IDENTIFYING THE INFLUENCE OF MORPHOMETRY ON THE URBAN MORPHOLOGY OF ZALĂU USING GIS
ANDREEA MARIA VÂTCA1, SANDA ROŞCA1 1 Universitatea Babeş Bolyai, Facultatea de Geografie, 400006 Cluj Napoca, România, e-mails: schatzi2pop@yahoo.com, rosca_sanda@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT. – Identifying the Influence of Morphometry on the Urban Morphology of Zalău Using GIS. The topography is considered to be the main component lying at the basis of human activities and settlements. Its analysis can highlight the territories which are favourable or restrictive for urban expansion and city development. The present study used cartographic databases and geoinformation software to identify the present distribution of edilitary constructions on elevation and slope angle intervals, two morphometric characteristics which have the strongest influence on the urban development of Zalău Municipality. In order to highlight the geomorphological processes which influence in a negative way the city expansion, the study has identified the building distribution in each neighbourhood on landslide probability classes, these specific categories being identified using the methodology described in the Governmental Decision 447/2003. Starting from these databases, the geomorphological risk map was created. This type of analysis, which relies on the current territorial expansion of the city, offers an overall image on the future development options and enables a sustainable planning of the analysed territory.