Landscape mapping - is a system of complex "multi-layer" cartographic models, which reflect various features of nature use, mapping of the studied area of the environment, characterizing natural and territorial complexes. Types of geocomplexes consist of creation of landscape maps on the scale of research. For this purpose, the method of superimposition is used. Modern information technologies, which belong to the GIS field, not only facilitate the labor-intensive process of such overlaying of information, but also qualitatively conduct spatial analysis of the landscape structure of the territory.
Geoinformation systems (GIS) - are software systems that include tools to describe the spatial characteristics of the data and create a model of natural complexes, including the spatial component and tools for processing such data. At the same time, the spatial position can be in the form of both exact coordinates and relative location.
For landscape analysis of the territory a special geoinformation system is formed. It consists of an interactive system that can implement the accumulation, bringing into the system, storage, processing of data, evaluation, transfer, distribution and obtaining on the basis of information received and new knowledge about the object. Development of various schemes of territorial planning of space requires work on a landscape basis. Often, due to the lack of any landscape maps, this approach is simply superficial. The lack of such materials depends largely on the complexity of the territory and the high labor intensity of the work on landscape mapping.
Territorial planning of natural complexes is aimed at determining the functional purpose of the territory, the process of spatial planning and territorial management is extremely complex. Therefore, the most appropriate way to create and present territorial planning schemes is to use a full-fledged geographic information system (GIS). Maps are used as one of the tools of spatial factor registration in GIS.
The direction of GIS application in solving the problems of territorial planning and spatial organization of the territory of natural components is gaining more and more strong positions in the modern market of services. Increased functionality, new features (for example, 3D visualization), which were previously unavailable to many specialists - one of the main advantages of using GIS.
Methods of natural complexes research are aimed at the aggregate analysis of landscape spaces at the local and regional levels. The primary method is to obtain initial basic information about landscapes, which is produced by means of expeditionary (structure and general evolution of the landscape), stationary (dynamics of development and functioning of the landscape), remote and aerospace (structure, seasonal conditions, geophysics and biogeophysics of the landscape) research methods, as well as according to databases on the properties and states of individual landscape components.
Landscape science methodology represents complex approaches, systems and methods of obtaining experimental and theoretical generalization in order to study the spatial and temporal organization of landscapes and their connection with other objects.
Map analysis is a way of applying the spatio-temporal comparative approach. All observations are noted on the maps and the morphological structure of the landscape is determined by them, as a result of which the landscape map and the scheme of landscape zoning are obtained. Mapping is a set of observation, technical, logical and measurement cycles. Of great importance are the sequential and automated system of the process of construction and study of the map on the basis of the mathematical theory of pattern recognition.
There are several definitions of landscape information systems (GIS) that comprehensively characterize this concept. The most demanded definition of GIS as an information system that describes, stores, processes and obtains spatially-distributed information using a computer. GIS combines the information that is on the geographic maps with cadastre, environmental and other data depending on its purpose.
Geoinformation systems (GIS) enable the integration of information on the problem under study, as well as various studies, and serve as a starting point for more informed decision-making, namely, it can be used in decision support systems.
GIS production includes the following steps: creating or developing a digital spatial database, connecting the database, displaying all types of geo-referenced information, as well as performing spatial assessments, creating digital maps and reports, creating applications and providing an accompanying overview of functions and capabilities.
GIS is widely used and is becoming increasingly popular because spatial factors are a major part of everyday human life and because the real world is made up of a large number of geographical properties presented as linked spatial data sets. Geoinformation systems have the ability to combine different types of data for a given area and to perform operations on different layers of data (merge, superimpose, make new ones), as they use the spatial position of all data as a single principle.
Combination of different types of data gives new information for analysis, and therefore increases the value of these data.
Thus, geoinformation systems as a way to obtain and process information about landscapes is now gaining popularity due to the rapid and reliable collection of information from the territory of natural complexes and timely processing. Thus, we receive high-quality research with data in the current time. This method of research in many ways simplifies the concept of collecting and storing information from the problem area.