Analysis of land cover changes in the territory of Suhodol, Sofia-city (1983–2018)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61308/FQNG1354Keywords:
land cover, land use, GIS, Urban Atlas, spatial analysisAbstract
This study analyzes land cover changes in the territory of Suhodol, Sofia-city, during the period 1983–2018. The research is based on soil survey data from ISSAPP “N. Pushkarov” (1983), Urban Atlas 2018, and cadastral data provided by the Bulgarian Cadastre Agency. GIS methods, including georeferencing, spatial overlay, clipping by administrative boundaries, and area calculation by land-cover categories, were applied to identify the main trends in land cover transformation.
The study has a predominantly qualitative character, supplemented by an indicative quantitative assessment of area changes in generalized land-cover categories. Due to differences in methodology, spatial resolution, and classification schemes among the data sources, the results should be regarded as indicative and aimed at identifying the main trends in land cover change.
The results indicate an increase in urbanized areas and transport infrastructure at the expense of part of the grasslands and agricultural lands located near the settlement. The quantitative comparison reveals an expansion of urbanized territories and a reduction in agricultural and grassland areas, while forest areas have maintained or increased their relative share. In the peripheral parts of the territory, forest patches have been preserved, mainly along valley forms and on the slopes of Lyulin Mountain. The observed changes are associated with the expansion of Sofia’s urban periphery and the development of the transport network.
References
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