Land use modelling for an integrated approach to regional development in the Swiss Alps

Topics

• Regional value added

Abstract

Land use changes contribute significantly to global change. Over the last decades settlement expansion and abandonment of agricultural land with subsequent reforestation were identified the most important land use transition processes in the Swiss Alps, with possible long-term consequences for regional development. In this research modelling techniques were developed to simulate spatial patterns of land use change and to estimate rates of change for settlement area for the study area of Davos, a mountain resort region in the canton of Grisons. Within a trans- and interdisciplinary project, these models were applied to simulate future scenarios developed in close collaboration with local representatives. The land use allocation model could provide an import basis for spatially explicit assessment of ecosystem services, and the second model highlights crucial factors that determine the extent of the area affected by settlement expansion through further tourist development.

Journal / Publisher / Institution

disseratation

Reference to the original publication

hardcopy