Applying special heterogeneity indices in changing landscapes in the Czech Republic

Many very different approaches to landscape patterns are used all over the world in landscape ecology, landscape planning and management. Intensive development of geographical information systems in the last decade has meant increasing interest in analysing landscape changes. GIS has enabled quantification of the spatial changes in large areas, and the provision of much more representative results. However, implementation of the results into landscape planning and management is still not satisfactory. Proposals for analysing changes in land use and the attributes of landscape patterns have been developed and tested in four study areas representing different landscape types. Changes in landscape patterns based on land use are monitored between 1845 and 2000. The results show various rates of simplification of land-use patterns in all study areas, taking into consideration natural conditions and human activities. We conclude that spatial heterogeneity is a relevant criterion for landscape planning, design and conservation, and for defining management principles in order to maintain the biodiversity and aesthetic values of the landscape