GIS applications in the landscape planning of outdoor pigs breeding

The present work concerns the study of a methodology of environmental analysis to identify suitable areas for outdoor pigs breeding. The purpose of the research is to promote the utilization of marginal territories through alternative livestock activities in order to provide typical products of high quality, regarding the animal welfare and the impact of breeding plants on the environment. The research was conducted in rural areas of south Italy, located in the hilly and mountain regions of the Appennine chain. For these studies a raster data set, which includes aerial digital orthophotos and IGMI (Italian Geographic Military Institute) cartography with scale 1:25000 (paper and digital form), was used. In order to organize the procedure for the realization of thematic maps, specific geographical features were checked. Then, by video digitizing and air photo-interpretation, it was possible to deduce a few thematic maps of the land-use, the slopes and aspects, the road infrastructures, the hydraulic network, the urbanized areas. In accordance with these themes and other information, an environmental analysis was conducted, elaborating different informative layers to identify the suitable areas of the territory for the sustainable breeding. For these elaborations a GIS software (Arc View ESRI) was used. The study allowed to identify a few areas characterized by different aptitude for the sows breeding and for pigs in fattening phase. The results of the experimental study were provided with tabular and cartographic data sets, that constitute the main tools for the management of the following phases of the territorial planning.