Area: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Scale 1:12,500
Year: 1993
Introduction
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. It is a city in southern Croatia on the Adriatic Sea coast. It is one of the World Heritage Sites according to UNESCO list. Tourists from all walks of life flock the city. Besides, the city is a regional hub of trade. Dubrovnik is located at Latitude 42.642756 and Longitude 18.110658.
The physical environment
The city is along the coastline. It lies below mountain ranges and some smaller mountains. There is a steep slope as one moves from the coastline eastwards. The small mountains in the eastern part are wider and rocky, as seen around Mlini where the coast seems like entering the land. In most places, the area along the coast is about 100 meters wide. The physical location of this city is favorable, being at the foot of small mountains and at the end of Adriatic archipelago. The small mountains can easily be explored and have offered favorable environment for caravaning trade travelling. The mountain ranges act as natural shields that protect the city from cold currents associated with the continental climate. The area has a subtropical climate which highly promotes the vegetation. The city walls run for almost 2 km around the city.
The changes in the physical environment of Dubrovnik, as seen in the current map, are not significant, though noticeable. The coastal area is wider and the vegetation cover of the area has reduced. The broadening of the coastal area is probably due to the human activities as the population of the area bulges. This also explains why the rich vegetation of the area has slightly reduced. Some of the land, initially covered by vegetation, has been converted for settlements especially around the city.
The Settlement Patterns
The population of the area is grouped into three categories: dense, moderate, and sparse. Only the city is densely populated. The population is moderate along the coastline and the major transport networks. Regions away from the major transport lines are sparsely populated. The population is also sparse around the rocky regions such as the eastern side of the map.
The settlement pattern is linear. Most settlements are along the roads and other infrastructure lines. Currently, the area has experienced significant increase in population and the population density has greatly increased. The town is densely populated and some of the areas that had moderate population are now densely populated. Some regions that had no settlements are also inhabited. However, the settlement pattern is still linear. Most of the sparsely populated areas have clustered settlements. There is significant increase in hotels within the city and around the major settlements. The significant change in the settlement patterns is attributed to the rise in population of the area. This is one of the richest tourist destinations in Europe with people from every part of the world visiting the place. As a result, more hotels have been put up, more houses, churches, mosques, synagogues, schools, and hospitals built, and the transport network expanded.
Transport Networks
The area is served by sea, land, and air transport networks. The Port of Dubrovnik serves as the main docking point. Ships and ferries run along the coast, calling at various points. On land, there are both road and rail networks. There are primary roads (major roads), secondary roads, and narrow streets. The roads are concentrated along the coastline and decrease as one moves outwards. The area is also served by railway lines. The railroads are single track and multiple-track. The area has an international airport called the Dubrovnik Airport.
There have not been significant changes in the transport network. However, some observable changes include expansion of the road networks. More streets and substations have been constructed and some roads upgraded to A1 highways. The A1 highway is currently being expanded to Dubrovnik. Various bus terminals and port facilities have also been put in place. A network of modern buses connects the city’s neighborhoods. The expansion and upgrade of the transport network is an indication of its increased demand and use. The rapid increase in people visiting the city necessitates the expansion of the transport network and the associated facilities.
Major land uses and dominant modes of livelihood
The city is undoubtedly green. Most farming is for subsistence in many villages. The land is dotted by vegetable gardens, herbs, and vineyards. The main source of livelihood for the locals is what the land and sea can provide, such as vegetables, olive oil, wine, cheese, and line-caught fish. The excess produce is sold in local markets or traded within the community.
The city is a rich tourist destination due to its climate and magnificent scenery. It has several museums and hotels. The beaches include Lapad Beach and Banje Beach.
Currently, some of the land that was used for faming has been converted for settlements and the number of hotels has rapidly increased.
Works Cited
House, L. Serene, Green, and Enchanting Dubrovnik, Croatia, 2009. Web. 31 May 2012. http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/green-dubrovnik-croatia-travel.html
The topographic map of Dubrovnik, 1993. Web. 31 May 2012. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/world_cities/txu-oclc-49848633-dubrovnik-1993.jpg
The town of Dubrovnik: Geographical position. Web. 31 May 2012. http://www.dubrovnik.in/geographical-position.htm
Dubrovnik City information. Web. 31 May 2012. http://www.dubrovnik.com
