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Geo-technologies Applied to the Spatial Analysis of Territorial Inequalities - Case Study of Latacunga, Central Ecuador

Abstract:

This research zonifies territorial inequalities in Latacunga (Ecuador), considered one of the cities with high global vulnerability to risks due to its geo-graphic location. Based on the information generated by the former Ecuadorian Space Institute, through the project “Generation of geospatial information at a scale of 1: 5 000 for the determination of the physical fitness of the territory and urban development through the use of geotechnologies”, taking landscape ecology as a methodological synthesis, the hypothesis of the existing spatial relationship between socioeconomic level (SES) versus constructive physical aptitude (CFA) is proposed to determine territorial inequalities. For the CFA, five categories were determined (defined by the analysis of the geomorphological characteristics -such as slope and geological factor- and edaphic -such as water table, drainage, texture and stony-), prevailing the suitable areas with severe limitations in 70% of the territory. Regarding the SES (granted by the type of housing, availability of basic services, level of education and economic activity), the medium-low status predominates with 44%, showing marked differences between the five levels obtained. From the interaction between SES and CFA, 9 homogeneous units were established that determine territorial inequalities, prevailing, in 54%, the unit with CFA with severe to extreme limitations with a low SES. Therefore, it is evident that the geospatial knowledge generated when determining the relationship between the SES and the CFA of the territory allows decision-making authorities to design policies and projects that reduce territorial inequalities, through the understanding of the relationships between housing, services, space and characteristics of the soil.