Modelo de Interacção Espacial de Ocupação do Uso do Solo-Aplicação à Ilha de São Jorge Desde o Séc. xvi ao Séc. xx

Abstract

This article develops a spatial interaction model with land use of São Jorge island, suitable to explain the relations between men and the territory. The application of the model implies: a) the identification of the areas of aptitude for each one of the activities taking into account data on climate, soil and topography; b) the estimation of the distances between the various zones; c) the calculation of men and land productivity for each activity (residential/ urban, horticulture, agriculture, animal production; and forestry) d) the calibration of the bid rents for each zone and the estimation of the distance attrition parameter for each activity. Results show not only a suitable explanation for the evolution of land use in São Jorge along various centuries but also a better understanding the interaction of environmental, economic, agronomic and political factors that influence land use.