Changes In Landscape Structure Research Articles

The impacts of landscape structure changes on urban surface temperature and heat islands formation of a growing city in southern Sri Lanka

The impacts of landscape structure changes on urban surface temperature and heat islands formation of a growing city in southern Sri Lanka

Linking changes in landscape structure to insect herbivory in forest edges and interiors of Atlantic Forest remnants.

Human activities have triggered profound changes in natural landscapes, resulting in species loss and disruption of pivotal ecological interactions such as insect herbivory. This antagonistic interaction is affected by complex pathways (e.g., abundance of herbivores and predators, plant chemical defenses, and resource availability), but the knowledge regarding how forest loss and fragmentation affect insect herbivory in human-modified tropical landscapes still remains poorly understood. In this context, we assessed multi-pathways by which changes in landscape structure likely influence insect herbivory in 20 Atlantic forest fragments in Brazil. Using path analysis, we estimated the direct effects of forest cover and forest edge density, and the indirect effect via canopy openness, number of understory plants and phenolic compounds, on leaf damage in understory plants located in the edge and interior of forest fragments. In particular, plants located in forest edges experienced greater leaf damage than interior ones. We observed that landscape edge density exerted a positive and direct effect on leaf damage in plants sampled at the edge of forest fragments. Our findings also indicated that forest loss and increase of edge density led to an increase in the canopy opening in the forest interior, which causes a reduction in the number of understory plants and, consequently, an increase in leaf damage. In addition, we detected that phenolic compounds negatively influence leaf damage in forest interior plants. Given the increasing forest loss in tropical regions, in which forest fragments become stranded in highly deforested, edge-dominated and degraded landscapes, our study highlights the pervasive enhancement in insect herbivory in remaining forest fragments-especially along forest edges and canopy gaps in the forest interior. As a result, increased herbivory is likely to affect forest regeneration and accelerate the ecological meltdown processes in these highly deforested and disturbed anthropogenic landscapes.

Analysis of landscape structure changes in Marmara Lake and its surrounding area using remote sensing data

This study investigates temporal changes in the landscape structure of Lake Marmara (Gölmarmara, Manisa, Türkiye), a designated bird sanctuary and registered wetland, over 10 years period using remote sensing techniques. The analysis employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) on satellite imagery from 2015 and 2024, processed through the ArcGIS/ArcMap software, to assess landscape metrics within the study area. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) was also utilized to evaluate the interactions between the water body, wetlands, and their surroundings. The findings were further supported by surface temperature analysis (STA) and comparative data. NDVI analysis revealed a 39.38% reduction in the Lake Marmara water body, an 11.09% decrease in forested areas, and an 8.28% decline in tree/shrub areas over 10 years. The dominant tree species in the forest vegetation was Pinus brutia, while other prevalent species included Quercus coccifera, Cistus creticus, Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia lentiscus, Arbutus andrachne, Arbutus unedo, Olea europaea, Erica arborea, Phillyrea latifolia, and Sarcopoterium spinosum. Conversely, residential areas expanded by 21.21%, and agricultural areas increased by 4.11%. NDWI analysis indicated a 14.46% reduction in moderately dry areas and a 41.92% increase in dry areas. Furthermore, surface temperature data showed an increase over the 10 years. This study is expected to contribute significantly to the field by providing insights into sustainable land use and planning strategies. It offers a comprehensive perspective on wetland management and conservation of biological diversity by elucidating the temporal and spatial relationships between wetlands and their environment, considering both ecological and anthropogenic factors.

Historical landscape structures of the eastern part of upper Medzibodrožie region

Landscape represents a specific part of the earth's surface, while it has its own structure – primary, secondary and tertiary. The secondary landscape structure consists of elements of land use and material creations of man, which currently fill the earth's surface. The aim of the paper is to evaluate, based on the analysis of historical military and topographical maps, the changes in the secondary landscape structure in the area formed by the cadastral territories of selected municipalities in the eastern part of Upper Medzibodrožie Region. On four maps showing selected territories of Upper Medzibodrožie Region, we compare extensive changes that have occurred in the landscape structure mainly as a result of human intervention in the landscape structure. Historical maps show that the use of the Upper Medzibodrožie Region landscape has changed significantly over the past 150 years. River regulation, drainage works, deforestation and also the transformation of agriculture had a major impact on these changes. The results show that the largest decrease in area representation was recorded by forests and the largest increase by arable land.

