Análisis territorial a través de las métricas del paisaje: el estudio de caso de la sierra de Béjar y Candelario

Abstract

This study presents a methodological proposal for the analysis of landscape structure, land-use change, and the quantification of territorial transformations in a mountainous area of the province of Salamanca: the Sierra de Béjar and Candelario. Through the implementation of physiographic metrics, cartographic development, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the spatial evolution of the territory is examined in contexts characterized by pronounced processes of depopulation, population aging, and abandonment of agricultural activities. These dynamics—widespread across much of inland Spain—have increased territorial vulnerability, particularly in areas with unique geographic constraints, which, while promoting conservation measures, simultaneously limit agricultural mechanization and intensification. The analysis employs a cross-tabulation matrix and landscape ecology metrics that allow for the quantitative assessment of spatial configuration based on the number, size, shape, and distribution of landscape units. The integration of these metrics with a cartographic approach enables precise modeling of land cover and land-use changes. Results analyzed over the period 1980–2023 reveal significant transition patterns, providing insight into ongoing landscape change trends. This methodological framework demonstrates high applicability and effectiveness as a tool for territorial planning, landscape management, and the identification of emerging environmental risks, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of rural spatial dynamics in geographically complex regions