10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.1.1 This chapter provides some concluding remarks to the Study. In particular, it sets out the potential uses and applications of the Landscape Character Map (LCM) and associated landscape database and identifies those who might find them useful. The limitations of the map are also noted and ways in which the mapping may be taken forward in the future are identified.
10.2 APPLICATIONS OF THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER MAP
10.2.1 The potential uses of the LCM and the database are many. In fact, during the course of the Study, interim findings have already been employed for a number of planning purposes. A list of potential uses and users is set out in Table 10.1 below.
Table 10.1 Applications, Potential Users and Information Required from the Study
Applications Potential Users Information Required CASET Sustainability Indicator Government bureaux and departments Full set of digital LCMs together with the landscape GIS Strategic Landscape Impact Assessment Government bureaux and departments Full set of digital LCMs together with the landscape GIS Individual project EIAs Developers/ consultant firms Relevant paper/ digital LCM in scale 1:20,000 and associated data set Preparation of landscape designation/policy Government bureaux and departments Full set of digital LCMs together with the landscape GIS Preparing Town Plans Government bureaux and departments Relevant paper/ digital LCM in scale 1:20,000 and associated data set Developing landscape management and enhancement programme / policy Government bureaux and departments Relevant paper/ digital LCM in scale 1:20,000 and associated data set General information Schools and general public Paper LCM at a scale 1:75,000 together with an explanatory statement Academic research Universities Depending on the nature of the research 10.2.2 The following describes some of the potential uses of the LCM and Database.
Sustainability Indicator for Landscape
10.2.3 One of the requirements of the Study was to recommend a suitable Landscape Indicator(s) for incorporation into Government’s sustainability assessment tool – CASET, which is used to predict the sustainability of major development proposals.
10.2.4 The operation of the Indicators is described in detail in Chapter 8 above. The proposed Landscape Indicators are intended as a recommendation for the consideration of the Sustainable Development Unit of Hong Kong Government.
Landscape Impact Assessment of Strategic Development Projects
10.2.5 The LCM can be used as baseline information in carrying out Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs), which are a component of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Information could be supplied to consultants for use as they see fit during Environmental Impact Assessments.
Use in Preparation of Town Plans
10.2.6 The LCM can be made available for use by Planning Department as background information in preparing Outline Zoning Plans and other planning studies, ensuring landscape issues are adequately represented in the planning process.
Other Potential Uses
10.2.7 Various Government Departments such as Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Highways Department and others are tasked with maintaining various components of the public landscape in urban and rural areas. The LCM will also be of value to them as background information when determining maintenance strategies and actions.
10.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE LANDSCAPE MAP
The Landscape Map and Future Development
10.3.1 The Study is a baseline survey of existing landscape character, condition and value. During the field survey, the Study team took into account only the existing situation at each LCA, without considering the effects on condition or value of any planned or committed developments therein (simply because it is not possible to accurately assess a proposal that has not yet been implemented). For example, Penny’s Bay attained a low landscape value because the area was then under construction. However, the landscape will be drastically improved upon completion of the Disneyland project. A remark has been included in the database to highlight any ongoing construction of major planned and committed developments within LCAs which will significantly affect their character. Users of the LCM and GIS database should be aware of such facts when interpreting the Study findings.
Landscape Assessment and Subjectivity
10.3.2 As has been mentioned earlier, landscape evaluation and assessment contains a significant subjective component. However, many measures have been put in place during the Study to reduce subjectivity to a minimum and ensure general public acceptance of the findings (see Chapter 5 above).
10.3.3 For example, opportunities have been taken to engage stakeholders early in the Study to determine the assessment methodology (see Chapter 9 above). A reasonably impartial judgment on the value of each LCA was also achieved during the field surveys by employing professional Landscape Architects to carry out the assessment. In addition, assessments were based on a set of predefined criteria and justifications have been clearly recorded in the field data record sheet which can be re-examined if required. Finally, the Study team has extensively reviewed local literature and relevant research to provide support for their assessments.
LCA Boundaries
10.3.4 t is well recognised that landscape is a continuum and that character does not in general change abruptly. However for the sake of certainty, the boundaries of LCAs were generally mapped following definable features on the ground, such as roads, buildings, coastal features, fences or drainage channels etc. In applying the findings of the Study at a detailed local level, users are advised to examine LCA boundaries and review and refine them as necessary to ensure that the study findings would be meaningful in a local context.
10.4 TAKING THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER MAP FORWARD
10.4.1 This 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 finish, the process of landscape change never will. 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. To conclude the Study, setting out below, are a number of ideas as to how the Study and its findings may be taken forward in the future.
Continuing the Mapping Process
10.4.2 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 LCM and associated landscape baseline data will need to be updated periodically in order that they will not become obsolete over time. It is recommended that the LCM 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 LCM.
Developing the Mapping at Greater Levels of Detail
10.4.3 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).
10.4.4 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. A more detailed LCM showing Local-level LCTs might also be a useful tool for assessing the effects of small scale development on the landscape.
10.4.5 During the Study, some exploratory works were carried out into this approach and it was estimated that a more detailed classification at local level 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 carried out. However, this could be developed using data collected during the current Study.
10.5 PUBLISHING THE MAP
10.5.1 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.
10.5.2 As is the case with the Land Utilization Map prepared by Planning Department, the LCM could be considered to be sold to the public for their reference and general information. An explanatory statement may be included that describes the character of each LCT. The Map and the data in the landscape database could also be made available in digital format to be public if requested. Details of charges for and copyright of the information could be further considered upon completion of the Study.