Spatiotemporal landscape pattern changes and their effects on land surface temperature in greenbelt with semi-arid climate: A case study of the Erbil City, Iraq

Urban expansion of cities has caused changes in land use and land cover (LULC) in addition to transformations in the spatial characteristics of landscape structure. These alterations have generated heat islands and rise of land surface temperature (LST), which consequently have caused a variety of environmental issues and threated the sustainable development of urban areas. Greenbelts are employed as an urban planning containment policy to regulate urban expansion, safeguard natural open spaces, and serve adaptation and mitigation functions. And they are regarded as a powerful measure for enhancing urban environmental sustainability. Despite the fact that, the relation between landscape structure change and variation of LST has been examined thoroughly in many studies, but there is a limitation concerning this relation in semi-arid climate and in greenbelts as well, with the lacking of comprehensive research combing both aspects. Accordingly, this study investigated the spatiotemporal changes of landscape pattern of LULC and their relationship with variation of LST within an inner greenbelt in the semi-arid Erbil City of northern Iraq. The study utilized remote sensing data to retrieve LST, classified LULC, and calculated landscape metrics for analyzing spatial changes during the study period. The results indicated that both composition and configuration of LULC had an impact on the variation of LST in the study area. The Pearson’s correlation showed the significant effect of Vegetation 1 type (VH), cultivated land (CU), and bare soil (BS) on LST, as increase of LST was related to the decrease of VH and the increases of CU and BS, while, neither Vegetation 2 type (VL) nor built-up (BU) had any effects. Additionally, the spatial distribution of LULC also exhibited significant effects on LST, as LST was strongly correlated with landscape indices for VH, CU, and BS. However, for BU, only aggregation index metric affected LST, while none of VL metrics had a relation. The study provides insights for landscape planners and policymakers to not only develop more green spaces in greenbelt but also optimize the spatial landscape patterns to reduce the influence of LST on the urban environment, and further promote sustainable development and enhance well-being in the cities with semi-arid climate.

Landscape changes in Czech large protected areas 1950–2020: Two different landscapes types on the same path

Landscape and its development is crucial for viability and management of protected areas, therefore, we focused on Czech large protected areas and analysed their land cover and landscape structure changes from the 1950s to recent times. Based on four milestones (1950, 1990, 2004 and 2020), data from topographic maps and aerial imagery were vectorized and use for following steps as analysing main trends of changes: an increase in forest in all areas and extensification of agriculture; the latter was expressed by permanent grassland growth in almost all areas and by arable land decrease. Urbanisation was reflected in the growth of built-up areas. However, these changes did not take place equally across all protected areas. Therefore, we distinguished two groups: 1) more stable (in terms of land cover change) and forested areas; 2) protected landscape areas which were also established for conservation of cultural landscape with open land cover categories, which showed larger changes. Moreover, landscape structure shows its simplification during the study period across almost all protected areas. Therefore, our results indicate that, in some protected areas, landscape stability and in some others landscape diversity are their values.

Landscape structure influences the spatial distribution of urban bird attractiveness

ContextLandscape change affects biological diversity and the distribution of species traits related to spiritual, educational, and recreational benefits people derive from nature. These traits are associated with color, song and behavioral characteristics that influence people's perceptions of how attractive an assemblage is. However, the environmental variables that affect the spatial distribution of traits related to the attractiveness of biological diversity remain unexplored.ObjectivesWe tested how landscape structure influences patterns of perceived bird attractiveness (trait diversity associated with colorfulness, behavioral and song categories) across an urbanization gradient.MethodsWe used data from standardized surveys of birds and landscapes within 42 landscape units of 1km2 across the city of Brisbane in eastern Australia. We used structural equation modeling to test effects of landscape composition (built infrastructure, percentage of tree cover) and landscape configuration (fragmentation of tree cover) on mean bird community attractiveness. Relationships between individual traits and landscape structure were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models.ResultsOur analysis across 82 bird species shows that the relative amount of built infrastructure in a landscape interacts with fragmentation to reduce the overall attractiveness of the landscape’s bird assemblage. However, built areas can exhibit high overall bird attractiveness where there is (1) reduced fragmentation and (2) increased diversity of vegetation structure that provides key habitats for many colorful species with a high diversity of calls. Relationships between bird attractiveness and landscape structure change when they are analyzed at the guild level (insectivores vs frugivores/nectarivores). In addition, body size moderates the effects of landscape structure on song complexity, personality, and color.ConclusionsSmall bodied, colorful and melodious species are negatively affected by built infrastructure and fragmentation. By learning how habitat loss and fragmentation affect the distribution of species-rich, attractive bird assemblages, our findings can inform how urban landscapes might be structured to increase people’s connection with nature.

