Using spatial metrics for assessment of the landscape structure changes of the Beša dry polder

Abstract

Anthropogenic impacts imposed in study area of the Beša dry polder from 18th century have considerably stated the landscape. We can observe rapid landscape structure changes by progress of urbanization and agriculture in the researched area. Aim of the paper is mapping and analysis of the landscape structure changes in years 1770, 1827, 1949, 1988, 2003, 2008 by GIS. By comparing groups of the landscape elements, individual horizons were significantly different. Significant changes were observed in the group of Forest and non-forest areas and Grassland areas permanent group whose share fluctuates significantly. Drainage interventions after 1827 caused decline in the aquatic ecosystems to about 10% of their original size. Representation of other landscape elements reflects the natural evolution of society – the expansion of built areas and road networks. We used mapping results of the analysis for subsequent landscape assessment by methods of landscapeecological indexes that describes the dynamics and quantifying landscape structure. The results showed that, overall, the number of patches, decreasing their average size, has increased patch density as well as the total length of the circuit patches, mainly as a result of vegetation succession after 1989.