Landscape Types Research Articles

The effects of interaction with audiovisual elements on perceived restoration in urban parks in freezing weather

Urban green spaces, crucial for urban residents’ wellbeing, offer restorative benefits mainly through natural elements, as established in existing literature which were generally conducted in warm weather. Yet, cold weather modifies how both natural and anthropogenic elements appear and function, and hence their impacts on restorativeness may deviate. In cold weather, whether an urban green space would be overall restorative, and which type of elements would be more beneficial remains poorly understood. Here we present the results of a walk experience experiment with 20 participants on three typical landscape routes in a waterside park in a winter city. Participants' restorative experiences and their visual and auditory exposures were evaluated using the Restorative Experience Scale, eye tracker, and binaural acoustic measurement system. By comparing participants’ restorative experience and their visual and auditory exposure, we found that in the cold weather, natural elements vegetation and water surfaces, the appearances of which were subjective to major seasonal changes, ceased to promote restorativeness. Aesthetically pleasing landscape decorations instead promoted the restorativeness of the environment strongly (β = 0.286, p = 0.004). Additionally, soundscape appropriateness (β = 0.320, p = 0.002) and lower environmental loudness (for N5, β = −0.430, p = 0.000) were also strong positive influencers. These collectively explained 49.7 % of the overall restorative experience in a multiple linear regression model (adjusted R2 = 0.497). Our findings should guide the rational wellbeing-directed landscape design of restorative environments in cold regions to allow sustained restorativeness throughout the year.

Spatial scale effects of landscape patterns on non-point source pollution: A case study of Taizi River Basin in Northeast China

River water quality is influenced by natural processes and human activities. Multi-scale landscape patterns can affect river water quality by altering the generation and transport processes of pollutants at different spatial scales. Taking Taizi River Basin in Northeast China as an example, we analyzed the relationship between landscape patterns and non-point source pollution in rivers based on water quality monitoring data and land use data by using correlation analysis and redundancy analysis methods. We aimed to determine the key spatial scales for the responses of landscape patterns to non-point source pollution and identify the key landscape indices influencing river non-point source pollution. The results showed that water quality of Taizi River Basin had seasonal differences, with better water quality during the flood season than non-flood season. Spatially, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were higher at the confluence points of tributaries and downstream areas. The impact of landscape patterns on non-point source pollution was stronger during the non-flood season than the flood season, while the influence on TN was stronger than on TP. At the spatial scale of within 500 m buffer zone during the flood season and at the sub-watershed scale during the non-flood season, landscape patterns showed the highest explanatory power for the variations of TN and TP. At the type level, built-up land, cropland, and bare land were positively correlated with TN and TP, while forest was negatively correlated with TN and TP, which were the key types influencing non-point source pollution. At the landscape level, patch density, percentage of like adjacencies, and contagion index were key indicators affecting watershed water quality. Lower patch density was associated with better connectivity and aggregation of "sink" landscapes, leading to better purification effects on TN, but more pronounced retention effects on TP. Conversely, higher landscape diversity and denser pattern of multiple types would cause the deterioration of water quality. Our results suggested that rational allocation of landscape types within the watershed and riparian buffer zones, appropriately enriching landscape diversity, and optimizing landscape aggregation and connectivity would be effective measures for improving water quality and achieving sustainable ecological management.

Improving immersive experiences in virtual natural setting for public health and environmental design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of therapeutic landscapes. For hospitalized patients or individuals with limited mobility, VR provides highly personalized therapy by simulating authentic natural environments within a safe, convenient, and engaging setting. This study investigated the effectiveness of immersing patients in virtual natural environments for health recovery and compared the varying impacts of different types of landscapes on patients' recovery levels. The aim was to complement traditional medical approaches and enhance environmental design in the field of public health. Researchers systematically reviewed databases (January 2018 to August 2, 2023) to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of virtual nature immersion with other treatments. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were established based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study design, and other aspects (expanded PICO) framework. The Cochrane tool was employed to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted by pooling the mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. Among 30 trials, a total of 2123 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 15 studies included in the meta-analysis. 30 trials met the criteria. Results show significant improvements in pain, anxiety, fear, and some physiological indicators with virtual nature-based treatments. On the other hand, natural scenes incorporating blue and green elements have been applied more extensively and have shown more significant effects. In comparison to conventional methods, this study strongly advocates that virtual reality environments are a crucial tool in bridging the gap between patients and nature, demonstrating their potential to reshape medical interventions and improve environmental design in the field of public health.

