**3.2 Analyzing**

In the landscape planning process landscape functions like regulation, carrier, production and information functions must be analyzed (Groot, 1992; Pietsch & Buhmann, 1999; Jessel & Tobias, 2002; von Haaren, 2004; Lang & Blaschke, 2007). For nature conservation the regulation function is the most relevant (Weiers et al., 2004). Therefore landscape ecology defined as a problem-oriented science can provide methods for the different planning steps. But to optimize the knowledge-transfer between landscape ecology and spatial planning landscape ecology must co-evolve (Opdam et al., 2002). "In decision-making on future landscapes, landscape planners, landscape managers and politicians are involved in a cycling process" (Opdam et al., 2002) (see Fig. 5)

Fig. 5. Planning cycle (adapted from Harms et al., 1993)

GIS in Landscape Planning 65

GIS-based models based on expert knowledge normally use presence datasets of specific species. Using the knowledge about the habitat preferences it's possible to analyze the suitability. Actual land use maps or other thematic information about habitats and specific structures or qualities (e.g. hydrological situation, soils, water quality) are used to evaluate the actual situation (Blaschke, 1997; Jooß, 2003; Taeger 2010). In contrast to ecological models using statistical methods models based on expert knowledge have a great potential to be used in landscape planning (see table 1). They are not as precise as ecological models

 **ecological model "planning" model** 




**validation** Easy to validate Validation based on control samples

They can be used for several species using existing species information. Based on the prediction model future conditions and different scenarios can be simulated to evaluate the impact of land use changes in the planning process (Gontier et al., 2010; Taeger, 2010; Pietsch et al., 2007; Blaschke, 1997). The visualization of future habitat suitability is possible. GIS offers the capability to create models (Fig. 7) based on existing datasets (species, land use, previous impact, structures, qualities) to analyze the actual and future

It's possible to create evaluation models, to create scenarios to improve the situation for one specific or several species, to develop measures to reduce negative impacts or create new habitats (Hunger, 2002; Hennig & Bögel, 2004) and they are useful to evaluate the negative impact of a plan, project or program in the context of an SEA or EIA (Gontier, 2007; Pietsch et al, 2007; Lang & Blaschke, 2007; Blaschke, 1999). In combination with connectivity analysis (see chapter 3.2.3) physical and functional links in ecological

on field work) - (knowledge about habitat

preferences)


Table 1. Types of habitat models (adapted from Jooß, 2003)


preferences

information - depends on the expert knowledge


species




but for larger areas



but easier to interprete and applicable in larger areas.

**method** - statistical approach -

**datasets** 

**criteria /** 

**usability** 

suitability.

networks can be examined.

**habitat information**

**quality/validity** 

That means that different models and methods are needed to integrate science in the planning process (Blaschke, 1997; Lang & Blaschke, 2007; Schwarz-v. Raumer & Stokman, 2011). Some examples will be given in the following chapters.
