Wykorzystanie GIS w badaniach zmian krajobrazu

The objective of this paper is to present a methodology of using surface analysis in evaluating the degree of landscape changes. Landscape defined as a comprehensive system consisting of forms of relief, waters, vegetation and atmosphere enriched by the effects and impact of man management was analyzed in GIS applications. Maps of landscape classes forming different timelines created on the basis of aerial photographs were divided into elementary fields which allowed to calculate attributes connected with particular landscape classes. This helped to distinguish and calculate the scale of landscape changes. The methodology of elementary fields analysis was tested on the pilot area in western part of the Terschelling Island. It helped to recognize both natural and anthropological landscape changes and evaluate landscape reconstruction methods used on the island.