Toward a trans-regional vulnerability assessment for Alps. A methodological approach to land cover changes over alpine landscapes, supporting urban adaptation

The contribution presents a possible assessment methodology for land cover change over ice and snow, between 1990 and 2018 in the Dolomites and the Alpi Giulie. The methodology aims to build surface atlas to assess the land cover changes. The tool is intended as a support for environmental management, forecasting and, as support for territorial government systems in climate- proof planning processes. In the “business as usual” global warming scenario, ice and snow resources will become one of the most affected subjects by Climate Change, with heavy consequences on ecosystems, urban environments and socioeconomic. Current monitoring and assessment systems are fragmented both by survey methodology and by local distribution. The methodology is developed in using GIS, following remote sensing (RS) processes and spatial analysis tools to manage multispectral satellite images. The process uses spectral signatures from satellite images to identify homogeneous areas in material and morphology. The process takes into account the actual systems of assessment and local socioeconomic exposures. The methodology takes a proactive approach to future hazards and impacts considering their management in alpine habitats to support local administrations. The project develops transboundary assessment techniques and aids the adaptation of planning strategies in the context of Climate Change.