The Creation of a Standard Forest Map According to Modern Technoeconomic Specifications, Social Requirements, and Legislative Regulations

Abstract The creation of a standardized Forest Map is a fundamental step in documenting and safeguarding forest ecosystems. This process is based on modern technical and economic specifications, societal needs, and legislative frameworks. In Greece, the establishment of the Forest Cadastre was initiated by Law 248/1976, as part of the broader National Cadastre, focusing on forest areas that cover approximately 70% of the country’s total land area. The significance of the Forest Cadastre lies in its role as a key component in the preparation of the National Cadastre, which, according to contemporary understanding, constitutes a comprehensive inventory of real estate under state supervision. The implementation of the National Cadastre began with Law 2308/1995, as part of a broader effort to create a legal system for property relations in Greece, based on cadastral records. Consequently, the previous system of Registrations and Mortgages began to be replaced by the cadastral system. The creation of Forest Maps was formally established by Law 2664/1998. Ideally, the preparation of these maps should precede the broader cadastral process, as the ownership status of an area is closely linked to its designation as forested land. The institutional connection between the Forest Map and the National Cadastre is legally enshrined, with the Greek Cadastre assuming responsibility for the smooth execution of the Forest Map process. In the case of Samothraki Island, where the ownership status of forested lands is unclear and overgrazing has led to significant environmental degradation, the creation of forest maps is of particular importance. The primary goal of cartographic design is to represent geospatial data, concepts, and relationships on a map. In the context of Forest Map development, as in this study focused on Samothraki, the aim is to investigate forested areas, codify the collected data, and visualize the information in suitable cartographic materials. A critical part of this process is the comparison of historical and recent aerial photographs of the same area in order to draw conclusions regarding its forest or non-forest character. In this study, photo interpretations from the years 1945 and 2015 were analyzed, combined with field inspections and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results highlight the need for detailed and accurate mapping to enhance environmental protection and improve the management of the island’s natural resources.