Landscape Analysis and Dynamics

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of Physical Geography, particularly Biogeography.

Teaching Methods

Methods include the presentation of theoretical issues, and critical analysis and discussion of scientific articles by the students in class. The theoretical component is complemented by field work and laboratory analysis.

Learning Outcomes

•To understand the landscape as a complex and dynamic system, where several physical, biological, social and economic factors influence each other and change over time, determining and being determined;

•To analyze the elements, patterns and interactions that determine its structure, function and evolution at different scales, in order to understand the effects of these changes in ecological, hydrological and geomorphological processes.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

A - Theoretical Issues

1. Landscape: concepts, principles and evolution of Landscape Ecology

2. The structure of landscapes

3. Dynamics and organization of landscapes: natural and anthropogenic processes and disturbances

4. Changes in the pattern of landscapes: eco-hydrogeomorphological impacts

5. Application to spatial planning

B - Case Study

Analysis of the structure and dynamics of the landscape using cartographic, photographic and computer means

Fieldwork with observation and discussion in loco

Laboratory work

Preparation of a report

Head Lecturer(s)

António Campar de Almeida

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Oral presentation of theoretical content: 10.0%
Analysis and discussion of papers on specific topics: 20.0%
Reports on specific subjects + Case studies: 60.0%

Bibliography

BUREL, F. & BAUDRY, J. (1999), Écologie du paysage. Concepts, méthodes et applications. Ed. Tec & Doc, Paris.

DOUGLAS, Ian (1983), The Urban Environment. E. Arnold, London.

FARINA, Almo (2000), Landscape Ecology in Action. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht.

FERNANDES, João Paulo (1993), “A informação biofísica nos processos de planeamento e gestão do território”. Sociedade e Território, 18, 13-21.

FORMAN, R. T. T. & Godron, M. (1986), Landscape ecology. J. Wiley & Sons, New York.

GÓMEZ PIÑEIRO, Fco Javier (1995),  “Análisis geográfico, ordenación del territorio y medio ambiente”. Lurralde, 18, 7-20.

MARSH, W. M. (1991), Landscape Planning.Environmental Applications. 2^nd ed., J. Wiley, New York.

ROUGERIE, G. & BEROUTCHACHVILLI, N. (1991), Géosystèmes et paysages. Bilan et méthodes. A. Colin, Paris.

TRICART, J. & KIEWIETDEJONGE, C. (1992), Ecogeography and rural management. Longman, London.