Impacts of spatio-temporal change of landscape patterns on habitat quality across Zayanderud Dam watershed in central Iran

The biodiversity of an ecosystem is greatly influenced by the spatio-temporal pattern of the landscape. Understanding how landscape type affects habitat quality (HQ) is important for maintaining environmental and ecological sustainability, preserving biodiversity, and guaranteeing ecological health. This research examined the relationship between the HQ and landscape pattern. The study presented an interpretation of the biodiversity variation associated with the landscape pattern in the Zayanderud Dam watershed area by integrating the Land Change Modeler and the InVEST model. Landsat images and maximum likelihood classification were used to analyze the spatio-temporal characteristics of the landscape pattern in 1991 and 2021. The future landscape pattern in 2051 was simulated using a Land Change Modeler. Subsequently, the InVEST model and the landscape maps were used to identify the spatial distribution of HQ and its changes over three periods. The mean values of the HQ in the study area were 0.601, 0.489, and 0.391, respectively, demonstrating a decreasing trend. The effect of landscape pattern change on HQ was also assessed based on landscape metrics, including PD, NP, SHDI, and CONTAG. HQ had a significant positive correlation with the CONTAG parameter (R = 0.78). Additionally, it had a significant inverse correlation with NP (R = − 0.83), PD (R = − 0.61), and SHDI (R = − 0.42). The results showed that the habitats in the northern region had lower quality compared to those in the southern parts of the Zayanderud Dam watershed. The density, diversity, and connectivity of landscape patches significantly influence the HQ in the study area. This research has the potential to enhance understanding of the impacts of land change patterns on biodiversity and establish a scientific basis for the conservation of natural habitats. Additionally, it can facilitate efficient decision-making and planning related to biodiversity conservation and landscape management.

Landscape Ecological Risk Assessment of Saihanba under the Change in Forest Landscape Pattern

Examining the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm, this study utilized Landsat remote sensing data from 1987, 1997, 2001, 2013, and 2020 to interpret land use from the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method, and to decipher evolving land use patterns over the last four decades. Grounded in landscape ecology theory, an innovative evaluation index for landscape ecological risk was introduced, leading to the delineation of 382 ecological risk evaluation units. Employing landscape pattern indices and a method of spatial autocorrelation, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and spatial correlation patterns of landscape ecological risk across five distinct periods. Geostatistical approaches were used to explore the driving factors of landscape risk. The results indicate that since 1987, there have been significant changes in land use types, especially in forest landscapes, their proportion increasing from 23.19% to 74.55%. In 1987, the proportion of high-risk areas was 72.30%, but in 2020, high-risk areas had significantly decreased and clustered in specific locations. The landscape ecological risks in each period of the study area showed a positive spatial correlation and tended to gather in space. After comprehensive exploration using a geographic detector, we found that landscape type, temperature, and vegetation coverage are the main risk factors. Among them, landscape type has the greatest impact on the landscape and works together with slope, aspect, and precipitation. In forest farm management, only the adaptation and adjustment of single factors are often paid attention to, while the compound effects of multiple factors are ignored. The results of this study bring important reference value to the operation and development of forest farms.

