Landscape analysis

The course will provide an introduction to landscape analysis and analysis of the natural environment on the basis of ecological, resource and visual conditions. GIS (Geographical Information Systems) will be used as a tool in landscape analysis. The course will also focus on analysis and design of the green structure and landscape in cities and towns in a strategic level.

Knowledge; The candidate - has basic knowledge about ecologically based landscape planning and analysis of the different aspects of landscape as basis for sustainable city planning.

The candidate has a good understanding of the topics blue-green structures, natures diversity, the visual landscape values, recreation and climate on a principle level.

Rules for the nature and park areas in a Zoning plan according to The Planning Act.

Skills: The candidate is able to analyze and study the green space in a place or urban context.

Competence: The student understands how landscape values should influence a plan in sustainable spatial planning.

Lectures, seminars, group work and computer exercises

The teaching contains lectures about the relevant aspects of landscape in sustainable physical planning. The topics area nature diversity, cultural landscape, visual landscape, recreation, hydrologi and local climate. The exercises will be using knowledge based information from national data bases to analyse and discuss. As part of the work the students will make a design of a green structure for a case town.

Lectures with actual topics and projects will add references to the case study. The students will be organized in groups.

National guidelines and methods will be tools used to perform the case study.