Geographic Information and Socio-Economic Indicators: A Reading of Recent Territorial Processes in the Test Area of Basilicata Region

Abstract

This work proposes the development of a methodology directed to analyze the potential of the territory in terms of local development and the evolution that this has undergone in the historical period between 2017 and 2021. Taking into account the social and environmental realities present, the study also developed an in-depth analysis of the evolution of the urban and rural fabric and socio-economic characteristics, paying particular attention to the multifunctional role played within the territory. Analyses of urban and rural environments typically focus on the application of methodologies that assess quality objectives at the environmental and urban levels. Research has shown that a system of indicators can be useful in developing qualitative and quantitative descriptors of the area, investigating urban and inland areas. The first step was to formulate a methodology to measure the quality of life in these areas based on lists of objective indicators, aggregated to develop a framework to assess the level of quality and spatial development of the areas investigated. The second step was to apply this methodology to evaluate the settlements of tested area of Basilicata Region, characterized by a multiplicity of different environments that make possible the coexistence of a great variety of environmental and territorial phenomena. The main results of this research concern the opportunity to measure numerically the objective aspects that influence the development of the territory in urban and rural areas. In this way, the most critical areas to be upgraded have been highlighted in order to prepare policies congruent with the local context.