To the Ecology of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Bombus) in Talysh

The Talysh zone (Lenkoran natural area), due to different types of landscapes and climate, has a rich fauna and flora, many of which are endemic. There are 28 species of bumblebees living here, belonging to 7 zoogeographical complexes, which makes up 55% of the bumblebee fauna of Azerbaijan. In the lowlands and in foothill landscapes up to an altitude of 1000 m, where a humid subtropical climate prevails, only 4 species of bumblebees were found. In the zone of dry steppes and settled meadows, at approximately an altitude of 1400 to 2400 m, where a dry continental climate prevails, bumblebees are represented by 18 species. Bumblebees, with their perfect social life, are active throughout the season. As a result of studying the phenology of bumblebees’ flight, it was revealed that in the study area they begin flying from the beginning of April (4 species). During the summer months the number of species reaches its maximum (an average of 25 species). From the beginning of autumn, the growing season of flowering plants ends, and the number of bees decreases, but the number of bumblebee species is comparatively greater.

Does Social Distancing Affect the Stress Reduction and Attention Restoration of College Students in Different Natural Settings?

The restorative benefits of the natural environment are crucial for human well-being and sustainable development. Although stress reduction and attention restoration through natural exposure have been quantified through physiological and psychological pathways, numerous studies have intentionally constructed idealized natural settings devoid of individuals to minimize interference. This deliberate approach has raised concerns about the accuracy of these restorative results, as real-world settings invariably involve other people. To address this issue, we designed and executed a randomized controlled experiment. By measuring physiological and psychological indicators and utilizing a two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc comparison, we explored the restorative potential of natural settings within seven distinct social distances across five landscape types in virtual reality environments. The results revealed that beyond a social distance of 3.8 m, the presence of people had minimal impact on stress reduction, with attention restoration effects remaining consistently positive. Optimal physiological and psychological restoration is achieved when the social distance exceeded 20 m. Further exploration is warranted to elucidate the influence of landscape types on the restoration of natural environments. The findings provide valuable insights for the planning and design of restorative natural settings, supporting research endeavors aimed at improving human health and well-being and allowing for sustainable management.

What are the key factors influencing the dynamics of forest edge? An application of a new forest edge index in the southeast of China

Recent reforestation programs have led to significant increases in forest cover in China; however, they have not been able to halt the process of forest fragmentation. The dynamics of forest fragmentation are still unknown, especially the transitions among forest core (FC), forest edge (FE), and non-forest areas. Taking Fujian Province in southeast China as a case, a new FE index (FEI) was proposed to identify FE, FC, forest patch (FP), matrix edge (ME), matrix core (MC), and forest perforation (FPe) as well. Then the transitions among FC, FE, and non-forest areas was explored; a series of logistic regression models were developed to examine the internal and external, static and dynamic driving patterns of the FE dynamics. The results revealed that the FEI outperforms conventional landscape metrics in identifying FE areas. During the period from 2000 to 2020, FE constituted approximately 41% of the study area. Frequent transition dynamics were observed between FE and other landscape types, accounting for 22% and 19% of the study area during 2000–2010 and 2010–2020, respectively. The internal driving models demonstrated that various landscape types exerted a negative influence on FE expansion. Among these, FPe emerged as a dominant factor, followed by MC, FC, and ME. The external models highlighted the significant influence of elevation, average annual temperature, distance from road, and slope on the mutual transition between FC and FE, while aspect and GDP influenced greatly on the transition from matrix to FE. These findings deepen the understanding of forest fragmentation dynamics and provide valuable insights for forest management.

Urban Landscape Perception Research Based on the ERP Method: A Case Study of Jingdezhen, China

