This book presents recent advances in landscape analysis and landscape planning based on selected studies conducted in different parts of Europe. Included are methodological problems and case studies presented and discussed during scientific sessions organized by the Commission of Landscape Analysis and Landscape Planning of the International Geographical Union (IGU) within the framework of the IGU Regional Conference in Kraków, Poland, August 18-22, 2014. The subject of landscape analysis and landscape planning has been of interest to geographers since the beginning of the twentieth century. This relatively new area of study, which focuses on the landscape resource patches and spatial interconnections, was first introduced as landscape ecology (Landschaftsoekologie) by Carl Troll, one of the twentieth century’s most influential physical geographers. Today, landscape studies involve adopting a holistic view of geographic environments and are closely connected to rapidly developing ecosystem, sustainable landscape and ecosystem services approaches. Modern techniques employing Geographical Information Systems are used to support spatial landscape analyses.

A key aspect of town planning, landscape planning and landscape architecture is to identify and then use the distinctive features and characteristics of space, place and landscape to achieve environmental quality. Landscape Analysis provides an introduction to the field both in theory and in practice. A wide range of methods and techniques for landscape analysis is illustrated by urban and rural examples from many countries. Analysing landscapes within a planning context requires both skill and insights. Drawing upon numerous concrete examples, together with an examination of some theoretical concepts, this book guides the reader through a wide range of different approaches and techniques of landscape analysis that may be applied at different scales, from elementary site analysis to historical and regional studies. This is an essential book for students and graduate practitioners working in landscape architecture, planning and architecture.

This book provides guidelines for those pursuing landscape projects based on integrative concepts – interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity – whether they are members of an integrative research team or individuals working on a problem that demands integration. They must define terminology, choose appropriate methodologies, overcome epistemological barriers and cope with the high expectations of some stakeholders while encouraging others to participate at all.

Michael Batty Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London Landscapes, like cities, cut across disciplines and professions. This makes it especially difficult to provide an overall sense of how landscapes should be studied and researched. Ecology, aesthetics, economy and sociology combine with physiognomy and deep physical structure to confuse our - derstanding and the way we should react to the problems and potentials of landscapes. Nowhere are these dilemmas and paradoxes so clearly highlighted as in Australia — where landscapes dominate and their relationship to cities is so fragile, yet so important to the sustainability of an entire nation, if not planet. This book presents a unique collection and synthesis of many of these perspectives — perhaps it could only be produced in a land urb- ised in the tiniest of pockets, and yet so daunting with respect to the way non-populated landscapes dwarf its cities. Many travel to Australia to its cities and never see the landscapes — but it is these that give the country its power and imagery. It is the landscapes that so impress on us the need to consider how our intervention, through activities ranging from resource exploitation and settled agriculture to climate change, poses one of the greatest crises facing the modern world. In this sense, Australia and its landscape provide a mirror through which we can glimpse the extent to which our intervention in the world threatens its very existence.

Rapid changes in land use, especially in growing metropolitan areas, have created problems that increasingly indicate an urgent need for techniques and procedures for making intelligent land-use decisions. This book identifies the potential undesirable effects of land-use changes and provides techniques for estimating and minimizing them. Based on several years of research conducted by a team of thirty-four faculty and assistants, the study shows how planners and decision makers can benefit from such contemporary planning tools as remote sensing, statistical analysis, and computer technology, as well as a variety of evaluation procedures. Part 1 describes the problems of contemporary urbanization and offers a set of planning principles and tools for working with the environmental landscape. These principles and tools are the basis of the procedures detailed in Part 2; the assessment procedures, in turn, are an essential part of the two current planning approaches—the holistic, landscape approach and the parametric approach—described in Part 3.

This book aims to contribute to the current debate on how to integrate rural development policies and landscape planning in rural areas. It highlights the key issues at stake and the possibilities for synergies between landscape planning and policies in light of European development policies, particularly the EU’s Rural Development Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Case studies from different rural contexts and landscapes are provided, illustrating tools and options to make the advocated integration operational. Recommendations and guidance to policy making are proposed. The case studies presented cover 1) the use of visual assessment techniques to support landscape planning in rural areas; 2) participative applications of landscape assessment techniques in peri-urban areas; 3) multi-scale approaches to landscape management in Alpine areas and 4) the application of landscape economic evaluation to foster rural development strategies.

With sample cases from around Europe used throughout the book to give concrete examples of the methods being outlined in each chapter, this is an ideal textbook for those beginning to analyse landscapes of all types.

Site analysis is the key to a well-designed project. In fact, the careful and complete analysis of a site and its surrounding context can lead to better development proposals, smoother design implementation, and, ultimately, higher quality built environments. This carefully conceived book is the first to detail each crucial step in the site analysis and planning process, from site selection through design development. It shows how these activities are integrated to arrive at a site plan that successfully balances the needs of the client and other stakeholders with the site's suitability for the intended land uses. With more than 130 illustrations, this book includes many outstanding examples of maps and site plans created by leading land planning firms. It offers guidance on: * Site identification, evaluation, and selection * Site inventories of physical, biological, and cultural attributes * Land use suitability analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) * Concept planning and design development * Graphic communication with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders Filled with need-to-know information on the entire land planning and design process, Site Analysis is a vital addition to the library of students and professionals in landscape architecture, urban design and planning, and related areas. This book will fill a void in the academic market by offering a comprehensive introduction to all stages of the site analysis process. The Second Edition of Site Analysis will detail each phase of the land planning and site design process, explain the influence of site and contextual conditions conditions on land use development and conservation decisions. It will also provide a valuable resource for professionals seeking design solutions for successful land use. Content from this book is available as an online continuing professional education course at http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-320255.html#sustainable_site. WileyCPE courses are available on demand, 24 hours a day, and are approved by the American Institute of Architects.