Applications of GIS in landscape design research

Despite its widespread availability there is evidence that GIS is underused in the realm of landscape design research. Though recognized as a useful tool for mapping and planning, the potential of GIS is often still underutilized due to a lack of awareness and prejudice. This paper explores some concepts of GIS-based analysis which link to the very heart of landscape architecture in a natural and intuitive way. Hence the possibility to break down barriers of using GIS in landscape architecture this paper aims to put forward some characteristic principles of study and practice that can be made operational via GIS while cultivating spatial intelligence in landscape design through exploiting its powerful integrating, analytical and graphical capacities. In this respect educational and research institutions have an important role to play, they must take the lead in knowledge acquisition on GIS-applications and passing it on, contributing to the academic underpinning and development of a digital culture in landscape architecture.