A Methodology for Identifying and Describing the Landscape in the Upper Santo Domingo River Basin in Venezuela

Abstract

The main goal of this research was to execute a systematic characterization of the landscape in the upland part of the Santo Domingo River basin-Venezuela based on an innovative methodology using a multilevel approach based on cartographic and qualitative analysis in which the concepts: Geosystem, Territory and Landscape were instrumentalized to delineate landscape units. The combination of cartographic analysis with different data sources, multitemporal documentary and photographic analysis, and perceptual, consultative, and evaluative analysis based on interviews to local people and experts, allowed us to define three landscape units with biophysical characteristics, geo-economic dynamics, and well-differentiated perceptual values. The territorial processes in each of the landscape units depend on the use of specific natural resources, structuring particular geo-economic networks, generating differentiated environmental and cultural impacts. This landscape differentiation must allow the design of strategies that guide productive activities within the approaches of land planning and sustainable tourism.