Dynamic-catenal phytosociological mapping of Corsica: Inductive methodological approach

Abstract

Since the 1970‘s, the works of Tüxen, Géhu and Rivas-Martínez on the dynamic-catenal phytosociology, allowed a better integratation of vegetation dynamics, by describing more precisely the dynamic trajectories of vegetation series. Since 1973, the context of sigmatist phytosociology extends the conceptual and methodological approach to conservatory management applications of natural and semi-natural vegetations. Since the end of the XXth century, methodologies for the study of vegetation dynamics have been developed according to various typological and cartographical scalar approaches. Logistic and IT tools have contributed significantly to the research work by integrating a spatial dimension into vegetation dynamics. The national program for the mapping of natural and semi-natural vegetation in France (CarHAB) was launched in 2010 at the initiative of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy (MEDDE). Its aim is to establish an Information System on natural and semi-natural vegetations in France, with a view to developing tools for spatial planning, national policies for nature conservation (strategy for the creation of protected areas…) and European obligations (assessment of the state of conservation of habitats of community interest…). This program is focused on the dynamical and landscape phytosociological method or dynamic-catenal phytosociology. This methodology provides a systematic and integrated analysis of all the biotic and abiotic components and the complexity of the ecological systems of the plant landscape. This paper explains the methodology of mapping vegetation series and geoseries on various synphytosociological map approaches in Europe, whose aim is: - to develop a precise and pragmatic methodological approach for mapping the series and geosystems of Corsican vegetation at 1: 25000; - consider the scientific aspects of the design of maps (work scales, typology, map underlayers …), techniques and semiology of its realization (colours saturation and tone, forms of expression…).