La delimitación de Geomorfología y Suelos a escala 1: 5.000, como insumo para el Ordenamiento Territorial de la ciudad de Otavalo-Ecuador

Abstract

This study includes detailed thematic mapping (scale 1:5,000) of geomorphology and soils as first-hand inputs for the development and planning of the territory of the city of Otavalo, Ecuador. The geomorphology of the study area was photointerpreted in three dimensions through the use of geographic information system tools. Additionally, physical soil variables were qualified in each geomorphological unit or landform. The results indicate that in the 8,116.92 hectares of the city, there are landforms of seven types of origins: volcanic, gravity and mass movements, fluvio-lacustrine, depositional, fluvial erosion, polygenic, and technogenesis. About soils, the dominant texture was loamy sand, with well-drained soils and no presence of the water table. In conclusion, the photointerpretation or geomorphological delimitation at a 1:5,000 scale, in addition to providing morphological and morphometric information about landforms, allowed the zoning of soil variables. This combined information is essential for the management and use of the territory by decision-makers and serves as basic data for the development of other studies such as landslide threats, floods, or land use capacity.