Spatial Planning Methods Research Articles

Voluntary Planning and City Networks: A Systematic Bibliometric Review Addressing Current Issues for Sustainable and Climate-Responsive Planning

Over the years, energy saving and climate change have sparked a challenge in developing innovative spatial and urban planning tools, methods, and approaches for urban areas and territorial management. This challenge has pointed out a gap in the traditional planning framework in tackling energy and climate issues, highlighting the need for renovated spatial planning practices. The current effective measures carried out by the complex network of stakeholders (public and private) are fragmented, and the role of city networks in shaping decisions and interventions has emerged. In particular, among the approaches for urban and territorial planning and the development of climate-responsive measures, this research adopts a specific focus on voluntary planning. The authors, through a literature review and an analysis of nine city networks, investigated how this approach addresses energy and climate issues and how it is linked to the city networks in designing investments and interventions within the urban context. From the authors’ perspective, city networks are the operative component in designing local experiences and applications, contributing to achievement of the global energy and climate targets according to the current policies. In this context, successful results with respect to climate and energy challenges is expressed in the degree of the awareness and the commitment achieved by the local communities. Moreover, reaching the climate and energy goals is a representation of the outcome of the interaction between the (public or private) actors involved and the degree of a city’s climate-responsiveness, rather than from a normative constraint or an institutional framework.

Simulation and evaluation of ecosystem service value along the Yellow River in Henan Province, China

The unprecedented growth in population and swift industrial advancements exert considerable strains on the ecosystem, particularly within medium-sized and large urban landscapes. The critical investigation into the intricate links between current and prospective land utilization, as well as the ecosystem service value (ESV), holds considerable empirical relevance for the calibration of land usage frameworks, thereby contributing to the sustainable evolution of extensive urban zones. Utilizing GlobeLand 30 data, the present research probes into the pattern of land transformation and the spatial-temporal dispersal of ESV in Henan’s Yellow River vicinity over a span from 2000 to 2020. For the enhancement of land usage alignment, a Markov-PLUS fusion model was devised to gauge three disparate ESV transition scenarios slated for 2030, namely, natural development scenario (NDS), cropland protection scenario (CPS), and ecological protection scenario (EPS). The principal determinants of land transformation within the 2000–2020 period were recognized as elevation, populace concentration, and atmospheric temperature. Amid the rapid accretion of construction land engulfing substantial cropland and grassland areas, there was an ESV diminution to the tune of 1.432 billion RMB between 2000 and 2020. The ESV’s high-value regions were discerned within relatively undisturbed ecosystem zones, with the lower-value sections identified in cropland and constructed areas, where human interventions exerted pronounced effects on the ecosystem. In accordance with the 2030 land usage simulations and analyses, in contrast to alternative scenarios, the EPS exhibited the least fluctuation in land type alterations in 2030, demonstrated the most pronounced escalation in cold spot concentration, and reached a peak agglomeration level. This underscores that the EPS not only offers a refinement in land utilization configuration but also mediates the equilibrium between economic and ecological considerations. The insights derived from this investigation afford innovative evaluative methods for spatial planning, ecological recompense, and sustainable land exploitation within large- and medium-scale urban domains.

Retraction Note: System simulation of land use spatial planning method and environment management strategy analysis by using machine vision

Retraction Note: System simulation of land use spatial planning method and environment management strategy analysis by using machine vision

From two-dimensional to three-dimensional marine spatial planning methodology: A case study of Qidong

