7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.1.1 The Study represents the first time that a detailed and comprehensive landscape classification has been carried out in Hong Kong. It is also one of the only examples of a systematic landscape classification in Asia. Whilst the Study may now be over, the process of landscape change will never be over. Indeed, just as landscape will inevitably be in a constant state of evolution in the future, so the Study and its findings must be sufficiently adaptable to reflect that change. Set out below are a number of ideas as to how the Study and its findings may be taken forward in the future.
7.2 CONTINUING THE MAPPING PROCESS
7.2.1 Landscape is a constantly changing entity which evolves in accordance with our changing economic, environmental and social aspirations. The findings of the Study represent only a snapshot of one stage of a continuous process in the evolution of Hong Kong's landscape. The Landscape Character Map and associated landscape baseline data will need to be updated periodically so that they do not become obsolete over time. It is recommended that the Landscape Character Map be reviewed and updated on a 5-year cycle to ensure that specific known changes to the Hong Kong landscape are fully reflected. Adequate documentation (especially regarding field survey methodology) has been prepared by the study team to ensure that a consistent approach can be adopted in future updating of the Landscape Character Map.
7.3 DEVELOPING THE MAPPING AT GREATER LEVELS OF DETAIL
7.3.1 As noted earlier, landscape character mapping can be carried out at a number of different scales. As the Study was specifically orientated towards identifying changes in the Hong Kong landscape at a strategic level, the study classification produced a two-tier hierarchy i.e. broad landscape type at sub-regional level (6 LCTs) and LCTs at district level (41 LCTs).
7.3.2 Given the diversity of Hong Kong's landscape and the scale of local planning areas, it might be useful to further develop the mapping at a more detailed, local level whereby LCTs and LCAs would be smaller, more refined and homogeneous.
7.3.3 During the Study, exploratory investigations were carried out into this approach and it was estimated that a more detailed classification is likely to yield more than 3,000 local-level LCAs across Hong Kong. Because of the limited funding and scope of the Study, no further work on local-level LCTs was conducted. However, a more detailed Landscape Character Map showing local-level LCTs might be a useful tool for assessing the effects of small scale development on the landscape. This refined local Landscape Character Map could be further developed using data collected in the current Study.
7.4 PUBLISHING THE MAP
7.4.1 The principal users of the findings of this Study are likely to be Government bureaux / departments as noted above. However, given rising public awareness of Hong Kong's landscape and the increasing need for development projects to carry out landscape assessment as required under Town Planning Ordinance or EIA Ordinance, there may be a demand to release relevant information to developers, consultants and the general public. A list of potential users of the findings of the Study is set out in Appendix 5.
7.4.2 As is the case with the Land Utilization Map prepared by Planning Department, the Landscape Character Map together with a brief explanatory note describing the character of each LCT could be made available and sold to the public for their reference. Details of charges for and copyright of the information could be further considered upon completion of the Study.
