Operationalisation of a landscape-oriented indicator

Several indicators have been suggested in the field of landscape protection. However, is there a need to operationalise such indicators. According to the [Environmental Indicators for Agriculture, vol. 3, Methods and Results, OECD, Paris, 2001, p. 368], the structural indicator ‘man-made objects’ is illustrated by a method that includes the analysis of parameters for the operationalisation of the indicator. The method also includes a geographical information system (GIS)-aided spatial integration of landscape element distribution and surrounding land use types, for building the socalled landscape complexes (LCs). An LC is used to characterise natural units (a type of landscapeoriented classification of the entire test area), with regard to their landscape type qualities. Carrying out this so-called operationalisation can assist in a more specific and improved regionoriented structuring (regionalisation) of agri-environmental programmes, which are currently negligibly space- and target-oriented. The investigation area was the entire area of the German federal state Baden-Wuerttemberg, as well as single natural units comprising the state. The operationalisation method was firstly aimed at setting priorities for landscape protection on the spatial level of the state, which has the political and administrative power to enforce them. Secondly the method assisted in the identification of special packets of target-oriented measures, which can be used on the level of natural units.