Environmental Mapping using Pedestrian Survey and Geospatial Technologies

The Tierradentro region is in the southern part of the Colombian Andes. Perhaps the last section of the Central Andes from a physiographic point of view it is composed of narrow valleys that range between 1000 m.a.s.l and 3200 m.a.s. l creating diverse range of microclimates. Dominated by volcanic soils the steep slopes; unstable soils poise the greatest limitations for agriculture. A pedestrian survey of the surface and subsurface cultural remains, modern homesteads and agricultural potential for 4 valleys of the 220 square kilometers of the study produced the following results. I personally digitized the maps, corrected for quality control, using GPS, aerial photography and satellite imagery, collected much of the data and constructed the data bases. Over 4 years of field work involving hundreds of volunteers and professionals.

The topography of the s

tudy area is dominated by steep slopes and narrow white water rivers and spectacular sites, with a relatively sparse population and few access roads.

Population concentrations per valley.

Soil classes.

Soil classification for agricultural potential. Although the lower parts of the valleys have long and narrow terraces with very good soils, higher elevations have in most valleys provide relatively low inclinations and soils devoid of rock formations which would allow for relatively intensive potato agriculture. The lower parts of the valley would be dominated by corn agriculture and various types of manioc. Modern agriculture includes some coffee between 1000 m.a.s.l. and 2200 m.a.s.l. Cattle raising is widespread but of marginal productivity.