INRA-Relative integrated anthropization index: a conceptual technical proposal and its application.

Abstract

This article presents a conceptual and technical approach of studying in a systematic, comparative, quantitative and qualitative way the anthropogenic modification of ecosystems on the landscape scale. Specifically, it concerns the Relative Integrated Anthropization Index (INRA, from the Spanish acronym), which is a measure that integrates urban issues as well as other types of land use and land cover found in any unit of the landscape. This index allows the understanding of anthropization, in a quantitative and qualitative way, as a mosaic or gradient of ecosystems with varying degrees of anthropogenic modification. INRA was applied in a sector of an inter-Andean valley presenting varying degrees of anthropogenic modification (Popayán, Colombia, 1700-1900 m) through the interpretation of aerial photographs, obtaining the measurement and charting of anthropization across the area and demonstrating the effectiveness and coherence of the proposed technique.