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Application of Geo-Technologies Within the Socio-economic Analysis and Its Implication to the Territory Reception Capacity – A Case Study of Esmeraldas, NW Ecuador

Abstract:

The city of Esmeraldas exposes several vulnerabilities to natural disasters, health deficiencies, as well as inaccessibility to basic services and education. Therefore, it appears the need to identify the relationships between its socio-economic status and the corresponding territorial conditions. The current study aims to identify spatial relations in the territory using geo-technologies and a holistic evaluation of landscape ecology, as the starting point for a territory potentials study that includes Physical Constructive Aptitude (PCA) and Receptivity Construction Capacity (RCC). The homogeneous units are established by the information obtained in the spatial data survey in geomorphology, geopedology, coverage and land use, and socio-economic variables. These units are determined by the existing threats in the area, such as floods and landslides, in order to define the level of reciprocity regarding to the population socio-economic status of the study area. The results show that 31% of the population lives in acceptable with strong limitations areas, followed by 29% in the restricted or exclusive areas, 22% in the acceptable with limitations areas, and 17% in the acceptable areas. Therefore, most of the population lives in limited areas for construction and have low socio-economic status.