Chosen Aspects of the Landscape Evaluation of Metropolitan Areas

Landscape and the research done on it are of interest to many authors from various scientific fields, which means a wide conceptual and methodological scope. But the situation is not simple, and the biggest problem remains, of course, with the term “landscape”. It is a basic concept, yet arousing much controversy. Its multi-layered character is reflected in many scientific disciplines that give it different meanings [Andrzejewski 1992]. Landscape appears as an object of study in geography, geobotany, geochemistry and geophysics of the landscape, ecology, landscape architecture and urban planning. In the modern landscape, an ecological approach includes: analysis of the components of the landscape and the relationship between them; identification of natural spatial units and their hierarchy; valorization of the natural environment for various forms of human activity; and diagnosis of the organization of natural space [Richling, Solon 1998]. That presents the spatial variability of the phenomena occurring in metropolitan areas, which can be represented by using landscape indicators. The use of landscape indicators, also called landscape metrics, allows comparing of selected research areas. The indicators are of a specific category of landscape ecological indicators, defined as the measurable characteristics of the biotic and abiotic environment. The research fields are chosen in 10 areas of the 3-city metropolis. Selection criterion was based on spaces with potential natural and high investment attractiveness. Selected research areas are entirely covered by local spatial development plans