Landscape
Value Mapping of Hong Kong
(without Annexes)
(ACE
Paper 28/2000)
For circulation
PURPOSE
- The purpose of this
paper is to seek the views of Members on the scope and approach
of the captioned Study prior to finalization of the study brief
and invitation of Expression of Interests from Consultants to
undertake the Study.
BACKGROUND
- In Hong Kong, no comprehensive
landscape assessment for the whole territory has been ever undertaken.
Only a broad-brush appraisal of the urban landscape for the metropolitan
area (attached at Annex A) was undertaken in the late 1980s to
examine its landform, vegetation cover and character. Sporadic
and piecemeal landscape assessments have from time to time been
undertaken, mainly in connection with individual studies or projects.
- During the consultation
stage of the Study on Sustainable Development for the 21st Century
(SUSDEV21), natural scenery and built landscape were repeatedly
raised as important components of sustainability and were suggested
for inclusion as indicators in the decision-support tool developed
under SUSDEV21.
- In many countries,
especially in Europe, comprehensive landscape assessments are
an established element of the land use planning process. In consideration
of the sustainability of a project, much emphasis has been put
on the importance of landscape character, which is a combination
of all natural and man-made components, giving identity and a
sense of place. In the United Kingdom, for example, landscape
character maps have been prepared at nationwide, regional, county
and local levels. An award-winning landscape character assessment
for Northern Ireland (1999) is attached at Annex B for Members'
reference (extracted from Landscape Design Journal).
- This Study will involve
the undertaking of a systematic survey and analysis mapping of
the existing landscape resources of the whole territory of Hong
Kong to develop a territorial baseline for a new sustainability
indicator. Such baseline information will provide a consistent
and systematic framework to evaluate landscape qualities including
landscape and visual impact assessment for various development
studies and proposals.
OBJECTIVES
OF THE STUDY
- The primary goal of
this exercise is to undertake a comprehensive survey to produce
a landscape character map on the existing landscape resources
of Hong Kong. Specifically, the Study has a number of key objectives:
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(a) |
develop a better
understanding of the landscape resources in Hong Kong, both
in terms of quality and quantity;
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(b) |
establish the baseline
conditions of the existing rural and urban landscape resources;
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(c) |
establish a classification
system based on a systematic approach of classifying the various
types of landscape resources located within the territory;
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(d) |
identify specific
landscape character areas, recognizing key elements such as
physical landscape, visual qualities, sense of place, ecology,
natural history and attributes that provide their character
and identity; and
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(e) |
carry out a comprehensive
survey to build up a consistent and coherent set of data and
produce a landscape character map for use in the decision-support
tool developed under SUSDEV21. Such data and map would provide
a framework for assessing landscape and visual impacts of individual
projects (including, but not limited to, those projects which
may be required under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance
or the Town Planning Ordinance).
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THE
STUDY TASKS
- To achieve the objectives,
the Study will cover the following major tasks:
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Task
1: |
Study Methodology
and Initial Development of Landscape Categorization and Classification
Criteria
In the initial phase of the Study, the Consultants shall recommend
a suitable methodology and approach to the Study based on established
landscape survey techniques used in other countries and specifically
adapted to meet local circumstances. This shall involve the
outline selection of landscape character types (LCT) and landscape
character areas (LCA) so as to develop suitable categories for
the mapping exercise. An initial set of classification criteria,
which may include natural factors (such as landform, drainage,
vegetation cover etc.), social factors (such as land use, settlement
pattern, sense of place, memorable place/building group, etc.)
and aesthetic factors (such as landmarks, views and viewing
points, special character of a place, visual amenity etc.),
shall be formulated to provide a system to classify and map
the rural and urban landscape in all areas of Hong Kong.
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Task
2: |
Scoping of Existing
Information and Development of Classification System
A scoping exercise that encompasses a review of all existing
relevant information shall be conducted to identify any key
gaps in the existing data. The consultants shall then recommend
suitable methods of obtaining information to fill such data
gaps and propose a plan for undertaking surveys to obtain the
necessary information. The scoping exercise shall also include
a review of relevant overseas experience and information to
help develop a suitable and recognized system of landscape character
classification for Hong Kong.
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Task
3: |
Baseline Assessment
The baseline assessment shall include both desktop research
and field surveys. The desktop research will involve the collation
of a wide range of existing information in Hong Kong. A mapping
exercise, using aerial photographs, remote sensing data, literature,
plans, reports and existing relevant studies, will be conducted
to build up an initial understanding of the territorial landscape
resources, both in terms of quality and quantity. Based on the
study methodology, a preliminary landscape character map at
a scale of 1:10,000 will be prepared for Hong Kong which will
be divided into a series of LCT and LCA for more detailed assessment.
Field surveys will be undertaken to verify the boundaries of
the LCT and LCA, identify the aesthetic qualities that are intrinsic
within those boundaries, and record their range of variation
in landscape character. The field surveys will also record any
specific features within the LCT and LCA and their sensitivity
to potential changes. Photographic and descriptive records shall
be taken during the field surveys.
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Task
4: |
Analysis and
Classification of Landscape Character
Analysis of the survey data and information gathered from the
desktop research and field surveys will be conducted to verify
and refine the boundaries. Based on the findings, the LCT, LCA
and any specific landscape resources and features identified
will be examined and classified based on the finalized set of
classification criteria.
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Task
5: |
Production of
Landscape Classification Map and Reporting
Following verification and rectification, the data will be transcribed
into a landscape classification map. The map shall be in GIS
format which may form part of the database system in the decision
support tool developed under SUSDEV21.
A descriptive report, accompanied with annotated maps and photographs,
shall be produced along with the GIS map. The data shall be
prepared in a format that will enable them to be easily monitored
and updated on a regular basis and can help keep track of potential
change.
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STUDY
AREA
- The Study will cover
the whole territory of Hong Kong. It will include both the rural
and urban landscapes.
CONSULTATION
- In addition to the
current round of consultation on the scope of work, we will further
consult relevant bodies and interested members of the public in
the course of Study in two different stages on:
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(a) |
the study methodology
and initial development of landscape categorization and classification
criteria; and
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(b) |
the major findings
and the overall recommendations of the Study. |
DURATION
OF STUDY
- Expressions of Interest
for the Study will likely be invited by the end of 2000. The Study
is anticipated to commence in early 2001 and the study period
will be about 18 months, excluding the time required for public
consultation.
ADVICE
SOUGHT
- Members are invited
to comment on the scope and approach of the Study as set out in
paras. 6 to 10 above.
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT
JULY 2000
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