Reintroduction strategies for rare arable weeds in agricultural practice and their influence on yield

AbstractAgricultural intensification and changing landscape structure led to decreasing numbers of arable flora and fauna during the last decades. To counteract these declines, arable plant diversity needs to be restored. It is important to promote regional plant communities including endangered species to ensure adaption to agricultural landscapes. Therefore, this study examines the development of arable plant diversity, crop yield and the reintroduction success of rare arable plants (RAPs) under different practical farming strategies in cereals from 2019 to 2021 in southwestern Germany. Farming strategies varied regarding weed control intensity (none, mechanical, herbicide with and without efficiency gap), fertilisation (mineral and none) and row spacing (12.5 cm and 20 cm). Additionally, two different seed mixtures containing RAP and common species were used for reintroduction: one commercially available and another self‐composed. Reintroduction success was quite high with more than 80% establishment rate. Species numbers doubled in all treatments over time, except the one with herbicide application, with on average 8–10 species emerging from the soil seed bank. Reintroduction of RAP increased arable plant species richness further up to 37 species. The site‐adapted mixture showed in the end a site‐typical weed community. Yield was significantly lower in treatments with reintroduction via sown mixtures and no weed control, losing on average 65% yield. The reintroduction of RAP was successful and accompanied by an increasing floral diversity, however, with a simultaneous yield loss. Financial incentives or subsidies are therefore still necessary to compensate yield loss for reintroduction and conservation efforts.

Exploring agricultural landscape change from the second half of the twentieth century onwards: combining aerial imagery with farmer perspectives

ContextAnthropogenic landscape change is an important driver shaping our environment. Historical landscape analysis contributes to the monitoring and understanding of these change processes. Such analyses are often focused on specific spatial scales and single research methods, thus covering only limited aspects of landscape change.ObjectivesHere, we aim to assess the potential of combining the analysis of historical aerial imagery and local stakeholder interviews for landscape change studies using a standardized mapping and interviewing approach.MethodsWe compared six agricultural landscapes across Europe and mapped land-cover using historical aerial imagery (starting between 1930 and 1980, depending on data availability, until recent years) with an object-based image analysis and random forest classification. For local perspectives of landscape change, we conducted oral history interviews (OHIs) with (almost) retired farmers. Comparing recorded landscape changes from both approaches provided insight into advantages of combining these two methods.ResultsObject-based analysis enabled the identification of high-resolution land-cover dynamics, with scale enlargement and cropland/grassland expansion being the most commonly recurring trends across European landscapes. Perceived landscape changes identified in the OHIs included changes in farm management, landscape structure, and infrastructure. Farmers also reported drivers and personal values associated with landscape change. Combining the two historical landscape analysis tools resulted in a qualitative and quantitative understanding of changes in land-cover, land use, and land management.ConclusionsComparing physical land-cover change with local farmer perspectives is key to a comprehensive understanding of landscape change. There are different ways the two methods can be combined, leading to different venues for science and policy making.

Multiple scenario land use simulation based on a coupled MOGA-PLUS model: a case of the Yellow River Basin.

Land use changes have profoundly influenced global environmental dynamics. The Yellow River (YR), as the world's fifth-longest river, significantly contributes to regional social and economic growth due to its extensive drainage area, making it a key global player. To ensure ecological stability and coordinate land use demand, modeling the future land allocation patterns of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) will assist in striking a balance between land use functions and the optimization of its spatial design, particularly in water and sand management. In this research, we used a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) with the PLUS model to simulate several different futures for the YRB's land use between 1990 and 2020 and predict its spatial pattern in 2030. An analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of land use changes in the YRB indicated that construction land expansion is the primary driver of landscape pattern and structure changes and ecological degradation, with climate change also contributing to the expansion of the watershed area. On the other hand, the multi-scenario simulation, constrained by specific targets, revealed that economic development was mainly reflected in land expansion for construction. At the same time, grassland and woodland were essential pillars to support the region's ecological health, and increasing the development of unused land emerged as a potential pathway towards sustainable development in the region. This study could be used as a template for the long-term growth of other large river basins by elucidating the impacts of human activities on land use and rationalizing land resource allocation under various policy constraints.

