A proposal for the structural and technological framework of landscape observatories: A case study from Türkiye

¹ Department of Landscape Architecture, Ankara University, 06110, Ankara, Türkiye
² Department of Landscape Architecture, Pamukkale University, 06110, Denizli, 20160, Türkiye

^* Corresponding author: sukran.sahin@ankara.edu.tr

Abstract

In the current dynamic global landscape, human activities are increasingly posing threats and pressures on landscapes. In response to this pressing issue, different regions around the world exhibit varying levels of community awareness and institutional practices regarding landscape protection, planning, and management. Thus, there arises a critical need for a strategic tool termed as a ‘landscape observatory’ to facilitate continuous monitoring of landscapes across time and space, enabling rapid information exchange. This paper, which drew insights from the Landscape Observatories of leading European countries following the European Landscape Convention and European collaborative efforts, laid the groundwork for this study. The study involves examining advancements in landscape observatories across Europe and Türkiye and developing a structural and technological framework for an ideal observatory. It also explores the necessary CyberGIS infrastructure for integrating relevant digital data infrastructures. The proposed landscape observatory platform aims to facilitate governance through multi-stakeholder coordination, formulate recommendations for improved landscape protection, planning, and management within the framework of sustainable development, foster continuous public awareness, and manage data through a Landscape Information System (LIS) compatible with national spatial planning scales. The outcomes of this study are anticipated to contribute to the establishment of observatories operating at regional, sub-regional, and local scales, both globally and in Türkiye.