The application of geographical information systems in the planning and design of sustainable neighbourhood development : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Landscape Architecture (Environment Society and Design) at Lincoln University
Abstract
The term 'sustainable landscape' is a derivative of the phrase 'sustainable development'
which was coined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (the
Brundtland Commission) in 1987. Both terms are however rather ambiguous as
'sustainability' has come to mean different things to different interest groups. A general
world trend in policy making indicates a move towards sustainability to sustain the
protection of the planet and the survival of the human race. Within New Zealand local
authorities have the responsibility to manage natural and physical resources under the guise
of the Resource Management Act. Despite various initiatives by government bodies there
remains an uncertainty as to the spatial implications of such policy objectives.
Literature on sustainable landscapes and the applications oflandscape ecology theory to
landscape planning provides a useful framework for the general principles of more
sustainable landscape development, however the lack of critique on the spatial implications
of such principles makes it difficult to apply this rather broad reaching theory in practical
terms.
A multiple case study provides a useful methodology to extract a common set of key
spatial attributes of exemplary sustainable neighbourhood developments. The spatial
attributes are incorporated into a GIS analysis using the theoretical framework as an
overriding regulatory principle for sustainable development. GIS is shown to be effective
as a tool in the planning of sustainable neighbourhood developments and also to a lesser
degree shows applications at the site design level.... [Show full abstract]
Keywords
Geographic Information System (GIS); landscape; sustainable development; sustainable landscape; sustainable neighbourhood developmentFields of Research
120107 Landscape Architecture; 120501 Community Planning; 1205 Urban and Regional PlanningDate
2003Type
ThesisAccess Rights
Digital dissertation can be viewed by current staff and students of Lincoln University only.Collections
- Masters Theses [799]
- School of Landscape Architecture [332]