The spatial dynamics of landscapes are the consequence of a multiplicity of
relations among physical, biological and social forces. So, it is essential the assessment
of the driving forces related to Land Use and Land Cover changes (LULC) to
understand the change process. The stochastic modeling technique in Geographical
Information System (GIS) - Markov Chain (MC) analysis and Cellular Automata (CA)
allows the predictions of future changes based on changes that have occurred in the
past. This chapter aims to present a dynamic simulation model for LULC changes in
‘Sado Estuary’ and ‘Comporta-Galé’ Natura 2000 Sites (Portugal) for the beginning of
the second half of the XXI century by using MC and CA. Regarding the quantification
of the fragmentation processes and LULC changes in ‘Sado Estuary’ and ‘Comporta-
Galé’ Natura 2000 Sites, these models are able to reveal non-obvious trends in the data
and to describe ecological patterns. From an applied research point of view, this
approach is useful to identifying adequate planning and management strategies for
coastal ecosystems, for monitoring and planning natural and protected environments.
Keywords: Cellular Automata, GIS, Land Change Modeler, Land use and Land
Cover, Markov Chains, Sado Estuary and Comporta Galé Natura 2000 Sites.
