A GIS-based analysis of landscape functions in Selcuk District, Türkiye

Abstract

Identifying landscape functions is one of the fundamental components of ecological planning, as it reveals the spatial distribution of natural and cultural processes and supports the development of planning decisions aimed at achieving a balance between conservation and land use. However, studies that comprehensively evaluate multiple landscape functions at the district scale in Mediterranean landscapes remain limited. The aim of this study was to identify the water, soil protection, biodiversity, and cultural landscape functions of Selcuk District, İzmir Province, Türkiye, using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based landscape function analysis approach, to reveal their spatial distribution, and to provide a scientific basis for landscape planning. Landsat satellite imagery, ASTER GDEM data, digital geological and soil maps, forest management plan data, and biodiversity data were integrated within a GIS environment. Water, soil protection, biodiversity, and cultural function maps were produced using Overlay , Reclassification, and decision matrix analyses. The results showed that the water function was concentrated in agricultural areas characterized by low slopes and high infiltration capacity, whereas the biodiversity function exhibited high values in wetlands, protected natural areas, and forest ecosystems. The cultural function was primarily concentrated in and around the archaeological and historical sites of the Ancient City of Ephesus and Sirince. Furthermore, the water and soil protection functions displayed similar spatial distribution patterns, whereas the biodiversity and cultural functions were concentrated in different landscape units. This study aims to provide a GIS-based decision-support approach that can be used to identify conservation priorities and support landscape planning processes for sustainable land use.