LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS

Module GIS ANALYSIS FOR LANDSCAPE CHARACTERIZATION

Knowledge and Understanding

The course provides advanced knowledge related to the analysis and assessment of the natural and anthropogenic components of the landscape and their interactions. Students will acquire a critical understanding of the main methodological approaches used for landscape characterization and classification, as well as of the cartographic, GIS, and statistical tools employed in territorial analysis. They will also be able to interpret complex spatial datasets and assess their significance within landscape planning, management, and conservation processes.

 

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to independently apply advanced methodologies for landscape analysis and classification, integrating data from different sources and using GIS and statistical tools for the management, processing, and interpretation of spatial information. They will be able to critically select the most appropriate analytical methods according to specific research and planning objectives and formulate assessments supported by adequate territorial evidence.

 

Making Judgements

During the practical sessions, students will work in groups on a landscape analysis project assigned by the lecturer. This activity will enable each group member to assess the assigned topic in relation to the data provided and to develop independent judgement regarding the analyses required for the classification of landscape areas. Within the group work, the solutions proposed by each member will be compared and critically discussed, thereby strengthening the understanding of the theoretical concepts presented during the lectures.

 

Communication Skills

During the practical activities, students will be required to present and discuss the results achieved through group work, using appropriate technical terminology and suitable graphical representations. These activities will foster the ability to communicate technical content and the results of territorial analyses effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

 

Learning Skills

At th end of the course, students will have developed the ability to independently identify, access, and use technical standards, specialized manuals, scientific and technical documentation, and digital tools for the continuous updating of their knowledge in the field of landscape analysis. They will also be able to independently explore new classification methods and GIS tools applied to territorial and landscape analysis, thereby acquiring the foundations necessary for further academic study and lifelong professional development.

The course includes 21 hours of frontal lessons and 42 hours of practical lessons (discussion of case studies and guided tours, reports, essays, individual or group research carried out by students, educational field experiences, seminars).  If measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic should be incremented lectures could be held online or in mixed mode.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs), in the person of professor Anna De Angelis.

Background. Reference standards and the European Landscape Convention. Data collection, sources, media representation. Analysis of the landscape through the use of indicators. Visual Analysis. Evaluation of landscape: speditivi systems, analytical systems. Plan of the landscape. Landscape design. Techniques involving population.

“Teaching’s contribution to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”

Goal 13 - Climate action - target: 13.1 - Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related risks and natural disasters in all countries

Goal 15 - Life on Land - protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

1. A.A.V.V. - OSSERVATORIO VIRTUALE DEL PAESAGGIO MEDITERRANEO. ISBN 978-84-8095-520-1. http://www.sitmurcia.es/paisaje/publica/paimed/index.html.

2. Codice Urbani (Decreto Legislativo 22 Gennaio 2004, n. 42), parte III. 3. Convenzione Europea del Paesaggio, Firenze 2000.

4. Documentazione necessaria alla verifica della compatibilità paesaggistica degli interventi proposti, ai sensi dell'articolo 146, comma 3, del Codice dei beni culturali e del paesaggio di cui al decreto legislativo 22 gennaio 2004, n. 42 (G.U. n. 25 del 31 gennaio 2006).

5. European Council For The Village And Small Town (ECOVAST), (2006). Landscape Identification. A guide to good practice.

6. Maniglio Calcagno A., (2006). Architettura del paesaggio. Evoluzione storica. FrancoAngeli ed., Milano.

10. Gissi, Elena. 2011. Conoscere e comunicare il paesaggio : linguaggi, metodi e strumenti per l'integrazione tra l'ecologia del paesaggio e la pianificazione territoriale / Elena Gissi ; premessa di Giovanni Zurlini. Milano: Angeli Editore.

7. Mazzino F., Ghersi A.(2002) Per un’analisi del paesaggio. Metodo conoscitivo, analitico e valutativo per operazioni di progettazione e gestione. Gangemi ed., Roma.

8. Osservatorio Città Sostenibili, Dipartimento Interateneo Territorio, Politecnico e Università di Torino. La valutazione del carattere del paesaggio. Working paper P04/07

9. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) e Countryside Agency (CA) (2002). Landscape Character Assessment (LCA). Guidance for England and Scotland. (http://www.landscapecharacter.org.uk/index.html).

The exam consists of ongoing tests and a final oral exam, which also includes a discussion of the graphic design project developed during the course.
Assessment is conducted through an oral interview. 

Student preparation will be evaluated based on the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, ability to summarize and present, and the student's reasoning skills.
Assessment may also be conducted online, if circumstances warrant.

The grade is expressed in thirtieths according to the following scheme:
Failed
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies
Analysis and synthesis skills: irrelevant, frequent generalizations
Use of references: completely inappropriate
18-20
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest, obvious imperfections
Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate
Use of references: barely appropriate
21-23
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: slightly more than adequate knowledge
Analysis and synthesis skills: fair analysis and synthesis skills, argues logically and coherently
Use of references: uses standard references
24-26
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge
Analysis and synthesis skills: has good analysis and synthesis skills, arguments are presented coherently
Use of references: uses standard references
27-29
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: more than good knowledge
Analysis and Synthesis: has excellent analytical and synthesis skills
Use of References: has thoroughly explored the topics
30-30 cum laude
Knowledge and Comprehension of the Topic: excellent knowledge
Analytical and Synthesis Skills: has excellent analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of References: significant in-depth analysis.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).