Landscape evaluation using Geographic Information Systems: the case of Special Protection Area (SPA) «Potamos Pineios – Antichasia Ori»

The description, analysis and evaluation of a landscape are the first steps in its protection, as reflected by the recognition of the ecological, socio-economic and aesthetic value. The site “River Pineios – Antichasia Οri” has a total extent of 55.225ha and is part of the NATURA 2000 network (GR 1440005, SPA). The aim of this study was: (a) to evaluate the “quality” of the landscape based on Multicriteria Analysis and Geographic Information Systems, and (b) to identify areas, within a protected area, that need strict protection. The criteria were divided into five groups (vegetation, land uses, topography, human disturbance, access) and evaluated by artificial scales and the use of “weighting” for each group and variable separately. The technique of overlapping (weighed overlay) was used for the synthesis of thematic maps – criteria and the production of the final composite digital map which contains all the criteria used.