A typology of natural landscapes of Central Europe

Abstract

Landscape classification of Central Europe was carried out in order to define the spatial framework of environmentally homogeneous typological units. The output of such a classification would be used for further assessment of ecosystem services within the focus region. Classification was based on the cluster analysis of principal components, derived from a set of abiotic data - climatic and terrain variables and a soil database. Seven specific landscape types were defined within Central Europe. Regional distribution and environmental characteristics of particular units are described.