Evaluation of the Changing Character of the Rural Landscape in Konuralp –Düzce

Authors : AYŞEGÜL KAYA, Zeki Demir

Pages : 27-35

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Publication Date : 2017-12-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Urbanization has been progressing at an incomparable rate worldwide throughout the history of humankind. Thus, urbanization frequently results in social and spatial fragmentation and in drastic changes in the surrounding rural landscapes. This paper aimed to assess and map the transformation of rural landscapes via GIS and by using a series of spatial data layers to examine the vulnerability of rural landscapes under urbanization. Topographical maps and satellite views from different periods were used to define the rural landscape character, which was mapped in the form of polygons and polylines via the GIS method. The modifications in land use, circulation networks and settlement patterns were described in time depth. The texture was determined by the minimal mapable units of the landscape types. Landscape metrics were then used to describe the density, distribution and composition of the rural landscape.
Keywords : ArcGIS, cultural landscape, landscape character, landscape metrics