Andrzej Richling

Delimitation of landscape units treated as estimation fields in the modelling of a landscape system

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to represent the hierarchical structure of an environment by using two concepts: typology and regionalization. The Płock Region (1,766.95 sq. km) and transect crossing this area (796.2 sq. km) is the research location. It was divided into 710 individual landscape units (319 in the transect border). The existing physical-geographical regionalization, including macro-, meso- and micro-regions, was elaborated using a deductive (top-down) method, which was supplemented by a more detailed regionalization, obtained by an inductive (bottom-up) method called analysis of borders (Richling 1976). The study area was divided into more detailed sub-regions: first-level regions (87 units), second-level regions (36 units) and third-level regions (9 units). In fact, the landscape structure of third-level regions is similar to micro-regions. This is proof of the complementary nature of the two approaches – deductive and inductive regionalization, and the hierarchical landscape structure.

Współczesne kierunki badań krajobrazowych w kontekście wdrażania Europejskiej Konwencji Krajobrazowej Contemporary directions of landscape study in the context of the implementation of the European Landscape Convention

The aim of the paper is to present and assess the research on landscape ongoing in Poland, and to indicatie possible uses of existing experience in the process by which the European Landscape Convention gains implementation. The authors discuss here basic definitions, and selected examples of research in the field of landscape geography carried out in Poland. They show that the achievements of Polish geographers and landscape ecologists in identifying, analysing and assessing landscapes represents the common scientific tradition of the central part of Europe, considered one of the most comprehensively pursued anywhere in the world. This achievement should therefore constitute the basis for work on a comprehensive methodology by which to identify, delimit and assign value to landscape units, for the purposes of implementation of the European Landscape Convention in Poland. The latter suggestion at this stage reflects the fact that relevant work first arose as long ago as in the 19th century, out of studies in nature and general geography based on field observations and comparative studies, there has never been substantial implementation into practice, nor any wider popularisation in Poland. It further reflects the fact that, notwithstanding the number of years that have passed since the last more wide-ranging regionalisation and typological studies, the theoretical and main methodological basis underpinning the work has retained its value. Clearly ongoing changes in research tools and methodologies necessitate fresh thought and new solutions, but this should not happen through any abandonment of existing bases. There are specialists in the wider field of landscape who trained for decades at Polish academic centers. Their curriculum includes mapping of the landscape, at a detailed and review level, with a view to potential being evaluated, current means of use documented, recommendations made as regards future use, and so on.The new formal and legal situation relating to the requirement that the European Landscape Convention be implemented denotes far-greater involvement of well-trained specialists, both theoreticians and practitioners (dealing with all aspects of the landscape), when it comes to conceptual work on the development of a comprehensive methodology whereby landscape units may be identified, delimited and assigned value. Infuture, they will be bound, not only to participate in, but also to manage, detailed work at the regional level, within landscape audits as recognised by law.

Main aspects of system hierarchy in ecological landscape research

Abstract At present, geoecology-related discussions are focused on the ability to provide systematic and universal landscape description in a variety of space and time scales, as well as in different functional systems. This requires the development of landscape schemes in the form of hierarchical structural and functional systems. This paper has therefore focused on concepts of crucial importance for landscape system description, such as scale, spatial range and structure and landscape functioning. The definition of these concepts and their characteristics are crucial for the ability to describe a landscape system, in terms of its structural and functional composition and valuation, as well as assessment of landscape and ecosystem functions and services. Therefore, the analysis allows a demonstration of approaches discussed in the subject literature and the authors’ opinions.