<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>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.</p></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.

Main aspects of system
hierarchy in ecological landscape research

1Department of Geoecology
Institute of Physical Geography
Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies
University of Warsaw

Department of Tourism and Recreation
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska

Miscellanea Geographica

{"article-title":"Main aspects of system\nhierarchy in ecological landscape research"}

At present, geoecology-related discussions are focused on the ability to provide systematic and universal landscape description in a variety of space and time...

Main aspects of system hierarchy in ecological landscape research

Published Online: Dec 27, 2013

Page range: 5 - 12

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10288-012-0049-7

Keywords
Landscape, hierarchical system, landscape structure, scale, landscape dynamics, landscape classification systems

This content is open access.