Integrating Spatial Modelling and Interpolation of Environmental Factors in Landscape Design Analysis

Abstract

Rapid landscape change for physical development has led to extensive environmental consequences. Analysing and simulating landscape change's impact is vital in understanding the consequence of existing development scenarios, particularly on the microclimate and thermal comfort. Spatial interpolation is one of the tools capable of visualising the characteristic of the environmental scenario in any area with empirical data. This paper discussed the method of GIS integration in modelling the environmental characteristic (microclimate) in landscape design development. A spatial database is developed based on the input from empirical data, and IDW is used to simulate the environmental characteristic of the landscape in the analysis stage. Using campus landscape rehabilitation at UTMKL Pasir Gudang as an example, an empirical study was conducted to collect the microclimate data and the existing landscape composition. Both existing and future microclimate situations are visualised and simulated to strengthen the understanding of the functionality of the new landscape design proposal. It indicates the performance of the landscape design and demonstrates the thermal comfort level of the campus. This analysis goes beyond aesthetic value evaluation and gives designers the necessary idea to orientate the ideal design concept to optimise ecosystem service to the campus. The spatial interpolation clearly shows the expected environmental condition scenario as the landscape at the campus changes. This simulation significantly improves the decision-making process in landscape design that contributes to an eco-friendly campus where the community will have a more comfortable environment. In conclusion, the spatial interpolation of the environmental characteristic is vital to formulate a substantial understanding of the landscape design consequence to maximise ecosystem service provision.