Natural-anthropogenic landscapes of Belarusian elevated province: classification, spatial structure, zoning

Abstract

In the paper the structure and dynamics of natural-anthropogenic landscapes (NAL) of Belarusian elevated province are analyzed using remote sensing data. NAL structure analysis was based on the series of land cover maps for the period from 1975 to 2014 – results of Landsat satellite images processing. This approach made it possible to observe the chan ges in NAL structure throughout 40-year period and distinguish some patterns in its dynamics. Therefore, new NAL classification level of subspecies was suggested, in addition to previously known levels of types and species. The NAL subspecies is determined by the number of NAL species changes through the period of observation. The observed struc ture of NAL subspecies led to conclusion, that it was mostly related to human activities in land use management. Assessment of anthropogenic transformation levels using land cover maps was a basis for the division of the territory into regions to show differences in NAL structure within the province. The resulting regional characteristics could be used to suggest different land use approaches for every region.

Keywords

• natural-anthropogenic landscape
• land cover structure and dynamics
• remote sensing data
• anthropogenic transformations of natural landscape
• zoning