The oceans are three-dimensional (3D) spaces, resource redistribution has long tended to involve two-dimensional (2D) planning, which has obscured the resource attributes and ecological features of the ocean's different layers, and is prone to cause erroneous sea-use conflicts. This study established a new 3D marine spatial planning (MSP) method consisting of ecological protection zoning (EPZ) and intensive sea-use zoning (ISZ) programs involving marine 3D spatial laying: EPZ was determined using a Marxan model. Based on spatial idleness and environmental friendliness principles, and appropriate newly added sea-use activities were designed to form synergistic sea-use combinations to establish an ISZ program. A case study of Qidong was conducted to test the applicability of the 3D planning program and compare the differences in the zoning results according to the two scenarios of ecological protection and exploitation. Results indicated that EPZ of mid-bottom waterbodies accounted for the highest proportion (47.62%). The best solutions and planning units selected frequency grading could be achieved separately for two scenarios of EPZ. For ISZ, the zoning for both scenarios achieves a synergistic effect between the newly added sea-use activities in the transportation zone; through the northward shift of sea-use in the southern fairway of Qidong, this sea-use activity converted the initially antagonistic attributes with the ecological protection zone to a synergistic purpose. Differences in the results of the intensive sea use zoning between the two scenarios were manifested in the EPZ and surrounding sea use activities, focusing on fishing and ecological control zones and the arrangement of wind power. The 3D MSP methods can address the conflict between some sea-use activities in 2D planning and the conflict between stakeholders competing for the sea-use right, and it also provides a solution for the coastal government to redistribute the marine resources and coordinate the sea-use elements. The relevant practice can provide theoretical and technical support for ecological protection, intensive and economical utilization of marine spatial resources, and national spatial planning framework improvement.

Amplifying weak signals: a method-building approach for inclusive climate resilience strategy making

Socio-ecological inclusion and the impacts of climate change on the built environment are two shared concerns central to the design and planning of the just transition in cities. The just transition leans heavily on inclusive convergence processes that are grounded in knowledge integration and transdisciplinary practice. However, there is a paucity of effective methods for the inclusion of so-called weak signals from actors situated at the periphery of these convergence processes. Building on the concept of structured flexibility, we introduce a building-blocks approach as a modular architecture for constructing methods for distributed engagement and knowledge integration beyond conventional small-group settings. By engaging in research through design, the Amplifying Weak Signals approach was prototyped with students in the context of dealing with heatwaves in The Hague and tested with expert users from the region who facilitate resilience strategy-making processes. Out of 900 possible building block combinations, 18 methods were created during prototyping. The resulting heatwave strategies that were drafted based on the collected peripheral knowledge showed the integration of new socio-ecological issues rather than a drastic departure from the baseline resilience strategy of the city. We discuss the research findings and their use in the production of guidelines for the construction of methods to integrate peripheral knowledge in convergence processes. Ongoing work to develop the guidelines in the form of an open-access, interactive repository of knowledge elicitation methods for urban resilience spatial planning will also be described. Recommendations for scaling the approach are provided.

Identifying ecological security patterns to prioritize conservation and restoration：A case study in Xishuangbanna tropical region, China

Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Kunming-Montreal GBF), which puts forward higher ecological conservation requirements for countries to carry out sound spatial planning to realize the ultimate vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. It is urgent to adopt a comprehensive and refined spatial planning method to provide spatial guidance for efficient actions. Ecological security patterns (ESP) are an integrated approach that effectively reduces the impact of production and daily life on nature, promoting regional ecological sustainability, which can provide efficient spatial planning support for Kunming-Montreal GBF implementation. Taking the Xishuangbanna tropical region as a research case, a biodiversity hotspot in China and the world, this study attempts to improve and optimize the ecological network construction process of the ESP research paradigm “ecological sources identification-ecological resistance surfaces construction-ecological corridors extraction" around higher ecological objectives, and further identifies the priority areas for ecological conservation and restoration. Overall, it has been determined the ecological network spaces of five species groups in the Xishuangbanna tropical region. Key biodiversity areas of 2768.19 km2 play an important maintenance role in the overall biodiversity and ecosystem services of the region, and 213 high importance and connectivity corridors that have significant contributions to the migration of species are determined. The priority areas for ecological conservation (2467.71 km2) and ecological restoration (514.67 km2) are further determined. This study provides a demonstration case for constructing an integrated ESP to maintain regional species and ecosystem stability, enhance integrity and connectivity, and further identify priority areas. For the Xishuangbanna tropical region and other global biodiversity hotspots, a systematic, comprehensive, and sustainable ecological management model should be established, where limited funding and resources for ecological actions should be directed to priority areas of the most valuable outcomes.

