maisemallista

Maisemallista is a Finnish term used in planning and heritage discourse to refer to a catalog or dataset describing the landscape characteristics of a specific area. It describes a structured inventory of landscape elements such as landforms, vegetation, built structures, cultural features, and their visual relationships, as well as changes that have occurred over time. The term emphasizes documenting the character and appearance of landscapes rather than listing only physical features.

The purpose of a maisemallista is to support planning decisions, conservation, and interpretation by providing a clear picture of what makes a landscape unique. It is used in municipal and regional planning, environmental impact assessments, protection of cultural heritage, and the development of tourism and educational programs. By mapping landscape attributes and sensitivities, authorities and stakeholders can assess potential impacts of new development and prioritize measures that preserve landscape value.

Methodologically, creating a maisemallista combines field surveys, historical sources, photography, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping with input from local communities. Outputs may include landscape typologies, visual quality assessments, and guidelines for development that respect landscape character. While not a fixed statutory term, the concept appears in Finnish planning literature and local projects as a practical tool for understanding and managing landscape change.

See also: landscape character assessment, cultural landscape, geographic information systems, urban planning.