Analysing the Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Built-Up Area in Bistrita Subcarpathian Valley Using G.I.S Techniques

Abstract

The goal of the study is to develop an appropriate method for analyzing and quantifying the territorial expansion of built-up area in the administrative territory of Bistrita subcarpathian Valley, a well populated region. The area under study has high favorability in terms of housing due to its contact geographical unit position and access to natural resources. Analyzing spatio-temporal dynamics of built-up area is essential for understanding and assessing the consequences of anthropogenic pressure on the environment. The methodology was mainly achieved through GIS techniques, by using relevant cartographic documents covering a period of more than 200 years. As a particular method we created a system of matrices (focalsum) which divide the areas affected by changes into equal size squares in order to highlight the density of these changes. The study was conducted through a systemic approach, aiming to analyze the connections between the territorial expansion and the environmental components which constituted key factors to its dynamics. The results showed a continuous and rapid expansion of built-up area, With different growth patterns depending on the socioeconomic factors, which represented the dominant driving factors of this phenomenon.

Keywords: built-up area evolution, anthropogenic pressure, GIS, Bistrita Subcarpathian Valley, Romania

JEL Classification: 018,020,Q20,R52,R58,