Geospatial analysis of the territory for solving urban planning problems

The purpose of the study is to conduct a geospatial analysis of the territory, taking into account urban planning characteristics, for the location of a shopping center. The study characterizes the factors that turn cities into diverse and complex forms of settlements that are constantly changing. The process of urban settlement, which is reflected in their space, is analyzed. It is determined that spatial factors lead to differences in the scale and shape of cities, types of development and methods of spatial planning. The necessity of studying the spatial structure of cities, which has the characteristics of a relatively complete theoretical justification and wide coverage, is established. It is determined that the process of spatial development of cities is multidimensional and complex, which is manifested in spatial planning, transformation of many functions and expansion of the territory. The direction of research on the spatial analysis of the selected city territory is determined. Various characteristics of the site are considered, including views, transport links, access and other constraints that may affect the future development of each approach to the shopping center. A spatial analysis of the shopping center location was conducted. This analysis determines the transport accessibility of the shopping center, the accessible distance to residential development, service areas, etc. It also determines which parts of the territory are suitable for a particular type of use. The results are obtained regarding the location of the shopping center in the city. The estimated number of regular visitors to the projected shopping center is determined, provided that the level of its attractiveness is the same as that of its competitors. The increase in the level of attractiveness of the projected shopping center in comparison with competitors is calculated. Based on the results of the geospatial analysis, the stages of design and survey work were developed to draw up a large-scale topographic basis for the development area.

Spatial planning method of urban landscape architecture distribution pattern based on evolutionary algorithm

Spatial planning method of urban landscape architecture distribution pattern based on evolutionary algorithm

Quantitative methods of marine spatial planning (environmental aspect) in the Far North and the Arctic zone

The study identifies and analyzes the dependence of environmental and economic costs associated with marine dredging on the total volume of dredged soil for the Russian marine areas in the Far North and the Arctic zone, as well as for the other, more southern seas in Russia. The analysis was conducted using a representative sample of over 300 dredging projects from the database of Eco-Express Service LLC, an environmental design company in St. Petersburg. The total environmental and economic costs were found to be directly dependent on the total volume of dredged soil, both for the marine areas in the Far North and the Arctic zone and the other seas of the Russian Federation. However, relative environmental and economic costs arising from dredging (per volume unit of dredged soil) are virtually independent of the total dredged soil volume within its entire examined range. Of note is that the relative environmental and economic costs associated with dredging in the Far North and the Arctic are 1.6 times higher than those for the other seas in Russia. The study results can be used for the information and analytical support of scientific research and management decisions regarding the development of Russian marine areas.

Typology of Localities in the Warsaw Metropolitan Area Resulting from the Spatial Development Structure

Urban sprawl in Poland has increased due to commune autonomy in spatial planning processes. Local authorities often implement planning measures based on their unit’s interests, overlooking long-term problems such as a lack of schools, kindergartens, commercial infrastructure, and traffic congestion. To address these issues, local governments should consider spatial planning and development projects alongside the development of necessary infrastructure. Many spatial planning methods delimit metropolitan areas based on existing built-up areas and urban corridors located along transport routes. This study analyzed the urban development of the Warsaw Metropolitan Area. Based on a study by the Office of Architecture and Spatial Planning of the Capital City of Warsaw, four urbanization zones of the WMA were delimited, focusing on the accessibility of infrastructure and the urban structure of settlements. At the same time, the population density of each village and each town was calculated, and the area of vacant land was counted. The study found 44 instances of locality types, grouped into four classes, representing peri-urban areas.

Planning Spatial Layout of a Typical Salt Tolerant Forage of Sweet Sorghum in the Yellow River Delta via Considering Resource Constraints, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Economic Benefits.

