Aims and Scope Growing social and economic needs exert major pressures on landscapes, challenging preserved landscape values and the regional significance of places. As a result, the scope oflandscape management has broadened and diversifiedin response to international calls for greater landscape protection, and to existing and new challenges, such as thoserelating to climate change adaptation and ecosystem services. Within this context, landscape impact assessment and more in general landscape planning have been regarded as effective mechanisms for promoting and, at the same time, as the basis of sustainable landscape development. Set within the European context, thisbookaims to provide acontemporary review of landscape impact assessment theory and practice, looking at both the project and planning level. It coversthe overall process, content and scope of landscape impact assessment, including the main principles for good practice. Thisbook also provides guidance on a rangeof methods and techniques for different aspects of landscape impact assessment and public participation needs; and explains the advantages of close co-ordination between landscape impact assessment and landscape planning, especially in land use planning. Finally, a selection of case studies reviewing different aspects and practices of landscape impact assessment are reviewed. This book will be of interest to professionals involved in the day-to-day application of landscape impact assessment, as well as scholars and teachers working in the broad area of landscape planning andmanagement. The authors of thisbook have vast experiencein the research and practice of environmental assessment and landscape management.

The landscape is a vital spatial and material frame for our natural and man-made environment and is considered by many stakeholders to be one of the most important aspects of a healthy, enjoyable life. This book deals with the current trends in the theory of the integration of landscape aspects in spatial planning and development processes. The authors discuss the need for integrated land use planning, landscape planning and impact assessment, and explore landscape consideration practice in European countries, with a special focus on Slovakia. Information about landscape decision-making approaches and cases illustrates current practice and lessons from experience, providing baseline material for landscape academic forum, members of the public and professionals in spatial development making: planners, designers, architects, engineers and others. This practice-oriented and up-to-date monograph is a sourcebook and reference guide to key trends, issues of and approaches to sustainable spatial development in European countries.