Research Information System
FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN, vol.27, no.5A, pp.3512-3520, 2018 (SCI-Expanded)
Global environmental problems affect natural landscapes. As a result, natural resources diminish, links between habitats break, and habitat types disappear. Therefore, to control a habitat, ecological relationships between landscapes must be defined and managed. In this context, the determination of landscape structures and the provision of ecological connections contribute to the correct perception of ecological processes and to the protection of habitats. In this study, we propose a practical method that includes increasing landscape connectivity, assessing landscape structure, and working with a set of guidelines to improve the planning process and encourage the establishment of green infrastructure systems. We use light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data to detect the forest patches. The study consists of four stages: (1) detection of the study area's tree cover, using the LIDAR data set to form point-cloud clusters using remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies; (2) determination of the landscape structure using area, edge, and shape metrics on a class scale; (3) determination of connectivity in a fragmented forest structure; and (4) discussion of the green infrastructure data. The ecological connections that are required for green infrastructures are then outlined, with connectivity probabilities provided on three levels. This study will help landscape planners and forest managers in the spatial planning process.