Maisemaarvot

Maisemaarvot is a framework used in geographic planning to evaluate the value of landscapes based on aesthetic, ecological, cultural, and recreational criteria. The term is commonly used in Finnish planning discourse and translates roughly to landscape value. It encompasses a family of methods rather than a single standard, intended to support land-use and conservation decisions.

Assessments typically subdivide the landscape into units or zones and identify indicators such as visual quality, biodiversity, habitat connectivity, cultural heritage, and recreational use. Data come from field surveys, maps, public input, and expert judgment. Results are presented as landscape value maps or score sheets, often with weights reflecting policy priorities.

Maisemaarvot informs environmental impact assessments, zoning, and landscape protection, guiding developers and authorities toward safeguarding high-value areas while enabling sustainable development. It is applied in municipal and regional planning and in tourism and regional development programs, usually alongside ecological or visual impact analyses.

Values are culturally conditioned and can change over time. Methodological choices—indicators, weighting, scale—shape outcomes, and assessments involve some subjectivity. Effective use relies on stakeholder participation to incorporate diverse perspectives.

See also: landscape value assessment, visual impact assessment, landscape planning, cultural heritage protection.