ILUP12_Pract_Step4_Part1

Land use planning, at any level, requires information about the land, its uses, and its users. Because land inherently exhibits spatial variation, there is a preference for spatially explicit information—such as maps, imagery, and spatially disaggregated statistics.
This step aims to delineate areas that are more or less homogeneous in terms of biophysical and stakeholder characteristics.

The type and level of detail of the information required depend on the planning level. For example, in the case of spatial data, the map scales and resolutions shown in Table 2 are indicative.

Table 2. Planning levels, recommended map scales and spatial resolutions (adapted from FAO/UNEP, 1999)

Data collection is not a one-time exercise: planning is a continuous process that requires adjustments and possible modifications (see Fig. 11). Accordingly, there will be a recurring need for additional data and information.
At all levels, however, the type of information to be collected and processed should be determined solely by the objectives of the specific planning exercise (Table 3).

Table 3. Examples of biophysical data needs for specific planning goals

Basic data are usually single-issue in nature. A common challenge across all levels is to extract from individual themes or their combinations, answers to specific questions aligned with different planning objectives. For this reason, integrated studies, based on various combinations of these data sources and using different types of models, may be better suited to meet the specific information needs of land use planning.

Examples include:
• Land suitability for various crops or land use/management options, and how these might be affected by different climate change scenarios
• Spatial estimates of crop yields, among others
Such integrated studies are essential inputs for assessing the costs and benefits of different land uses and for different categories of land users. These aspects are discussed further in Step 5.

At the national level, the main concern is the coordination of planning activities rather than the development and implementation of detailed plans. Nonetheless, even at this level, a profound understanding of the land, how it is used, and by which categories of people is essential.
Box 9 provides an overview of typical thematic data and information needs at the national level.

Box 9. Typical data and information themes needed at national level

The ideal tool at this level is a well-structured spatial database covering land, water, and climatic resources, land use, and land users—at a resolution that provides a clear overview of regional similarities and differences, without delving into an excessive level of detail.

Such needs can be met by a GIS-based land information system, with data layers at a scale appropriate for national planning. In many cases, digitized national databases on climate, soils, topography, land use/cover, etc., are available and can be utilized effectively.

Alternatively, in countries where data digitalization is not yet sufficient for planning, printed land resources atlases can serve as interim tools until a reliable digital information system is established. These atlases may focus on a single land resources theme (e.g., climate—FAO et al., 2022) or cover multiple themes relevant to national planning priorities (e.g., UNEP, 2009). Their optimal use depends on how current and accurate the maps and information are.

Another viable alternative is to use globally available spatialized datasets—statistical, climatic, or thematic (see Step 5 for more). Examples of reliable free tools are listed in the Data Tools section of this Step. To use these, internet access, GIS software, and data processing skills are required.

For most practical purposes, the Task Force will rely on existing studies. Where significant gaps or quality issues exist, the Task Force may commission additional studies, potentially with external funding support.