Courseworks

Landslides phenomena in Metsovo Suggestions for improving the current situation
Abstract

Metsovo, Anilio and the surrounding area gather all the main natural generative causes that justify the area’s characterization as a landslide zone of high risk. The main responsible causes for the manifestation of landslides are: The impacts of surface and groundwaters, the gradient increase as well as the height of natural declivities and finally the load increase that different areas sustain. These causes appear frequently and the landslides are often and diachronically manifested as well, occasionally with important damages and destructions. Certain actions and works are proposed for the decrease of landslide risk: a) Direct, without substantial financial cost b) Direct, with minor cost c) Medium-long term works of high cost.

 

In Workshop:
Landslide hazard zonation for landslides’ prevention
Abstract

The wider area of Metsovo is characterized by geoscientists as a high landslide risk region. In this paper, the process of creating a map of landslide hazard zones of the wider region of Metsovo which shows three areas of risk for landslides, small, medium and high, using GIS methods and techniques, is described. The risk map is generated by linearly combined factors considered to contribute to landslide occurrence. These factors are: slope angle, lithology, vegetation cover, distance from the roads, distance from the river network, orientation of the slopes, topographical elevation. The map that was created can contribute to identify existing structures at risk from landslide activity and  may assist to allocate appropriate land uses to unstable terrain.

 

In Workshop:
Interventions for preventing and treating impacts of landslides in the municipality of Metsovo
Abstract

In this  paper, measures for preventing  and treating  the effects  of  landslides  in the mountainous area of Μetsovo are proposed. Initially, two existing landslides are studied and the corresponding geotechnical solutions are proposed. Each project is described extensively, followed by cost analysis. Then, policies and  projects to  reduce landslide danger are analyzed. As far as geotechnical projects are concerned, an analysis on their effectiveness regarding landslides confrontation is conducted. One of these projects is the water drainage system, the construction of which is described extensively.

Despite the relatively high cost, required for handling landslide phenomena, their importance for the local society is particularly high. Protection from landslides through the appropriate interventions is a prerequisite for the development of the new, geographically broader municipality of Metsovo.

In Workshop:
Causes and impacts of the landslides in the Municipality of Metsovo
Abstract

Landslides comprise one of the most common phenomena related to ground movement. These phenomena are caused by a combination of factors (geological structure, precipitation height, manmade interventions etc). During 2010 the broader area of the municipality of Metsovo faced serious problems related to landslides, which occurred at the road network of the area and inside the settlements of Metsovo and Anilio. The constant and of high intensity rainfalls of November, combined with the geological background and the morphology of the area, led to the occurrence of landslides.

The impacts for the broader area were important. Several houses presented cracks and some of them were considered vulnerable to collapse. Landslides will continue to take place in the area of Metsovo, due to its geological and climatic conditions. Nevertheless, the accurate diagnosis of the landslides' causes, as well as the implementation of proper technical interventions can protect the lives and the activities of the inhabitants of the area.

 

In Workshop:
Problems and prospects of the wood sector in Metsovo Municipality
Abstract

Τhe present study aims at analyzing the wood and furniture industry and investigating its perspectives in the new municipality of Metsovo. The research was carried out through structured interviews of a representative sample of professionals from 20 enterprises of wood sector in the study area. The results reveal the importance of wood industry for both the local society and economy. Furthermore, it becomes apparent from the outcomes of the research that the industry skates on thin ice facing several threats. Towards this direction, a number of potential measures are proposed in order to exploit the competitive advantages of the industry and adjust to modern market demands.

 

In Workshop:
The forgotten routes and paths in the region of Metsovo
Abstract

The thriving natural environment of Metsovo favors the development and promotion of alternative forms of tourism, such as trekking tourism. In this paper, conversation with local people, especially the older ones, willing to share with the author their knowledge and experiences, drew a very good picture of the basic routes and paths that the habitats of Metsovo used for a long time in the past. The 20th century’s significant changes, in terms of communication and transfer, contributed to the abandonment or the total destruction of many old routes.

Aiming at shedding light to these forgotten routes, the route between Metsovo and Anilio was chosen to be recorded. The depiction of the route was done with the use of a hand GPS. Appropriate software was used for the route to be embossed on a map. The use of applications such as palmtops for a safer tour and getting better information could boost trekking tourism.

 

In Workshop:
Evaluation of web pages of Metsovo range
Abstract

These last few years the internet has started playing a more dynamic role in the everyday life of people of all ages. One of it’s many versatile uses is in tourism. The internet is widely used as a means of promoting areas were tourism is a main source of income and developement. In Greece, web sites projecting landmarks, tourist accommodations and activities are common. Various municipalities take advantage of the internet to promote their region in order to attract tourists and keep their inhabitants informed of local current events. The town of Metsovo, and its greater area, is a well known and popular tourist destination in Greece. But how is Metsovo promoted through the internet? This study aims to shed light on the quality of local promotional web sites by pointing out any possible deficiencies, as well as revealing exactly how the area is projected through the world wide web. If these web sites create an initial impression of the area to potential tourists and also keep local inhabitants informed of their area then their quality is essential for local development.

In Workshop:
Metsovo beyond the central square: Interesting routes in the town of Metsovo
Abstract

In this paper it  is attempted to highlight alternative tourist routes in the town of Metsovo, depending on the personal interests of visitors, through the use of Geographic Information Systems. The main objective is the diffusion of tourist mobility in the town of Metsovo, in order to decongest the central square and appoint the whole town.

The tourist routes were located, after interviews with the inhabitants of Metsovo, literature review and organized tours within the town. Then, the routes were recorded, using a portable GPS device.

The final results are thematic maps that depict alternative touristic routes that start outside of the settlement and lead to the center of the town. The routes have been categorized depending  on  the time needed for their crossing, as well as the available attractions that the visitor will be able to see, following the proposed routes.

 

In Workshop:
The youth of Metsovo
Abstract

The current study deals with the life of young people in the mountainous regions of Greece, especially in the area of Metsovo. The future of this area depends heavily on the doings of the young people of the area. Goals included in this study are the investigation of the relationship of the young generation with the local physical and social environment. Also, it aims in revealing the aspiration of the young generations of this area, as well as disclosing the forces that affect the scattering of young people. The study was performed by employing codified questionnaires addressed to students of the local Lyceum (high school). Statistical evaluation of the data was performed by using the SPSS software. The results show that the young generation feels a deep affection for the local traditions. However, it seems that a critical core of goals of the young people, in combination with the mass modernized way of life put young people before the dilemma: to leave their home in order to gain education, accomplice a professional carrier, and experience a broader entertainment, or to remain at home continuing the traditional way of life. It seems, therefore necessary that local society recognize the problems and desires of the young generations. In this way the above mentioned dilemma could be resolved in favor of both the young people as well as the local society.

In Workshop:
Monitoring Residential Development in Mountainous Areas. Case Study of Metsovo
Abstract

The residential development in mountain areas is explored in this paper. The town of Metsovo is used as a case study. The main purpose of this paper is to use remote sensing imagery and GIS for detecting land use changes that have occurred in the study area since 1950. The images were geometrically corrected by the use of ERMapper software and georeferenced in ArcGIS environment, along with other related map data. Changes in constructions and urban expansion were determined using overlay analysis and a series of maps showing these changes was generated. The results obtained from  the study area indicate that the use of this methodology can be further applied to similar cases in mountainous areas.

 

In Workshop: