TYPOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF SETTLEMENTS IN THE RURAL HINTERLAND OF THE BAY OF BOKA KOTORSKA

Rural settlements in the hinterland of the Bay of Boka Kotorska reflect the centuries-old blend of the outstanding natural values and different local traditions in the use of space. They were developed in different cultural, historical, social and economic conditions. By applying the GIS tools and by overlaying different thematic maps with high resolution orthophotos, an analysis of spatial structures and causal processes in these areas is carried out. Topological classification of rural settlements is done based on morphological, geological and pedological characteristics of the settlement areas, on the presence of cultural and historical elements and forms of agricultural patterns. A key criterion in the classification was the presence of spatial elements that have contributed to the formation of an authentic and specific identity of these settlements. The three basic types and seven newly developed subtypes of rural settlements of Boka Kotorska are defined and shown. The identification of these settlements is done by further overlapping of extracted polygons with topographic maps. Introducing spatial values and the historical development of rural settlements in the hinterland of the Bay of Boka Kotorska represent a solid basis that can be used to direct the course of their further development and highlight the importance of preserving the spatial identity. The analysis of traditional architecture and spatial planning and rational and careful study of the man`s attitude towards the natural basis in the past enabled the use of former experiences to plan further development of these areas in order to restore the abandoned cultural context.