Seasonal changes in ecosystem health and their spatial relationship with landscape structure in china's Loess plateau

Environmental managers have sought to optimize landscape structure to maintain regional ecosystem health (EH). However, we still lack a full understanding of the effects of changing landscape structure on EH, especially in terms of shorter time scales (e.g., monthly or seasonal scales) and spatial heterogeneity. To address this gap, this study used the vigor-organization-resilience-services (VORS) model to assess the annual and seasonal variation of EH in the Loess Plateau (LP) during 2000–2015, and then applied the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to investigate the spatial effects of different aspects (i.e., landscape composition and configuration) of the landscape structure change on EH over time. Our results showed that the EH level in the LP from 2000 to 2015 displayed temporal non-stationarity at annual and seasonal scales, and a spatial pattern of decreasing from southeast to northwest. The effects of landscape structure on EH had obvious spatial and temporal heterogeneity, depending on the local landscape composition and configuration. In general, landscape configuration exerted a greater impact on EH than landscape composition apart from Shannon’s diversity index and percentage of forestland area, but the intensity and direction of the impact displayed higher temporally instability and therefore should receive more attention. Furthermore, regulation of the dominant patch size, landscape connectivity and forest spatial spacing is the optimal choice for regional ecosystem management. The results suggest that EH responses to changes in landscape structure in the LP vary by time and place, and that the integrating temporal variation and spatial characteristics can help decision-makers make precise spatial arrangements and temporal adjustments to keep the negative ecological impacts within reasonable limits.

Characterizing landscape fragmentation of Koitobos river sub-basin, Trans-Nzoia, Kenya

The changes in landscape structure and functioning due to unprecedented human interference are hastening across the globe and it is thus a compelling necessity to preserve and restore our ecosystems. This study aimed to characterize levels of landscape fragmentation, habitat structure, driving forces, and perceptions of the residents on the most preferred reconfiguration approaches. The land use/land cover [LULC] change was first determined by interpreting the 1973, 1986, 1995, 2002, 2014, and 2022 Landsat images using the QGIS 3.26 while the selected landscape fragmentation metrics were analyzed using FRAGSTATS 4.2. Forests, shrubs, and grasslands showed a declining trend, except for agriculture, water, and built-up areas, which depicted high increases for the study periods [1973 to 2022]. The landscape of the study area is characterized as progressively fragmenting as signified by high escalated values of patch number [374 %], edge density [7828 %] between 1986 and 2002, contagion [10.3%], and a declined value of Shannon Diversity Index [SHDI] [-17.42%], Shannon evenness index [SHEI] [-25.8 %] and connectedness [-43.3%]. Considering these results, high losses of forests and grasslands coupled with expansive farmlands and built-up areas have led to unprecedented landscape fragmentation From field surveys and oral interviews, this has not only left streams vulnerable to massive sediment loads but has also triggered annual floods which occur during wet months even though change in onset of rainfall seasons was also reported. The findings call for restoration and integrated and sustainable restoration efforts, especially for the forests, grasslands, and riparian corridors along with sustainable urban planning and community-based sensitization on watershed management.

Seed‐dispersal mode and habitat connectivity underpin variation in carbon stocking between Brazilian biomes

Abstract In tropical forests, about 60%–80% of woody plant species depend on animal–plant interactions for dispersal. The dependence on animal species for dispersal makes this interaction very fragile in the face of anthropogenic changes in land use. Disrupting seed‐dispersal processes, principally zoochoric dispersal, could significantly alter the long‐term carbon storage potential of tropical forests. An important question is how landscape structure changes tree carbon stocks in different types of tropical vegetation and how variation is mediated by the dispersal mode of animal (zoochoric) or abiotic (non‐zoochoric) seeds. We focused on tree plots at 126 sites in Brazil spanning four types of forest and savanna vegetation, and calculated carbon stored in zoochoric, non‐zoochoric, and large frugivore‐dispersed species. Our results showed that carbon stocks in zoochoric species and non‐zoochoric species differ significantly among vegetation types, with rainforests having higher stocks in zoochoric species and deciduous seasonally dry tropical forests having higher values in non‐zoochoric species. A greater area of native vegetation promotes higher proportions of carbon stocks dispersed by large frugivore species, whereas a higher mean shape index reduces this proportion. Synthesis. This study highlights that seed‐dispersal type underpins the variation in carbon stocks between vegetation types and that the maintenance of habitat of large dispersers and connectivity are key for retaining carbon stocks in zoochoric species, particularly in rainforest and cerrado sensu stricto.