Within the rapidly growing urban tourism industry, the development of urban landscapes plays a crucial role in shaping a city’s image and competitiveness; however, standardized and mismatched landscapes often have a negative impact, highlighting the importance of assessing urban landscape perceptions. Although existing studies have discussed this through subjective questionnaires and physiological methods, the underlying neural mechanisms have not been thoroughly explored. The research focuses on Jingdezhen, a renowned historical and cultural city in China, as its case study. Utilized the event-related potential (ERP) method to explore individuals’ perceptual consistency and neural activity toward different types of urban landscapes. We adopted a 2 (landscape type: historical, modern) X 2 (perceptual match: consistent, inconsistent) within-subject design while recording behavioral data and electrophysiological responses. The results showed that, under any condition, there were no significant differences in people’s behavioral data. Neurophysiological results indicate that consistent perceptions of modern landscapes elicited greater P200 responses, suggesting increased attention driven by visual aesthetics and emotional activation. Under conditions of perceptual inconsistency, historical landscapes elicited higher N400 amplitudes than modern landscapes, revealing cognitive conflict and effort. This study demonstrates that P200 and N400 components are effective indicators for assessing urban perception, proving the viability of the event-related potential method in urban landscape research. Additionally, the research reveals the neural mechanisms of urban environmental perception from the early stages of attention and emotional distribution to the later stages of cognitive decision-making, which involve cognitive processes from “bottom-up” to “top-down”. This study not only provides a reference for efficient design planning for those involved in urban science but also inspires the coordination between the developmental needs of historical and modern urban landscapes. Moreover, it offers a new perspective for an interdisciplinary approach to urban perception assessment.

Energy efficiency of life support systems of buildings in «green construction»

Purpose: develop an integrated air conditioning system with the environment, which will allow to reduce energy consumption due to lowering the temperature of air taken from outside from natural or artificial green areas. Methods: the basis of the solution to the task of developing an integrated system was the use of three well-known methods of greening of home territories: traditional, non-traditional and container. Because green spaces, in the warm period of the year, allow you to naturally reduce the parameters of the outside air, which are used for the needs of the building's ventilation and air conditioning systems. Findings: due to the complex use of all types of landscaping, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption for work of ventilation and air conditioning systems by reducing the temperature of air taken from the outside from natural or artificial green areas. Due to this, when developing integrated air conditioning systems, we can achieve: a decrease in the temperature of the supply air from the landscaping area, which will reduce not only the energy costs for cooling and humidification, but also the reduction of pollution of the supply air; when using trees and shrubs of certain breeds, which emit phytoncides and other beneficial secretions, in the outdoor air intake area, it will improve the quality of incoming air. Practical implication: the developed integrated air conditioning system with the environment will allow to reduce the influence of the outside air temperature on the indoor air temperature due to the integrated use of all types of greening. Originality: a review of literary sources showed that today the possibility of taking outside air from existing or artificially created green areas is not used in the design of ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Spring forth diversity: Specialist species contribute to the conservation value of headwater springs and streams at the landscape scale

AbstractHeadwater springs and streams often occur in relatively remote areas, reducing their exposure to human influences and thus increasing their collective capacity to support high biodiversity. Their aquatic macroinvertebrate communities can include species of conservation interest, some of which are specialists associated with groundwater inputs, low water temperature or temporary flow. However, the inaccessibility of some spring and stream networks has left their communities poorly characterized, limiting our capacity to implement effective conservation strategies. We characterized the biodiversity and conservation value of macroinvertebrate communities in a network of 51 relatively inaccessible and unimpacted headwater spring and stream sites spanning multiple catchments in a single landscape type: the chalk downland of south England. At each site, we kick sampled macroinvertebrate communities and recorded environmental variables, including flow permanence. To represent each community, we calculated taxa richness, coverage‐adjusted Hill‐Shannon diversity, the local contribution to beta diversity, and an index of richness and species rarity. We used the latter three metrics to rank sites based on their biodiversity and conservation value and analyzed relationships between metrics and environmental variables. We found specialists of springs, cold waters, groundwaters and temporary flow regimes, including rare species of conservation value. Some metrics responded to environmental variables, but top‐ranking sites had highly variable environmental characteristics. We highlight the value of individual headwater streams with contrasting characteristics as contributors to ecologically heterogeneous site networks. Our results can inform landscape‐scale management strategies that protect headwaters as refuges that support biodiverse communities, including rare species, as they adapt to global change.

