A spatial composite index for strategic landscape assessment: the Piedmont case study

Landscape is a complex and multidimensional entity. It is characterized by ecological, environmental, social, economic, perceptual, historical, and cultural dimensions, each of which involves several actors in decision-making processes. Within this context, this research proposes the integration of strategic assessment into landscape planning, taking into account the different values involved and their spatial distribution. To this end, the study presents the use of an integrated methodological approach combining Multi-Criteria Analysis - specifically the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) - and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess landscape quality through multidimensional indicators. The methodology makes it possible to weigh and integrate various indicators, such as land consumption, hydrogeological risk, and naturalness, in order to construct a composite spatial index. This approach is applied to the case study of the Piedmont Region, in Italy, where the Regional Territorial Plan and the Regional Landscape Plan serve as the main planning frameworks. The research aims to develop landscape quality maps to monitor territorial changes and to support strategic landscape planning. The results show that the integration of MCA and GIS provides substantial support to decision-making processes, particularly by facilitating dialogue between decision-makers and the various stakeholders involved, as well as by enhancing the transparency of planning choices.