Landscape metrics application in ecological and visual landscape assessment

Suzana Gavrilovic,Nevena Vasiljevic,Vladimir Pihler,Boris Radic

doi:10.2298/gsf1716029g

Suzana Gavrilovic, Nevena Vasiljevic + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.2298/gsf1716029g

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Abstract

The development of landscape-ecological approach application in spatial planning provides exact theoretical and empirical evidence for monitoring ecological consequences of natural and/or anthropogenic factors, particularly changes in spatial structures caused by them. Landscape pattern which feature diverse landscape values is the holder of the unique landscape character at different spatial levels and represents a perceptual domain for its users. Using the landscape metrics, the parameters of landscape composition and configuration are mathematical algorithms that quantify the specific spatial characteristics used for interpretation of landscape features and processes (physical and ecological aspect), as well as forms (visual aspect) and the meaning (cognitive aspect) of the landscape. Landscape metrics has been applied mostly in the ecological and biodiversity assessments as well as in the determination of the level of structural change of landscape, but more and more applied in the assessment of the visual character of the landscape. Based on a review of relevant literature, the aim of this work is to show the main trends of landscape metrics within the aspect of ecological and visual assessments. The research methodology is based on the analysis, classification and systematization of the research studies published from 2000 to 2016, where the landscape metrics is applied: (1) the analysis of landscape pattern and its changes, (2) the analysis of biodiversity and habitat function and (3) a visual landscape assessment. By selecting representative metric parameters for the landscape composition and configuration, for each category is formed the basis for further landscape metrics research and application for the integrated ecological and visual assessment of the landscape values. Contemporary conceptualization of the landscape is seen holistically, and the future research should be directed towards the development of integrated landscape assessment as a guideline for spatial development planning.

Highlights

The application of landscape-ecological approach in spatial planning opened the way for a different dialogue between spatial planners and ecologists, providing the exact theoretical and empirical evidence for monitoring ecological consequences caused by changes in landscape structure
In the second stage of the operation, the works were clasified in three categories: (1) landscape pattern and its change, (2) the biodiversity and habitat functions and (3) visual landscape assessment, which are analyzed in order to form the database, while the works that have not been explicitly referred to the application of the landscape metrics was not considered
In the category related to the landscape pattern and its changes, the selected articles are related to the analysis of the pattern and its changes that are often the result of anthropogenic influence - changes caused by the modifications of land use

Summary

Introduction

The application of landscape-ecological approach in spatial planning opened the way for a different dialogue between spatial planners and ecologists, providing the exact theoretical and empirical evidence for monitoring ecological consequences caused by changes in landscape structure. The landscape pattern, or landscape character gets value that is perceived as a holistic, dynamic and perceptible spatial entity (Antro p , 2005; Va s i l j ev i c , Z i v kov i c , 2009; Va s i l j ev i c , 2012; Va s i l j ev i c , Radic , 2016). The landscape is interpreted as the surface of the earth that represents a complex system of aesthetic (visual), cultural, ecological and economic systems The value of this system is materialized in the landscape pattern, respectively landscape character, that reflects human perception and sense of belonging (vo n H aaren , 2002). The determination of the value, which represents the integration of structural and visual aspects of the contemporary landscape concept, ie its operationalization and quantification, is the challenge of contemporary planning of spatial development

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