A new information system in support of landscape assessment: PLAINS

Description

The Prototype Landscape Assessment Information System (PLAINS) project aims to identify the benefits of introducing satellite Earth Observation data into the landscape assessment process and to develop a decision support system that will classify landscape/urban areas for specific customer needs (′′customers′′ are planning authorities, estate agents, and the tourism sector). Natural and cultural landscape elements that are common to the customer group requirements are incorporated into a Locational Value Index (LVI); LVIs are summed over the customer's designated area of interest to derive a landscape characterization assessment. Five European nations are participating in the PLAINS project. The system will be tested initially at sites in the U.K., and validated at sites in Italy, Germany, and Poland.

Additional details