In order to effectively address the issue of severe soil salinization in the coastal area of the Yellow River Delta, which has led to a significant number of medium and low-yield fields in this region, and to satisfy the rising demand for feed grain in China in recent years, a highly effective solution is to replace conventional crops by cultivating a specialized type of forage grass that can withstand high salinity levels and is well adapted to the local climate. This study proposed a spatial layout scheme for planting salt-tolerant forages, with the aim of providing a foundation for enhancing saline-alkali land and increasing resource utilization efficiency. The results showed that the climate conditions in the Yellow River Delta were suitable for planting sweet sorghum. With respect to soil salt content, the suitable planting regions for sweet sorghum can be classified into four categories: Suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, and unsuitable, with soil salt concentrations of 2.62-5.25‱, 5.25-7.88‱, respectively. Concerning economic benefits, sweet sorghum's input-output ratio (74.4%) surpasses that of cotton in high saline-alkali zones, providing a significant advantage in comparison with traditional crops. In non-saline-alkali and light saline-alkali areas, the traditional winter wheat-summer maize planting system offers higher economic benefits and nitrogen use efficiency, so it is recommended to maintain this system as the dominant agricultural model. In moderately and severe saline-alkali zones, although one-season maize exhibits greater nitrogen efficiency, its economic benefits are lower than those of sweet sorghum. Hence, it is advisable to promote one-season maize in suitable regions and introduce salt-tolerant forage, such as sweet sorghum in other areas. This approach offers novel ideas and methods for crop spatial layout planning and addresses potential feed grain shortages in the region.

VOLUME-SPATIAL PLANNING AN INTEGRATED METHOD OF URBAN SPACE FORMATION

This article discusses an integrated method of urban space formation, which is based on the characteristics and principles of existing approaches, methods and techniques of planning urbanised areas. The objective of this method is to improve and create a high-quality urban fabric without uncontrolled development and visual noise. The main principles, tools and elements of urban space formation by the integrated method of volume-spatial planning of territories were identified.
 In the previous article, which was published in the collection "Urban Development and Territorial Planning", issue №81 on the topic: "Volume-spatial planning of urban space - an improved methodology for designing territories and urban development" considered the general methodology for the formation of urban space by the integrated method of volume-spatial planning of territories, established the main stages of design and their content. In this article, the main principles, tools, and elements of the integrated method are considered in more detail, and explanations are given for the division of street space from quiet to highly active. The main elements of urban space design using the integrated method of volumetric and spatial planning, which describe both the form and its content, are presented and defined.
 Integration of existing approaches and methods of urban space formation allows combining existing planning principles and methods, their features and tools, which, in the author's opinion, is the method that will allow formulating in a short time the comfortable space that a "modern" resident needs in a particular area.
 In this article, it is proposed to focus in more detail on the planning characteristics of the territory in terms of street space activity and design elements, which determine the formative aspects of the integrated method of space-volume planning.
 The volume-spatial planning of territories is an integrated method of urban space design, which includes planning elements with indicators in accordance with the functional use and volumetric-spatial characteristics of the territory, which are determined in accordance with planning zones established in accordance with the cross-section of the street space.
 The formation of urban space by the integrated method of volume-spatial planning is possible only when the design is carried out according to a clear methodology and according to certain key elements in accordance with the current norms, rules, established composition and characteristics on the ground. The main tool for shaping urban space using the integrated design method is to determine the characteristics of the territory along the intersection of the street space and establish the main design elements, which will allow determining both the physical form of the area and its functional content.

Economics and optics influence funding for ecological restoration in a nation-wide program