Radioecological situation in certain areas of the Southern Federal District

Radioecological monitoring of natural and urban areas is intended not only to assess the consequences of the operation of nuclear fuel energy enterprises, but also to ensure radiation safety of humans and the environment. This type of research allows not only to identify areas with increased background radiation, but also to reduce social tension in the population associated with radiophobia. This paper presents the results of long-term studies of the ambient dose equivalent rate (ADR) of gamma radiation within urban and rural settlements of the Southern Federal District using the example of the Krasnodar Territory. ADR measurements were carried out at a height of 100 cm from the earth's surface using dosimeters-radiometers SRP-88n, DRBP-03 and DKS-96s with a detection unit BDKS-96s using pedestrian gamma survey methods. The study regions represent different types of landscapes: steppe plain territories, the foothills of the North Caucasus and the Black Sea coast. It is shown that the arithmetic average ADR values in urban conditions are 0.11 μSv/h, and in rural settlements – 0.14 μSv/h. Similar results may be due to differences in soil and climatic conditions in different settlements. In general, differences in gamma radiation ADR may be due to a greater extent to measurement uncertainty (standard deviation), and also, to a lesser extent, to relief features and the content of radionuclides in the soils of a given region. The radiation situation in the Krasnodar Territory at the time of the study complies with the requirements of SanPiN 2.6.1.2612-10. The gamma radiation equivalent dose rate values are within the limits of natural background fluctuations characteristic of the Russian Federation.

An Analysis on the Typicality of Language Landscape in North China Electric Power University

This paper takes the typical language landscape of the campus of North China Electric Power University as the research object. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and explore the emergence of the problematic language landscape of the university campus found in the field investigation and investigation of the team. The top-down language landscape of the campus is investigated, summarized and analyzed from the aspects of the combination form, arrangement mode, naming mode and function of the code.

Spatial modeling of air pollution in Kharkiv city


 
 
 One of the most pressing problems facing cities, which negatively affects public health. There is a global practice of online monitoring of the content of pollutants in the air of settlements and informing the population about dangerous periods of increased pollution concentrations for certain categories of diseases and the population as a whole. It is also likely that one of the factors of pollution spread is the landscape differentiation of the city’s territory. The purpose of the study presented in this article is to develop statistical and cartographic models of the spatial distribution of air pollutants within the city of Kharkiv and to establish the relationship between the degree of air pollution and types of urban landscapes. Methods. Based on the analysis of the main methodological approaches and tasks of cartographic modeling of the spatial distribution of air pollution, the study substantiates the choice of the modeling method in this study; the features of a large city as an object of cartographic modeling of air pollution are assessed. Results. Based on the results of long-term monitoring by the Kharkiv Regional Center for Hydrometeorology, a statistical analysis of the results of the maximum and average content of pollutants in the atmosphere of Kharkiv was made and the spatial distribution of air pollution in Kharkiv (including (dust, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde) was modeled, and patterns of pollution distribution were identified according to landscape types. Conclusions. In general, the spatial analysis of pollutant concentrations in the territories of Kharkiv showed that, in terms of maximum concentrations, the southeastern part of Kharkiv is most affected by carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde. The reason for this is the large area of industrial facilities. The northwestern part of the city has the highest concentrations of dust and sulfur dioxide. There is a lowering of the relief in the floodplain type of landscape and dense development. Intensive traffic and lowered relief (floodplain landscape) cause high average concentrations of dust, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide in the southern part of the city. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations exceed the TLK in the northwest. The reason is the lowering of the relief on the outskirts of the city (floodplain landscape). The central part of the city has a high average concentration of formaldehyde. In general, a pattern of high concentrations of pollutants was found on the floodplains of the Lopan and Kharkiv rivers, with the lowest concentrations confined to watershed types of terrain between the Kharkiv and Lopan rivers and the Udy and Lopan rivers.
 
