The work done contributes to task 5 of the Technical Annex
Conceptual design guidelines which handle the overall appearance of the landscape were developped for the Study Area Upper Danube Valley. So far they do not regard forest interiors but aesthetical and amenity issues described in Task 5.2. Hence the concept focuses primarily apparent landscape changes like afforestations of pasture land and valleys. The study contains 5 steps:
The selection of Visual Landscape Units is primarily based on morphological differences in the Study Area. The detailed classification in 8 units reduces the problem of generalization of guidelines and presents a profound basis for a landscape unit based design. The following map (donau1.jpg) shows all landscape units in the study area (the cliff zone in the west is missing and will be added in later versions). Click on the map to get the bigger and printable version (donau10.jpg).
The following map (donau4.jpg) is based on data acquisition by observations and visitor census. It indicates which places and areas in the study area are preferably visited. The attractiveness of those places depends on amenities and facilities for day trippers and holiday makers. Scenic places which are additionaly good for various outdoor activities are preferred destinations which often show high visitor pressure. The Landscape Units concerned have to be designed with respect to their present natural attractiveness and to expected future conflicts of competing landuses. Click on the map to get the bigger and printable version (donau40.jpg).
The following map (donau02.jpg) is an interpretation of the two previous maps. It shows areas with high, medium and improvable amenity, due to scenery, different landscape features like rivers or outstanding rocks etc., and recreation facilities like bicycle trails, etc. In this regard the aesthetic component plays a significant role. Hence Amenity Design Guidelines have to
Click on the map to get the bigger and printable version (donau20.jpg).
The following map (donau3.jpg) shows the amount of afforestations in all community districts in the study area during a period of 15 years. The map indicates communities with different increases of afforestations (from less than 5 ha up to more than 100 ha). The numbers refer to afforestations of arable land, which has been planted preferably with fast growing spruce. On the dark green areas there is still a very high afforestation pressure with effects on aesthetics and amenity. Consequently there is a high priority to develop appropriate design guidelines for the landscape units concerned. Click on the map to get the bigger and printable version (donau30.jpg).
Forward to step 5: Graphic Development of Prototypes