A new method of landscape mapping for high tropical mountains

Abstract

In this paper we report a new landscape approach and mapping method for high tropical mountains. This new method uses holistic and parametric approaches and attaches high importance to spatial dimension. Landscape units are delineated using the most important components of landscape on three scales: Level with accuracy at 1:100,000; Level II with accuracy at 1:75,000; and Level III with accuracy at 1:50,000. Level I units show big extent and low homogeneity, and Level III lesser extent and more homogeneity. This procedure has been validated at a number of sites in the high tropical mountains of central Mexico. We have chosen the Cuautitlán river basin near Mexico City as an example because of its outstanding environmental values and planning interest. Landscape assessment is conducted on three Level I, five Level II, and eighty-three Level III landscape units.