This paper addresses the problems of (1) representing natural shapes such as mountains, trees and clouds, and (2) computing such a description from image data. In order to solve these problems we must be able to relate natural surfaces to their images; this requires a good model of natural surface shapes. Fractal functions are good a choice for modeling natural surfaces because (1) many physica...

Despite the close affinity between collective memory and urban structures as the relationship between what is hidden and what is visible; rapid changes throughout the city have caused a disconnection between integrated memories and landscape cohesion. As a context for memories, the historical urban landscape proves to be valuable. The present research seeks to identify elements and signs in urb...

We propose an innovative segmentation algorithm based on mathematical morphology operators. This definition is based on a morphological and fuzzy pattern-matching approach, and consists in comparing an object to a fuzzy landscape representing the degree of satisfaction of an affinity relationship. It has good formal properties, it is flexible, it fits the intuition, and it can be used for struc...

Wetlands are very sensitive to ecosystem changes, so integrated analyses and modeling of their process dynamics as well as their interaction with other hydrologic and ecological components provide valuable information for impact assessment. However, since wetland processes are complex, research methods aiming to improve the understanding of wetland dynamics in a landscape perspective must compr...

Cultural landscapes are increasingly understood as something not merely to be protected. The European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) and the European Landscape Convention (ELC) as well as the new Concepts and Strategies for Spatial Development in Germany propose considering cultural landscapes also as a force to promote cooperative regional development. Common historical roots, special ...

E. COSYNS*, A. DELPORTE*, L. LENS† and M. HOFFMANN*‡ * Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 – S8, Ghent, Belgium, † Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium, and ‡ Institute of Nature Conservation, Section Landscape Ecology and Nature Management, Kliniekstraat 25, B-1070 Brussels, Be...

The relationship between landscape patterns and functions is the central research theme of landscape ecology and forest management. This study assesses the interactive relationship of landscape heterogeneity with the carbon stock of urban forests in the city of Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, using spatial and statistical analyses. The objectives of this study are to explore the most appropriat...

Landscape Ecology Group, University of Oldenburg, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany Institute of Geoecology, University of Potsdam, D-14415 Potsdam, Germany Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Department of Conservation Biology, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany Field Station Fabrikschleichach, University of Würzburg, Glashuettenstrasse 5, 96181 Rauhenebrach, Germany Institute of ...

1. The surface water/groundwater (SW/GW) interface is a crucial control point for lateral nutrient ̄uxes between uplands and aquatic ecosystems and for upstream/ downstream (longitudinal) processes in lotic ecosystems. 2. Hydrological and biogeochemical dynamics of the SW/GW ecotone are linked to the degree of channel constraint and the sediment characteristics of the ̄oodplain and stream bed. 3....