The volume of generated waste, population density and road network density - anthropogenic pressure index

The study attempt to define an anthropogenic pressure index (IA) on the basis of the data, available for Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union districts. The volume of generated waste, population density and road network density, were taken into account to determine this parameter. Each of these factors was given the same level of importance in assessing the degree of its contribution to deterioration of the natural environment. The data were related to the mean of each factor for all districts. This index uses values of IA<100%100% represents an area subjected to the greatest anthropogenic pressure (more than a mean of the negative factors degree). The importance of individual factors was set as 1, assuming that each factor had an equal impact on the environment. In the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union districts, the estimated values of the anthropogenization index range from 3.1 to 14.9 (for Silesia region), and from 13.8 to 78.2 (for Poland). The graphic representation of data, was possible owing to GIS-supported analyses. Visual presentations are shown against the background of Silesian region and Poland maps.