Land use analysis of EARTH University property in Costa Rica from 1973 to 2001 using remote sensing data

This study reconstructs the land use history of EARTH university property in Costa Rica, from 1973 to 2001, producing land-cover maps based in the interpretation and classification of aerial photographs from 1973, 1981, 1992 and1998, and a Landsat ETM+ image from 2001. Also, a hierarchical Geographic Information System database of the administrative units of the property was developed, including information for different agriculture and pasture lots. Furthermore, change-detection analyses were performed identifying and quantifying areas conserved through the time, as well as those under active process of transformation. As a contribution for the long term administrative planning process of the property sub-units, individual updated maps were developed, integrated with the land use map for the whole property. Finally, suggestions about topics for consideration when performing agricultural decisions and practices in harmony with the natural ecosystem are stated.