Assessing the landscapeIntroduction

Eric Koomen en Ronnie Lassche

KNAG-dag 7 december 2011

Landscape?

van der Heyden, 1660

Definition

land·scape  n.

1. An expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view: a desert landscape.

2. A picture depicting an expanse of scenery.

3. The branch of art dealing with the representation of natural scenery.

4. The aspect of the land characteristic of a particular region: a bleak New England winter landscape.

5. Grounds that have been landscaped: liked the house especially for its landscape.

[Dutch landschap, from Middle Dutch landscap, region : land, land; see lendh- in Indo-European roots + -scap, state, condition (collective suff.).]

Word History: Landscape, first recorded in 1598, was borrowed as a painters' term from Dutch during the 16th century, when Dutch artists were pioneering the landscape genre. The Dutch word landschap had earlier meant simply "region, tract of land" but had acquired the artistic sense, which it brought over into English, of "a picture depicting scenery on land." Interestingly, 34 years pass after the first recorded use of landscape in English before the word is used of a view or vista of natural scenery. This delay suggests that people were first introduced to landscapes in paintings and then saw landscapes in real life.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Definition

• “Landschaft ist das Totalcharakter einer Erdgegend“ (Alexander von Humboldt, 1807)

• Landscape is our physical surrounding that is the result of the combination of physical conditions, biological processes and human intervention(own attempt)

Not (only) land cover

Not (only) land use

Description of landscape components

• Descriptive or “measurable” characteristics– land cover (and land use)– parcellation– topography (height)– degree of openness

• Interpretative characteristics (describe origin)– geology– geomorphology– occupation (settlement) history – archaeological remains– historic elements

What is landscape then? Example: Dutch heathland

Heathland part of historic landscape

Example: Scottish Highlands

Loch Lomond and theTrossachs National Park

Example: Hungarian puszta

National Park Hortobágy - The Puszta

Assessing the landscape

as·sess  ( -s s )

1. To estimate the value of (property) for taxation.

2. To set or determine the amount of (a payment, such as a tax or fine).

3. To charge (a person or property) with a special payment, such as a tax or fine.

4. Sports To charge a player, coach, or team with (a foul or penalty).

5. To determine the value, significance, or extent of; appraise. See Synonyms at estimate.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

In our case:

• estimate the value of the landscape

• how can we assess the value of landscape to give it a proper attention in planning?

Course layout

1. Introduction– concepts and definitions– landscape classifications– changing values over time– changes in landscapes (practical)

2. Landscape components & analyse change 3. Evaluating landscapes & valuation methods4. Economic valuation of landscapes5. Landscape and planning

Assessing (valuing) landscapes

Valuation:

• is personal

• depends on perspective

• is not stable over time (example follows)

• can partly be monetarised

• is essential input to planning

Changing values over time

Landscape change: driving forces

• “the forces that cause landscape changes”

• that influence the trajectories of landscape development (Bürgi et al., 2007)

Examples of landscape change

• Natural forces: e.g. flooding, salinisation

• Cultural forces: e.g. changing preferences

• Economic forces: agricultural intensification, urbanisation

• Technological forces: e.g. mechanisation

• Political forces: e.g. agricultural policy, zoning

Landscape changes are not constant

Specific Dutch landscape changes

Four major processes of Dutch landscape change since 1850:

• 1. cultivation of wilderness areas

• 2. agricultural rationalisation

• 3. urbanisation

• 4. reforestation

You will explore these in the practical.

More processes may be active in your area

Introduction to the practical

• Discern the most important landscape changes for two contrasting regions

• Focus on the four major processes of landscape change since 1850

• Look at four time steps: 1850, 1900, 1950

• Requires ArcGIS and connection to the internet

• Use draw tool in ArcGIS