An analysis of changes in land use on three sites located in the Orleanais natural region from 1949 to 2006

A diachronic analysis of aerial photographs of three sites in Orleanais natural region (not including state forests) show that landscapes have become increasingly complex over the last fifty years in the vicinity of cities. Changes in use mainly concern forest expansion which occurs to the detriment of open environments and hedges, particularly in rural areas. This expansion, involving mostly deciduous species, has retained the contour of forests that already existed in the 19. century. The use of aerial photographs furthermore highlights the different silvicultural practices applied in 1949 illustrating how heavily wood was relied on as a source of energy. (authors)