Implementing multi-temporal cartography into a GIS for analyzing rural landscape and protecting forest heritage

Understanding the profound changes generated by the interaction between human activities and natural components, requires an investigation of rural landscape, that would strongly benefit by the implementation of GIS technology. In this framework, a multi-temporal study may offer significant hints for analyzing landscape evolution on time. This paper presents a spatial analysis methodology, developed to comprehend past dynamics of rural landscape, including its morphology and vegetation, to compare current changes, so envisioning potential future trends for well-planned interventions, aimed to landscape protection. This method was applied on a case study implemented in Southern Italy, where an historical map depicting the Municipality of Ruoti - traditionally devoted to arboreal cultivation or wood-sheep farming - has been retrieved. This map, reports the Town and the surrounding area in the Year 1812, including the Site of Community Importance (SCI) “Abetina di Ruoti” woodland, showing main rivers, alternation of olive groves and arable crops, and vineyards layout. The multi-temporal analysis performed implementing into a GIS this historical cartography, joined to more recent maps, enabled a compared examination of this study area, its rural land and forestry heritage, and their deep transformations, showing a great potential for assessing and monitoring landscape diversity and vegetation dynamics.