Local changes in the landscape structure of Kurzeme during the 20th century
2004
Peneze, Z., University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences | Nikodemus, O., University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences | Grine, I., University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences | Rasa, I., University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences | Bell, S., Edinburgh College of Art (United Kingdom). Research Centre for Inclusive Access to Outdoor Environments
This article analyses the factors causing changes in land use in Kurzeme (Courland), the Western part of Latvia, in the 20th and 21st centuries with the aim of prognosticating of landscape development. The territory chosen for investigation is the parish of Gudenieki situated on the Western slope of the Western Kursa Uplands. Topographical maps, aerial photos, maps of land use and statistic data have been used to analyse the dynamics of landscape, structuring and factors influencing them. GIS methods have been used for the analysis of data in land use changes. The research shows that changes in landscape structure are not the same in all regions of Latvia. They depend not only on the natural base, but also on human factors. Under the influence of current social, economic and political processes, Latvia may experience increased marginalization of these uplands, which in turn will favour the formation of a more homogeneous landscape.
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