Scale for Evaluating the Suitability of Landscape Units for Economic Activity

Abstract

The article focuses on developing a universal eco-oriented method for ranking landscape units according to their suitability for various land use types. Materials and methods. The method for assessing the suitability of landscape units based on the analysis of a set of affected geocomponents, possible chain reactions between geocomponents, possible lateral interactions with neighboring or remote geosystems, possible or necessary changes in the landscape spatial pattern. Results and discussion. In the scale proposed a decrease in the suitability rank occurs as the possibility of irreversible changes in the component and spatial structure of a landscape increases. The higher the rank number, the higher the cost of use. Nine ranks are distinguished in descending order of suitability: 1) in the current state without additional measures, 2) after improving the properties of the key (resource-providing) geocomponent, 3) after creating conditions for a chain reaction between the geocomponents, 4) after eliminating an undesirable chain reaction, 5) after excluding the possibility of changing the spatial pattern of a unit, 6) after neutralizing the undesirable effects of inter-unit interactions, 7) after creating new units on an existing substrate, 8) after creating new units on a substrate uncharacteristic for the territory, 9) irreducible obstacles. The priority is assigned to the most environmentally-friendly land use type. Conclusions. The scale allows comparing the suitability of a landscape unit for various types of land use and choose the best one according to the criteria for minimizing environmental damage and the costs of overcoming natural limiting factors and ensuring human safety.