Application of spatial- and diachronic-process analysis of landscape development in Central Lika, Croatia from 1980 to 2012

The paper presents structural features and the process intensity of landscape changes in Central Lika Region Croatia, transitional, post-socialist post-war periods (1980–2012). aim this is to analyse regularities interrelations between processes that cause change. By using GIS spatial analysis methods, shape, position, condition patches were defined for each year. diachronic analysis, with application a specially-developed index — Landscape Development Index (di) made it possible determine development individual elements. was observed concept Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and, purpose, data from CORINE database used 1980 2012. results showed fragmentation an increase number complexity patches, as well decrease core patch area. Consequently, share edge areas has increased vulnerability external influences changes. Applying advantages compared standard comparison two conditions or synthetic indices, enabling phenomenon/process be determined, allowing deeper temporal better understanding development.