Antrop, M. & V. Van Eetvelde, 2000, Holistic aspects of suburban landscapes: visual image interpretation and landscape metrics, in: Landscape and Urban Planning, ,
- Author : Antrop, M. & V. Van Eetvelde
- Year : 2000
- Journal/Series : Landscape and Urban Planning
- Pages : 43-58
- Abstract in English : Holism is considered to be a fundamental characteristic of landscape ecology. Its theory states that landscape should be considered a complex whole that is more than the sum of its composing parts. This indicates that all elements in the spatial structure of the landscape are related to each other and form one complex system. Attempts are made to qualify the pure holistic, i.e. transcendent characteristics of landscapes. The characteristics are expressed as an outline from internet landscape metrics or indices. The main research question is: do maps of landscape metrics assumed to represent holistic characteristics reveal spatial patterns that correspond to landscape units defined by a holistic approach such as that used in photo-interpretation? These questions where tested in urban fringe landscape north-west of Ghent (Belgium). Some key concepts related to holism and urbanisation are defined. The properties and quality of available digital maps were analysed. Visual image interpretation of remote sensing imagery offers an efficient method to classify complex and heterogeneous landscape and spatial units with image pattern characteristics.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: Landscape architecture, holism, spatial analysis, landscape metrics, visualisation