a web-site (www.conselldemallorca.net/fodesma/patter).
The detailed geo-database implemented within the project is of a considerable importance by the extent which it allows to carry out many studies. In particular the analysis concerning the definition of different ranges of value of the terraced areas were done by using Geomedia Integraph.

References