Methods in Ecosystem Analysis

Collecting data describing the a-biological component of the environment (geological bedrock, surface deposits, landforms, soils), elaboration of thematic maps of the different features, for land analysis, promotion and protection;
· Finding, analysis and mapping of geological, geomorphological and geopedological data by field surveys and remote analyses (photo-interpretation and remote sensing).
· Land evaluation and its implications for land management.
· Geopedology of ecosystems.
Basic concepts of geomorphological and geoarchaeological risk.
· Collecting maps, pictures and also historic data to evaluate, promote and protect sites of geomorphological interest and to study landscape evolution;
· Finding, managing and processing meteorological data; compiling meteo-data base including historical and present data as a tool for planning and managing the territory.
Bioclimate: from climatic data to biclimatic indices; biclimatic thresholds and potential vegetation.
Botanical data collection from existing databases. Collection and analysis of botanical data: flora and vegetation.
Vegetation and vegetation series mapping; historical maps, flortistic maps. Indicators of quality of flora and vegetation and their cartography.
Regulation and management of protected areas: "Habitats" and "Birds" European Directives.
The Natura 2000 protected areas network; the management plans of the Natura 2000 sites
Monitoring methods for mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects as indicators of environmental quality
The retrieval of ornithological and herpetological data and regional atlases
Animal reintroductions: conservation and management problems
River Ecology and water quality under the EU Water Framework Directive