Some Basic Indices of Horizontal Landscape Structure of the Southern Part of Vis Island, Croatia

Abstract

[EN]This research is based on application of landscape metrics in GIS environment for determination of the basic features of horizontal landscape structure of the southern part of Vis island, Croatia. Landscape elements (or geocomplex types) are determined based on their abiotic (lithological and geomorphological features) and biotic elements (natural vegetation cover). Anthropogenic impact during historical-geographic development (agriculturally cultivated land and urbanized areas) are also considered. By means of GIS tools, the three layers of abiotic and biotic parameters were overlayed (lithology, slope inclinations and types of vegetation cover) and 2556 basic units (geocomplexes) were obtained. Generalization of this basic units by criterion of similarity enabled extraction of 132 types of geocomplexes. This types represent generalised homogenous spatial units which were basis for all further analyses. In the next phase, landscape metrics has been applied in order to determine basic characteristics of horizontal landscape structure: total area of each geocomplex type (including minor elements or basic geocomplexes included in each type), frequency, average areas of individual geocomplexes within types and spatial variability index. The main goals of the research are precise determination of abiotic and biotic features of landscape elements, their spatial structure and interrelationships, classification, typology and determination of existence of specific dominant/stable and vulnerable/labile geocomplex types. The results should serve as methodological framework for evaluation of the current state and future development trends of landscape elements of the researched area. They can be applied in planning and preserving landscape of the southern part of Vis island, and other areas as well.