GIS-based landscape analysis and assessment with conflict analysis of potential priority areas for wind power plants
The research project "GIS-supported Landscape Image Analysis and Assessment with Conflict Investigation of Potential Priority Areas for Wind Power Plants" was carried out for the Regional Association of Saarbrücken (RVS). A valid, comprehensible and transparent scientific basis was developed that corresponds to the current state of research, can be disseminated and used digitally, and is easy to update. This basis enables the consideration of the landscape as an object of protection in future decision-making processes, e.g. in the course of the designation of concentration zones for wind power plants in the land use plan.
In order to achieve this goal, a systematic analysis of the landscape, including a historical view of the development of the landscape, was carried out in order to create a current basis for the subsequent landscape assessment, which was specified for the area under investigation. Subsequently, GIS-based visibility analyses were used to quantitatively assess the impacts of potential wind turbine sites. Based on the quantitative analysis (visibility yes/no or size of the visibility areas), a qualitative conflict analysis of potential wind power sites was developed in a subsequent work step, using an internet-based landscape assessment. Visualizations/photomontages were also used as examples. Finally, the findings were documented in text and images or maps. The project was accompanied by presentations, information events, workshops and coordination meetings.