 

The Identification of Cultural Landscapes That Form Spatial Patterns in Gelgel Village, Klungkung

Gelgel is a village located in Klungkung regency, Bali. The landscape has a long historical background that can be traced back to the Bali kingdom era. The Gelgel cultural landscape has been certainly experienced changes from time to time. From the landscape architecture perspective, the socio-cultural changes throughtout the time will create spatial patterns that relates with the spatial functions. The imprint a spatial pattern can be useful for present and future spatial planning and space utilization. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out research to identify the types of cultural landscapes as well as the layout and function of cultural landscape spaces in Gelgel Village. The research uses qualitative methods to direct the process of data collection techniques that are observation, in-depth interviews, and literature study. This research aims to find the spatial layout and functions based on the indentified cultural landscape in Gelgel village. The research shows that the cultural landscape in Gelgel Village consists of four major cultural elements that are social systems and organizations, livelihoods, arts, and religious systems and ceremonies. Those cultural elements found can be categorized into tangible and intangible cultural landscapes. Laying out the identified cultural landscapes spatially shows that the modern Gelgel village spatial pattern is centered. Even though the pattern is centralistic, the area division is still based on parahyangan, pawongan, and palemahan zoning system imbued from the Balinese philosophy Tri Hita Karana. Each area functions according to the Tri Hita Karana philosophy that guides the Balinese harmonious life with God, people, and the environment.

РЕКРЕАЦИОННЫЕ ПРОСТРАНСТВА ГОРОДА, ИХ ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ Г. БЕЛГОРОДА)

The article is devoted to the problem of the state of public recreational spaces in modern cities, including Belgorod. The relevance of this problem is conditioned by the fact that such structures are not only an integral part of the cultural life of citizens, they constitute the ecological framework of any city, which makes life in it comfortable and gives an impetus to its active development. Thus, the reconstruction of park areas and their integration into park urban complexes will allow to use the territory more effectively, to adjust it to the ever-changing demands of society. The authors of the article considered the main features of the territories of different types of landscaping and different purposes of public urban leisure, analyzed the zones of several parks of Belgorod on the subject of landscaping and functional filling. Such an analysis of the urban planning situation will allow to better see the relationship of public recreational spaces in the city, to identify positive and negative qualities, to better understand the directions of their development. As a result of the study, an assessment of the current state of public recreational structures in the city is formulated, and proposals to improve their condition are put forward with some recommendations. Modernization of parks and other recreational spaces with saturation of them with new functional zones will be one of the factors of sustainable development of the city

Geocryological Conditions of Small Mountain Catchment in the Upper Kolyma Highland (Northeastern Asia)

This research presents a comprehensive environmental assessment of a small mountain permafrost catchment of the Anmangynda River in the Upper Kolyma Highland (Northeastern Asia) over the period of 2021–2023. The study reveals significant diversity in climatic, geocryological, and hydrogeological conditions within this confined area, emphasizing the need for extensive field data collection and monitoring in vast permafrost regions with limited data availability. Key findings include variations in ground temperature, maximum seasonal thaw depth, and depths of zero annual amplitudes of ground temperature at different elevations and landscape types. Groundwater and surface flow dynamics within spring aufeis basins exhibit complex geocryological regimes influenced by icing processes. The presence of aufeis and its impact on local hydrology highlight the ecological significance of this phenomenon. Future research should focus on long-term trends in permafrost dynamics and their relationship with climate change, as well as the ecological effects of aufeis formation on local ecosystems. The study underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to environmental assessment, incorporating various environmental parameters and processes, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interactions within the cryosphere and their responses to changing climate conditions. Such knowledge is essential for addressing broader questions related to climate change, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable resource management in Northeastern Siberia.

