The development of landscape-ecological approach application in spatial
planning provides exact theoretical and empirical evidence for monitoring
ecological consequences of natural and/or anthropogenic factors,
particularly changes in spatial structures caused by them. Landscape pattern
which feature diverse landscape values is the holder of the unique landscape
character at different spatial levels and represents a perceptual domain for
its users. Using the landscape metrics, the parameters of landscape
composition and configuration are mathematical algorithms that quantify the
specific spatial characteristics used for interpretation of landscape
features and processes (physical and ecological aspect), as well as forms
(visual aspect) and the meaning (cognitive aspect) of the landscape.
Landscape metrics has been applied mostly in the ecological and biodiversity
assessments as well as in the determination of the level of structural
change of landscape, but more and more applied in the assessment of the
visual character of the landscape. Based on a review of relevant literature,
the aim of this work is to show the main trends of landscape metrics within
the aspect of ecological and visual assessments. The research methodology is
based on the analysis, classification and systematization of the research
studies published from 2000 to 2016, where the landscape metrics is applied:
(1) the analysis of landscape pattern and its changes, (2) the analysis of
biodiversity and habitat function and (3) a visual landscape assessment. By
selecting representative metric parameters for the landscape composition and
configuration, for each category is formed the basis for further landscape
metrics research and application for the integrated ecological and visual
assessment of the landscape values. Contemporary conceptualization of the
landscape is seen holistically, and the future research should be directed
towards the development of integrated landscape assessment as a guideline
for spatial development planning.