Mapping Coverage and Typology Based on Function and Spatial Configuration of Forests in Latium Region, Central Italy

Marco di Cristofaro, Federico Valerio Moresi (), Mauro Maesano, Luigi Portoghesi, Michele Munafò, Paolo De Fioravante, Daniela Tonti, Marco Ottaviano, Marco Marchetti and Giuseppe Scarascia-Mugnozza
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Marco di Cristofaro: Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Federico Valerio Moresi: Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Mauro Maesano: Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Luigi Portoghesi: Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Michele Munafò: Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via V. Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
Paolo De Fioravante: Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via V. Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
Daniela Tonti: Department of Biosciences and Territory (DiBT), University of Molise, c.da Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
Marco Ottaviano: Department of Biosciences and Territory (DiBT), University of Molise, c.da Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
Marco Marchetti: Department of Architecture and Design (DiAP), University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
Giuseppe Scarascia-Mugnozza: Biocities Facility, European Forest Institute (EFI), Via Manziana 30, 00189 Rome, Italy

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-12

Abstract: Among the land use–land cover products, tree cover maps are essential tools for assessing forest functionality and ecosystem services, and implementing sustainable forest management. By combining open-source and ancillary high-resolution cartographic datasets, this study aims to map trees and forests in the Latium region in central Italy, highlighting their spatial configuration, function, and forest typology. The main findings show that trees cover 44.2% of the regional land area. Forests cover 508,056 ha, forming the core matrix of the Latium mountain landscape, providing significant ecological and socio-economic value for forest management and the regional wood supply chain. Although trees outside the forest represent only 3.1% of regional tree cover, they play a crucial role in enhancing ecological connectivity and landscape resilience. Approximately 2% of the tree and forest cover occurs in urban areas, contributing significantly to climate regulation and air quality in densely populated environments. The dominant forest types in Lazio include Turkey oak, temperate broadleaf, beech, downy oak, and Holm oak, which together account for 58.6% of the total tree cover. The accuracy tests confirm the feasibility of using open-source data for reliable, cost-effective forest mapping. Regular updates of these maps can support continuous monitoring and promote sustainable forest management practices.

Keywords: tree cover map; forest inventory; planning and management; remote sensing; forest type; trees outside forests (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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