Underwater landscapes of Lake Wielki Staw in the Karkonosze Mountains – the only high-mountain lobelia lake in Poland

The implementation of the sustainable development objectives, requires additional knowledge about underwater landscapes of inland reservoirs. In this article, we assumed that (1) underwater landscapes of lakes are shaped mainly by the type of substrate and the assemblages of flora and fauna inhabiting a given reservoir; (2) vegetation is one of the most important elements of underwater landscapes, which dynamically reacts to environmental changes. This article presents the results of a study on the underwater landscapes of Lake Wielki Staw in the Karkonosze Mountains. Thirteen types of underwater landscapes were distinguished in the lake based on underwater inventory and spatial analysis using ArcGIS 10.7 software. The level of changes that occurred in the underwater landscape studied was determined using the underwater landscape structure maps for 2005, 2011, 2017, and 2021. In addition, the landscape change index ( LCI) for Lake Wielki Staw was determined for 2005–2011, 2011–2017, and 2017–2021. The results obtained indicate that underwater landscapes in lakes, similarly to terrestrial landscapes, are dynamic and subject to changes. In the case of Lake Wielki Staw, the changes in the range of Isoëtes lacustris communities in individual parts of the lake limited the differences in the area of all types of underwater landscapes distinguished. This allows us to use underwater vegetation inhabiting a given reservoir as an indicator of changes in underwater landscapes. Keywords:

Radiometric landscape: a new conceptual framework and operational approach for landscape characterisation and mapping

ABSTRACT Landscape mapping has the potential to address some of the most pressing research issues of our time, including climate change, sustainable development, and human well-being. In this paper, we propose an original method that lays the foundations for landscape mapping and overcomes some of the major limitations of existing biophysical methods. Based on the assumption that the primary components of the landscape can be extracted directly from the radiometric information of satellite image time series, this paper presents a new approach to landscape characterization and mapping based solely on remote sensing data. The approach relies on a conceptual model, which links the description, characteristics, structure and functions of the landscape to a set of Remote Sensing-based Essential Landscape Variables (RS-ELVs). The RS-ELVs are then processed according to geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) approach to produce a radiometric landscape map. The model and the remote sensing data processing chain are tested on a case study in central Madagascar (about 13 000 km2) composed of contrasting landscapes resulting from different climatic conditions and agricultural practices. The RS-ELVs are extracted from MODIS image time series for the temporal and spectral variables, and from MODIS and Sentinel-2 images for the texture variables. The parameterization of the segmentation and clustering algorithms is determined by statistical optimization. The final result is a radiometric landscape map in six classes. The landscape classes are then characterized using an independent set of remote sensing variables, a global land cover map and ground observations. The approach successfully identifies and delineates the gradient and major landscape types of the complex region of central Madagascar, confirming our initial hypothesis. The production of such radiometric landscape maps opens the way for integrated territorial development, including the planning and protection of the living environment and human well-being, and the implementation of sectoral policies.

The relationship between remotely-sensed spectral heterogeneity and bird diversity is modulated by landscape type

To identify areas of high biodiversity and prioritize conservation efforts, it is crucial to understand the drivers of species richness patterns and their scale dependence. While classified land cover products are commonly used to explain bird species richness, recent studies suggest that unclassified remote-sensed images can provide equally good or better results. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether unclassified multispectral data from Landsat 8 can replace image classification for bird diversity modeling. Moreover, we also tested the Spectral Variability Hypothesis.Using the Atlas of Breeding Birds in the Czech Republic 2014-2017, we modeled species richness at two spatial resolutions of approx. 131 km2 (large squares) and 8 km2 (small squares). As predictors of the richness, we assessed 1) classified land cover data (Corine Land Cover 2018 database), 2) spectral heterogeneity (computed in three ways) and landscape composition derived from unclassified remote-sensed reflectance and vegetation indices. Furthermore, we integrated information about the landscape types (expressed by the most prevalent land cover class) into models based on unclassified remote-sensed data to investigate whether the landscape type plays a role in explaining bird species richness.We found that unclassified remote-sensed data, particularly spectral heterogeneity metrics, were better predictors of bird species richness than classified land cover data. The best results were achieved by models that included interactions between the unclassified data and landscape types, indicating that relationships between bird diversity and spectral heterogeneity vary across landscape types.Our findings demonstrate that spectral heterogeneity derived from unclassified multispectral data is effective for assessing bird diversity across the Czech Republic. When explaining bird species richness, it is important to account for the type of landscape and carefully consider the significance of the chosen spatial scale.