Computational insights into dynamics and conformational stability of N-acetylmannosamine kinase mutations

The activity of UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase (GNE) is essential for the biosynthesis of sialic acid, which is involved in cellular processes in health and diseases. GNE contains an N-terminal epimerase domain and a C-terminal kinase domain (N-acetylmannosamine kinase, MNK). Mutations of the GNE protein led to hypoactivity of the enzyme and cause sialurea or autosomal recessive inclusion body myopathy/Nonaka myopathy. Here, we used all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to comprehend the folding, dynamics and conformational stability of MNK variants, including the wild type (WT) and three mutants (H677R, V696M and H677R/V696M). The deleterious and destabilizing nature of MNK mutants were predicted using different prediction tools. Results predicted that mutations modulate the stability, flexibility and function of MNK. The effect of mutations on the conformational stability and dynamics of MNK was next studied through the free-energy landscape (FEL), hydrogen-bonds and secondary structure changes. The FEL results show that the mutations interfere with various conformational transitions in both WT and mutants, exposing the structural underpinnings of protein destabilization and unfolding brought on by mutation. We discover that, when compared to the other two mutations, V696M and H677R/V696M, H677R has the most harmful effects. These findings have a strong correlation with published experimental studies that demonstrate how these mutations disrupt MNK activity. Hence, this computational study describes the structural details to unravel the mutant effects at the atomistic resolution and has implications for understanding the GNE's physiological and pathological role. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

The legacy of millennial-scale land-use practices on landscape composition, diversity and slope erosion in the subalpine areas of Eastern Carpathians, Romania

We conducted multi-proxy analyses in two subalpine lakes, Lake Gropile, in the Rodna Mountains and Lake Vinderelu in the Maramureș Mountains, the Eastern Carpathians, Romania, to investigate the effect of different land-use practices on landscape composition, diversity and slope erosion. In the case of Lake Gropile, results evidenced a more extended tree and shrub cover and high fire activity between 6400 and 2800 cal yr BP, accompanied by reduced soil erosion, which appeared more strongly regulated by climatic conditions. Anthropogenic impact became evident 2800 years ago, when landscape openness, pasturing, and disturbance of soil cover increased and intensified over the last four centuries. In the case of Lake Vinderelu, intensified burning was followed by grazing around 1200–1100 cal yr BP and continued throughout the last millennium. Results also highlight the site-specific effects of land-use on vegetation composition and landscape diversity. For Lake Vinderelu, a combined effect of local burning and grazing in removing shrub cover appear to be the main drivers of changes in landscape diversity and structure. At Lake Gropile, fire was more connected to shrub cover changes while grazing to herbaceous cover diversity. Moderate to low grazing appeared to benefit both subalpine ecosystems, creating rich grassland-shrub mosaic communities, while overgrazing reduced landscape diversity and exacerbated erosion. Our findings document the millennial-scale legacy of land-use practices on the subalpine landscapes in this region. We propose that these semi-natural ecosystems hold important ecological and cultural value, and recommend their maintenance through controlled, low intensity pasturing and/or burning.

Changes in landscape structure in the Pratigi Environmental Protection Area, Bahia, Brazil

This study examined the landscape structure of a sustainable-use conservation unit within the Atlantic Forest biome in Bahia, Brazil, from a landscape ecology perspective. The primary objective was to analyze the landscape structure of the Pratigi Environmental Protection Area (Pratigi EPA) using structural landscape metrics. The research focused the question: What were the changes in the landscape structure patterns within the Pratigi EPA between 1985 and 2021? Annual land use and occupation data for Brazil from 1985 to 2021 were obtained from the MapBiomas database, and landscape metrics were analyzed using R software. The results indicated that the forest class was predominant in the landscape but decreased from 122,394.15 ha in 1985 to 107,737.29 ha in 2021, a loss of 14,656.86 ha. Conversely, the agriculture class increased from 28,298.88 ha in 1985 to 43,453.62 ha in 2021, representing an increase of 15,154.74 ha. These findings support the hypothesis that the exploitation of natural resources within the Pratigi EPA may reduce biodiversity due to the expansion of agricultural activities. Therefore, new public policies and the implementation of sustainable measures to mitigate environmental conflicts are necessary to preserve ecological and ecosystem processes in the region.

