Landscape + Sky: land use analysis at the scale of flight

This thesis proposes a method for recognizing land use trends and ecological resources relevant to bird migration and endangered species conservation efforts. From the scale and perspective of avian flight, and through my experience as a pilot, I demonstrate how the sequence of flight can create a model for understanding the relationship between land use and ecological habitat by using the flight scale of birds and aircraft. With population growth and continuing development, wildlife and natural habitats are being reduced. It is crucial to seek new ways of comprehending the impacts of development. By analyzing land use at the scale of flight or at a “bird’s eye view,” land use developers and landscape design practitioners may have a unique opportunity to understand the impacts of land use planning decisions on migration and avian populations. My thesis analyzes land use in a sequence along a planned flight route in regards to ecological conservation for migratory bird species. Land use is often analyzed and planned at urban settings at relatively small scales. Land use analysis at the scale of flight demands pattern recognition and understanding at a much larger scale and from a different visual perspective. Airborne travel, both for birds and man-made mechanisms, is a dynamic system requiring prior planning or support systems, constant alertness, and the need to recognize certain landmarks and conditions along a linear path or corridor. This thesis uses maps, charts, drawings and other spatial representations to interpret information from ornithology, aviation, and ecology for making landscape planning decisions on the ground. It explores a 3-dimensional land use analysis by combining vertical and ground based information. Conclusions will show that land conservation and planning endeavors should not strictly be analyzed from the ground, but attention to ecological systems and land use management should also be extended to the scale and parameters of flight.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.L.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Landscape Architecture

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Fitzpatrick, Colleen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sears, Stephen M.

• Landscape architecture
• ecology
• urban planning
• aviation
• land use
• ornithology
• whooping crane

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Colleen Fitzpatrick

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49362

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/49362