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A Quantitative GIS and AHP Based Analysis for Geodiversity Assessment and Mapping

Author

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  • Andrea Ferrando

    (Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • Francesco Faccini

    (Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
    Institute of Hydrogeological Research and Conservation (CNR-IRPI), National Research Council, Rue Du Hunte 73, 10135 Turin, Italy)

  • Guido Paliaga

    (Institute of Hydrogeological Research and Conservation (CNR-IRPI), National Research Council, Rue Du Hunte 73, 10135 Turin, Italy)

  • Paola Coratza

    (Department of Chemistry and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy)

Abstract

In recent times, the issues of geodiversity assessment and mapping have been subject of great attention, and many evaluation methodologies, either quantitative or qualitative, have been developed. In this research, a first assessment of geodiversity in the Liguria region has been carried out, according to a quantitative method based on spatial analysis techniques implemented in a GIS environment. This method considers four diversity indices obtained by grid analysis, relevant to the four main aspects of geodiversity: geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology and pedology. The geodiversity index was calculated two times, first with a non-weighted sum, then with a weighted sum of the four diversity indices. In the second case, the weights have been assigned according to a semi-quantitative analytical hierarchy process method (AHP) based on experts’ judgment. The results show that the Liguria region is characterized by many areas with high geodiversity, most of them internationally known by geoscientists and tourists for their valuable geoheritage and for their stunning landscapes. The correspondence between these areas and the protected areas of the european Natura 2000 network suggests a link between geodiversity and biodiversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Ferrando & Francesco Faccini & Guido Paliaga & Paola Coratza, 2021. "A Quantitative GIS and AHP Based Analysis for Geodiversity Assessment and Mapping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10376-:d:637392
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Laura Valentini & Veronica Guerra & Olivia Nesci, 2023. "The Mt. Catria–Mt. Nerone Ridge in the North-Marchean Apennines (Central Italy): A Potential Geopark?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-28, July.
    3. Tomasz Bartuś & Wojciech Mastej, 2023. "Morphodiversity as a Tool in Geoconservation: A Case Study in a Mountain Area (Pieniny Mts, Poland)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-27, July.
    4. Vladyslav Zakharovskyi & Károly Németh, 2023. "Recognition of Potential Geosites Utilizing a Hydrological Model within Qualitative–Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity in the Manawatu River Catchment, New Zealand," Geographies, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-19, February.
    5. Borut Stojilković, 2022. "Towards Transferable Use of Terrain Ruggedness Component in the Geodiversity Index," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-18, February.
    6. Pietro Marescotti & Giulia Castello & Antonino Briguglio & Maria Cristina Caprioglio & Laura Crispini & Marco Firpo, 2022. "Geosite Assessment in the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark (Liguria, Italy): A Case Study in Linking Geoheritage with Education, Tourism, and Community Involvement," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-19, September.
    7. Paweł Wolniewicz, 2023. "Quantifying Geodiversity at the Continental Scale: Limitations and Prospects," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-28, May.
    8. Paola Coratza & Irene Maria Bollati & Valeria Panizza & Pierluigi Brandolini & Doriano Castaldini & Franco Cucchi & Giacomo Deiana & Maurizio Del Monte & Francesco Faccini & Furio Finocchiaro & Dario , 2021. "Advances in Geoheritage Mapping: Application to Iconic Geomorphological Examples from the Italian Landscape," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-37, October.
    9. Tianyu Rong & Shuting Xu & Yayan Lu & Yanjun Tong & Zhaoping Yang, 2022. "Quantitative Assessment of Spatial Pattern of Geodiversity in the Tibetan Plateau," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.

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