Демократична модель трансформації культурного ландшафту міста

Background. The analysis of the city's cultural landscape allows investigation of features and the context of local culture. The hybrid organization of the city as a media-architectural complex, and the involvement of city residents in the processes of making administrative decisions in various forms create a field for a democratic model of transformation of the cities' cultural landscapes. This model provides not just residents' free access to the city space but also their active participation in making decisions about its use and making changes. Methods. The methods of empirical analysis, systematization, generalization, and comparison of the obtained data, as well as the description of the obtained results, were used. Results. The cultural landscape of the city is the result of the interaction of various actors – local self-government, public organizations, enterprises, creative industries, and residents. Changes in politics, economy, and society can contribute to the development of new ideas and approaches to the cultural landscape of the city that reflect current needs and values. The democratic model of a city's cultural landscape development requires an effective communication system between all actors. The media play here a key role by shaping the perception, idea, and public opinion of urban space, and influencing decision-making in this domain. In the context of the studied model of the city's cultural landscape development, the media have an important task of ensuring openness and availability of information about various initiatives and projects implemented in the city. They help involve citizens in discussions, consultations, and public debates on city development issues, and promote the formation of common development goals and strategies. Conclusions. It was defined that the development of a democratic model of the city's cultural landscape transformation is important for ensuring sustainable urban development and improving the residents' quality of life. The media play an important role in creating an open and transparent urban environment that promotes the active participation of citizens in decision-making processes and shaping the city's cultural landscape. Their role is to ensure wide access to information, facilitate an open exchange of views and ideas, and support dialogue between all stakeholders in urban development. Local residents as social actors can make deep changes in the city's cultural landscape structure. This plays a positive role for local democracies and the culture of interaction because local actors are the most interested party when a local-level problem acquires a high level of complexity.

Ecosystem Service Value Changes in Response to Land Use Dynamics in Lithuania

Changes in land cover affect ecosystems and the services they provide. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial changes in land use from 1990 to 2018 and analyze the changes in ecosystem service value (ESV) in response to the changes in landscape structure in Lithuania. Croplands provided the majority of the ESV, followed by forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The total ESV in Lithuania was USD 29 billion year−1 in 2018, and land use had a significant impact on ESV, with a total decrease of USD 438 million year−1 between 1990 and 2018. The total ESV change was mainly influenced by the decrease in provisioning (USD 426 million year−1) and regulating (USD 208 million year−1) services. The reduction in cropland area was a major factor in the loss of ESV. The increase in the value of habitat and cultural services was not large enough to offset the reduction of the ESV. The highest elasticities were in the urban municipalities, indicating a significant change in ESV due to land use change. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the potential of the sustainable management and regeneration of ecosystems.

Landscape effects of urbanisation in a post-socialist city. A case study of Wrocław (Poland)

Progressing urbanisation is contributing to the changes of vertical and horizontal landscape structure. The aim of this paper is to investigate the spatial regularities of changes in the landscape pattern that resulted from the urbanisation processes in Wrocław (Poland) between 1994 and 2020. The research area is an example of a post-socialist city characterized by fluctuating spatial processes, especially after the economic and political transformation of the year 1989. In the empirical part, authors have analysed the changes in the number of buildings and the structure of land cover using methods of spatial analysis in a GIS environment, with a particular focus on landscape metrics. The results show two main trends in landscape changes within the city boundaries, which the authors refer to as expansion and transformation. These processes were related to various driving forces and their intensity depended on analysed sub-periods and distance from the city centre. Expansion and transformation are mainly exhibited by an increase in developed area at the cost of the decline of natural and open areas (especially agricultural lands) and densification in central areas.

Assessing current use and visions for sacral complexes in a landscape: An example from Central Europe

Abstract A significant phenomenon of sacral complexes in a landscape is their cultural heritage dimension. They are part of historical landscape structures, representing a type of cultural landscape. In addition, they are often perceived as important landscape landmarks and symbols. In Slovakia (Central Europe), most such complexes are abandoned and deteriorated. In this context presented paper deals with the assessment and possible future human use of Calvary in Hliník nad Hronom (Slovakia) in order to preserve it for future generations. A central aspect of our research work presented in this contribution is to elaborate a sustainable and feasible concept for the Calvary following the integrated approach of its revitalization. Firstly, we analyzed Calvary´s historical and regional setting with the help of a thorough review of literature, historical maps, and pictures. Then we evaluated architectural, landscape, and vegetation values, as well as landscape structure changes using relevant methodologies. Based on this evaluation, much fieldwork, and social survey we were able to identify the current problems of the place connected with abandonment and use, evaluated values, socio-economic factors, and preservation policies. Subsequently, we prepared a future concept for the Calvary following the selected criteria and distinguishing features and looking at the Calvary as a result of collective work. Finally, recommendations were formulated for legal framework and spatial planning procedures in order to enforce better preservation of values of sacral complexes in the country.