Schnittachsen oder Verbundlinien? Energiefreileitungen in der Landschaft Schnittachsen oder Verbundlinien? Energiefreileitungen in der Landschaft

Abstract

Today's electricity supply is strictly based on power lines. In order to reduce the fragmentation effects of power lines on scenic beauty, we propose a) a quantitative method using digital high resolution models of elevation to optimize the placement of the pylons and b) an expert evaluation model using landscape identity as the main criterion to assess and reduce negative aesthetic impacts. On the other hand, power lines may be aesthetically integrated into landscapes exhibiting a high structural diversity. Ecological fragmentation effects of power lines on ecosystems and animal and plant populations are twofold: Firstly, bird collisions with the power line reduce population sizes. Secondly, habitats and ecosystems are interrupted by the crossing routes of power lines. However, these routes may become valuable connecting elements in the landscape, if biotope management plans properly address the site-specific potentials and account for the prevailing processes of landscape change. Bird collisions cannot be prevented, but can be reduced by conductor-marking. Today's electricity supply is strictly based on power lines. In order to reduce the fragmentation effects of power lines on scenic beauty, we propose a) a quantitative method using digital high resolution models of elevation to optimize the placement of the pylons and b) an expert evaluation model using landscape identity as the main criterion to assess and reduce negative aesthetic impacts. On the other hand, power lines may be aesthetically integrated into landscapes exhibiting a high structural diversity. Ecological fragmentation effects of power lines on ecosystems and animal and plant populations are twofold: Firstly, bird collisions with the power line reduce population sizes. Secondly, habitats and ecosystems are interrupted by the crossing routes of power lines. However, these routes may become valuable connecting elements in the landscape, if biotope management plans properly address the site-specific potentials and account for the prevailing processes of landscape change. Bird collisions cannot be prevented, but can be reduced by conductor-marking.