Australia is a world leader in habitat loss and species extinction, and for many species, ecological restoration will be necessary for continued persistence. Between 2014 and 2018, the Australian federal government allocated a substantial portion of funding for threatened species recovery to a nation-wide ecological restoration program called ‘20 Million Trees Land-care Program’, which included a competitive grant round. By comparing successful and unsuccessful grant applications, we were able to identify factors associated with restoration funding allocation. We then assessed the Program’s ability to provide benefits to threatened species by analyzing the overlap between restoration projects and threatened species habitat. We found that funding allocation under the 20 Million Trees Program was primarily driven by ‘value for money’ factors, specifically ‘cost per tree’ and number of trees planted. Additionally, projects were more likely to be funded if they mentioned threatened species in the description, but less likely to be funded if they actually overlapped with areas of high threatened species richness. Of the 1960 threatened species assessed, we found that only 9 received funding for restoration projects covering more than 1% of their range. Conversely, we found that utilizing alternative project selection schemes, such as alternative ‘value for money’ metrics or spatial planning methods, could have delivered better outcomes for some of the threatened species most impacted by habitat loss. Our results show that inopportune selection criteria for awarding of funding for ecological restoration can significantly reduce the benefits delivered by programs.

VOLUME-SPATIAL PLANNING AN INTEGRATED METHOD OF URBAN SPACE FORMATION

This article discusses an integrated method of urban space formation, which is based on the characteristics and principles of existing approaches, methods and techniques of planning urbanised areas. The objective of this method is to improve and create a high-quality urban fabric without uncontrolled development and visual noise. The main principles, tools and elements of urban space formation by the integrated method of volume-spatial planning of territories were identified.
 In the previous article, which was published in the collection "Urban Development and Territorial Planning", issue №81 on the topic: "Volume-spatial planning of urban space - an improved methodology for designing territories and urban development" considered the general methodology for the formation of urban space by the integrated method of volume-spatial planning of territories, established the main stages of design and their content. In this article, the main principles, tools, and elements of the integrated method are considered in more detail, and explanations are given for the division of street space from quiet to highly active. The main elements of urban space design using the integrated method of volumetric and spatial planning, which describe both the form and its content, are presented and defined.
 Integration of existing approaches and methods of urban space formation allows combining existing planning principles and methods, their features and tools, which, in the author's opinion, is the method that will allow formulating in a short time the comfortable space that a "modern" resident needs in a particular area.
 In this article, it is proposed to focus in more detail on the planning characteristics of the territory in terms of street space activity and design elements, which determine the formative aspects of the integrated method of space-volume planning.
 The volume-spatial planning of territories is an integrated method of urban space design, which includes planning elements with indicators in accordance with the functional use and volumetric-spatial characteristics of the territory, which are determined in accordance with planning zones established in accordance with the cross-section of the street space.
 The formation of urban space by the integrated method of volume-spatial planning is possible only when the design is carried out according to a clear methodology and according to certain key elements in accordance with the current norms, rules, established composition and characteristics on the ground. The main tool for shaping urban space using the integrated design method is to determine the characteristics of the territory along the intersection of the street space and establish the main design elements, which will allow determining both the physical form of the area and its functional content.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: System simulation of land use spatial planning method and environment management strategy analysis by using machine vision

RETRACTED ARTICLE: System simulation of land use spatial planning method and environment management strategy analysis by using machine vision

Spatial planning method of urban landscape architecture distribution pattern based on evolutionary algorithm

Spatial planning method of urban landscape architecture distribution pattern based on evolutionary algorithm

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF LAND RESOURCES

Every science must be based on an ordered terminology. In the process of managing land resources, interdisciplinary decisions are made in which specialists from various fields are involved: lawyers, sociologists, economists, ecologists, surveyors, specialists in spatial planning and information technologies, etc. Under such conditions, it is especially important to have a clear definition of terms to avoid certain misunderstandings. In addition, the European integration direction of the development of Ukraine requires the adaptation of the terminological apparatus to the European scientific and professional environment. The article focuses on the study of the content of the terms "Land Governance", "Land Administration" and "Land Management", since all three definitions can be translated as land resource management. The main methods of land management are: legal, methods of spatial planning, economic and administrative. The terms "Land Governance", "Land Administration" and "Land Management" cannot be considered synonymous. Each has its own tasks, functions and fields of application. "Land governance" is a set and interaction of strategies, processes and institutions through which land, property and natural resources are managed. "Land Management" is an activity related to land as a resource for achieving social, ecological and economic sustainable development. "Land administration" is a basic component of the "Land Management" concept and part of the infrastructure that ensures its effectiveness.

