The utilization of ecosystem services mapping in land use planning: the experience of LIFE SAM4CP project

Abstract

Ecosystem Service assessment requires better integration of the information that supports land use decisions. Nevertheless, the interpretation of maps and their utilisation to address sustainability during the land use planning process remains critical, especially at a local scale. In this study, a Geographic Information System-Based approach is presented to transform an Ecosystem Service biophysical multipart analysis into a composite parcel-scale indicator, mainly using Esri ArcGIS (version 10.5) functions, and particularly: (i) the Weighted Overlay, (ii) Hotspot Analysis and (iii) Aggregation of Polygons. This methodology has been used experimentally in three municipalities of the metropolitan city of Turin (Italy) during the LIFE SAM4CP project. The study aims to demonstrate how the operationalisation of Ecosystem Service assessment in planning aided Local Administrations in defining land use planning priorities, such as the identification of land take control strategies and the definition of Urban Growth Boundaries.