Mapping Nature: The interrelation between phisical, biotic and antropic information

The study of environment needs a methodological formulation that involves all the complex aspects of nature. In this perspective, the environmental thematic maps represent a tool that allows the identification and the monitoring of the state of the natural environment. In the “Carta della Natura” project (L.394/91) two main paths are followed: - definition, recognition, and mapping of the territorial reference unit (Landscape Physiographic units - scale 1:250,000; Habitats - scale 1:50.000) - evaluation of these Units: Environmental Value, Sensitivity, Anthropic Pressure and Territorial Vulnerability. Landscapes and habitats were identified following a holistic approach; the map of habitats (classified according a modified CORINE Biotopes legend) is obtained by supervised classification of Landsat TM Images At the scale of 1:50.000, each mapped “polygon” represents a biotope; suitable ecological-environmental indicators were used to define the following values: environmental quality, sensitivity, anthropic pressure and territorial vulnerability. The biotic component holds a key role in the functional ecosystem dynamics. Therefore a particular attention is devoted, in the study of nature and territory, to the cognitive and conservative strategies of vegetation and forests. The flora is also more accessible to observation and monitoring and the gathered data can be extended to other sciences. For the purposes of territorial planning the “Carta della Natura” must be multi-scale and updatable. It must hold a wide range of information on the physical, biotic and anthropic environments and evaluate their inter-relations. In order to obtain an appropriate tool, all data and information are organized in a GIS. Thanks to these features, it achieves useful tools for territorial planning and management, especially in order to locate the natural resources and areas to be submitted to protection.