ENVI-met을 활용한 도시개발사업에 따른 열환경 변화 분석 : 창원시를 대상으로

This study analyzed the thermal environment before and after the project to determine the impact of an urban development project on the regional thermal environment and suggested improvement methods of spatial planning. Buildings, spatial arrangement, vegetation, soil, and surface were modeled using ENVI-met for two urban development project areas adjacent to downtown areas, which are vulnerable to urban heat. Changes in urban microclimate factors such as temperature and wind were predicted and analyzed. The analysis confirmed that, in both areas, the temperature increased due to the increase in pavement area and the formation of dense high-rise buildings after development, and the thermal environment became weak as the air circulation in the overall area deteriorated. Accordingly, a spatial planning plan for improving the thermal environment and securing wind fluidity for the entire target area was presented.

Land-Use Pattern Evaluation Using GeoSOS-FLUS in National Territory Spatial Planning: A Case Study of Changzhi City, Shanxi Province

Land-use patterns have always been affected by urban development, and their structural optimization is of great significance to high-quality urban development. However, since the establishment of the spatial planning system, there are still a lack of methods for optimizing the land-use structure. To this end, the research proposes an analysis framework, and proposes the direction of land-use structure adjustment through the status analysis, potential evaluation, and LUCC simulation model, and provides a new idea and method of spatial planning. The research uses an analytical framework to analyze the case of Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, puts forward the problems existing in the process of its land use, and further proposes the direction and focus of the adjustment of the land-use structure. Results show that the spatial distribution of land in Changzhi City presents a “forest-farm-forest” characteristic, and forest land, farmland and grassland account for 85% of its total area. From 2010 to 2018, the grassland area in Changzhi City decreased the most to 3486.13 hm2, and the comprehensive degree of land use increased from 235.88% to 236.73%; however, the cultivated land showed a downward trend. The construction land intensive utilization of Changzhi City is low, and the potential for rural construction land consolidation is high. In addition, the conversion probability of cultivated land in the Tunliu district and the conversion probability of construction land close to Luzhou district are relatively higher, which can be used as crucial areas for the future development of Changzhi City. In the process of urban development, cultivated land protection and construction land demand should be balanced.

Resolving the conflict of greens: A GIS-based and participatory least-conflict siting framework for solar energy development in southwest Taiwan

Transitioning to renewable energy is vital to reduce greenhouse gasses and mitigate climate change. As large-scale renewable energy development expands, more land use conflicts are arising between renewable energy development, ecological conservation, and local communities. Spatial planning methods are becoming more widely used to address such conflicts, however, they often lack local community input and values. In this study, we develop a Participatory Least Conflict Solar Energy Siting Framework based on energy justice theory which uses place-based stakeholder engagement paired with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) based multi-criteria decision making. We operationalize a case study in Southwestern Taiwan to identify and evaluate suitable solar development sites and demonstrate how the framework can be used. The results of our AHP surveys show a general consensus that protecting the natural environment is important as the top three prioritized factors: “Avoid Environmental Protected Land”, with a priority of 20.8%, “Avoid Other Important Natural Areas”, with a priority of 11.9%, and “Avoid Other Natural Areas” with a priority of 8.2%. In addition, if only 12% of the land with medium to high suitability are developed for solar energy generation, Tainan City and Chiayi County alone could support the Taiwan government's solar development goal of 20 GW of installed solar capacity for the entire country by 2025. Our study also reveals that the use of participatory methods in site evaluation and final site design is important to ensure true suitability with local ecological, social, and economic systems. This methodology helps to normalize a more holistic multi-goal strategy of solar development that recognizes renewable energy infrastructure as part of a social-ecological-technical systems and Climate Justice. We suggest this framework be used to address the spatial mismatch between national level policy and local implementation that supports place-based renewable energy collocation for energy democracy and community ownership, and develop policy and regulations to support a just transition toward carbon neutrality.