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Outline
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Since the Geographical Information System
(GIS) revolution of the late 1980s, there has been remarkable progress
in the area of landscape research using maps. One good example is
Prof. Carl Steinitz of GSD, Harvard University, who has pioneered
research on landscape planning through the use of maps, from the time
of the inception of GIS in the 1960s. Prof. Steinitz’s framework
has progressively made use of GIS in the area of landscape research
(Steinitz et al., 1999; Steinitz et al., 2002).
Prof. Steinitz’s framework on landscape planning involves 6
models, viz. representation model (how to describe landscape), process
model (how to use landscape), evaluation model (to evaluate the functioning
of the current landscape), change model (explore how can landscape
be changed), impact model (to understand the expected differences
that change can lead to), and intent model (understanding how the
future landscape should be changed). These models are conceived out
of factors such as recognizing the context, specifying the research
methodology, initiating research and repetition.
The most important aspect of these 6 models is the fact that they
have all been constructed using maps. For instance, several scenarios
are firstly planned and for each scenario, the future of the concerned
region is first projected. Upon this, a visual representation (in
the form of a map) is generated of the future of each scenario’s
landscape. These maps finally turn out to be very useful resources
in the decision-making process of stakeholders (i.e. concerned parties).
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