The analysis of land cover macrostructure in the suburban area of Krakow

Abstract

SummaryThe suburban areas are lands under strong anthropogenic pressure which results in their significant transformation. Identifying the direction of changes and their intensity is the basis of research based on the analysis of land use and land cover. The study involved the analysis of land cover in the area of suburban zone of the city of Krakow based on the vector geodata available in the European Environment Agency database (Urban Atlas download service). Geographic data were classified according to various categories of coverage. The area was divided into evaluation clusters that included covering buffer zones with the given parameters according to the distance from the city: zones 0-5 km, 5-10 km, 10-15 km and 15-20 km. All analyzes were performed by means of the QGIS software using geoprocessing tools and additional ones of spatial statistics (among other things Group Stats). The percentage of each category of coverage in relation to the total area was made for each of the separate buffer zones' statements. The theory of changing the structure of coverage categories along with diverging from the city according to the diagram of reducing participation of heavily anthropogenic areas to those less exposed to it was confirmed on the basis of this analysis. Keywords GIS • QGIS • Urban Atlas • land cover • buffer zones

National Level Land-Use Changes in Functional Urban Areas in Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia

“…The other is to differentiate between quantitative forecasts and location of changes [60]. When analysing the location of LUCC in urban areas, one has to pay attention to the concentration of developments near the functional-historical core of the city, and such phenomena as urban sprawl and suburbanisation near roads leading to the city and around city limits [61][62][63]. In the case of qualitative LUCC modelling, researchers often use quantitative data on the areas of LU and LC classes within the investigated administrative regions collected by authorities.…”

Is the Obligation to Monitor Land Use Change in Poland Complied With?

“…Therefore, monitoring changes in land use in Poland is necessary and should not be treated as an arduous duty imposed by the legislator. In their research, Cegielska et al (2017) add that a continuous monitoring of these changes is indispensable for planning measures to reduce the negative effects of land use change (in particular human pressure) (Akinyemi et al 2017). Krasowicz et al (2011) consider this to be also a significant challenge, both for science and practice, and at the same time an important strategic direction.…”

Land Use Change Monitoring as a Task of Local Government Administration in Poland

“…According to Irwin and Geoghegan [2001], the economic changes are closely reflected in the land use structure, both locally and at the regional level. They are first and foremost visible in housing and service development on urban outskirts [Cegielska et al 2017] as well as construction of new and modernisation of existing roads [Poławski 2009]. …”