Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 21.5
Screen dumps fromWadBOS showing a map and dialogue windows relative to the recreational boating activity. The
numbered items are explained in the text (Courtesy of RIKS).
21.5.2 Landscape
the Wadden Sea is assessed relative to the way it is
perceived
(see Figure 21.6:
) by humans as 'typical and
attractive'. This perception is related to the presence or
absence of human elements. The different characteristics
mentioned: ecological assessment, perception, landscape
types, and potential species are presented as dynamic
maps on a monthly basis. For most of the assessment cal-
culations there are no 'hard scientific facts' to build into
the model; rather, expert rules and judgements are used.
Even then, the sequence of monthly maps demonstrates
in a very interesting manner how the sea loses a lot of its
ecological value and its attractiveness during the summer
when human activity booms. During winter however,
the sea returns to a much more natural state.
The economic activities will affect the pristine character
and landscape of the Wadden Sea. These, too, are
localized effects that are calculated in WadBOS at the
cellular level and on a monthly basis. An assessment in
ecological terms (see Figure 21.6:
) is calculated, based
on the
Ecotopes
present in each cell and on the potential
biodiversity of the ecotope. This assessment is done with
and without the effect of economic
Activities
and
Cultural
elements
present in the landscape. This approach enables
a straightforward visualization of the human impacts. On
the basis of the same information, patches of contiguous
Landscape
types are calculated. Types vary from 'nearly
natural' to 'entirely human'. The ecological characteris-
tics of the type and the size of the patch will determine
the kind and number of
Species
(see Figure 21.6:
21.5.3 Ecological subsystem
)
potentially populating it in a sustained manner. Finally
Where activities are carried out, some form of pollution
is caused and particular
Emissions
(see Figure 21.6:
)
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