GENERALIZED ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION - IS IT USEFUL TO REGIONAL-PLANNING

In this paper a classification scheme is discussed that was developed for characterizing an area's general ecological structure quickly and at little cost. Pertinent data available in various sources are proces sed by means of a GIS. This method definitely is no alternative to det ailed analyses, but provides an overview. A combination of both, gener al and detailed techniques, reducing costs and the time needed, appear s to be very useful for regional planning purposes. The method describ ed in this paper also defines those areas in which detailed investigat ion is necessary or of higher priority.