The Importance and Necessity of the Use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Landscape Architecture Teaching

Abstract

This study examines why Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have become an indispensable tool in landscape architecture education from a multidimensional perspective. It emphasises that GIS, through its spatial analysis, synthesis and visualisation capabilities, contributes to the development of students who are sensitive to environmental issues, able to think analytically and make data-based decisions. The study shows that GIS is not only a technical application tool, but also an educational component that supports pedagogical and professional development. The current practice in Turkey is found to be that GIS education is compressed to associate degree level, the number of postgraduate programmes is limited and curriculum integration is not sufficiently ensured. In addition, despite the positive contributions of private sector-supported short-term training programmes and inter-university collaborations, it is noted that these activities can only reach a limited number of students. The study suggests solutions such as curriculum integration, dissemination of open source software and capacity building of academic staff to make GIS more accessible and effective in education.

Keywords

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Landscape Architecture
• Spatial Analysis
• GIS Education in Turkey

Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri’nin (CBS) Peyzaj Mimarlığı Öğretiminde Kullanımının Önemi ve Gerekliliği

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri’nin (CBS) peyzaj mimarlığı öğretiminde neden vazgeçilmez bir araç haline geldiğini çok boyutlu olarak ele almaktadır. CBS’nin mekânsal analiz, sentez ve görselleştirme olanakları sayesinde, öğrencilerin çevresel sorunlara duyarlı, analitik düşünebilen ve veri temelli kararlar üretebilen bireyler olarak yetişmelerine katkı sunduğu vurgulanmaktadır. Çalışma kapsamında, CBS'nin yalnızca teknik bir uygulama aracı değil; aynı zamanda pedagojik ve mesleki gelişimi destekleyen bir eğitim bileşeni olduğu ortaya konmuştur. Türkiye’deki mevcut uygulamalarda CBS eğitiminin ön lisans düzeyine sıkıştığı, lisansüstü program sayısının sınırlı olduğu ve müfredat entegrasyonunun yeterince sağlanamadığı belirtilmektedir. Ayrıca, özel sektör destekli kısa süreli eğitim programlarının ve üniversiteler arası iş birliklerinin olumlu katkılarına rağmen, bu faaliyetlerin sınırlı sayıda öğrenciye ulaşabildiği ifade edilmektedir. Çalışma, CBS’nin daha geniş kitlelere ulaştırılması ve eğitimde etkin şekilde kullanılması için müfredata entegrasyon, açık kaynak yazılımların yaygınlaştırılması ve akademik personel kapasitesinin artırılması gibi çözüm önerileri sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri (CBS)
• Peyzaj mimarlığı
• Mekânsal analiz
• Türkiye’de CBS Eğitimi

Ethical Statement

Çalışmada Etik Kurulu onayı gerektirecek herhangi bir anket ya da deney çalışması yer almamaktadır.

References

1. Adkar, N., Rajput, B., Devi, T., Tarawade, S., ve Jindam, D. (2020). Verifying the Underutilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in The Realm of Landscape Architecture and Planning. 2020 Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International Conferences (ASET), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/ASET48392.2020.9118310.
2. Al-Kodmany, K. (2000). GIS in the Urban Landscape: Reconfiguring Neighbourhood Planning and Design Processes. Landscape Research, 25, 28- 5. https://doi.org/10.1080/014263900113145.
3. Alshafei, I., ve Righelato, P. (2022). The Human Ecosystem Spatial Networks of Amman City Center: A New Methodological Approach towards Resiliency. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su14148451.
4. Brown, T., ve Burley, J. (1996). Geographic Information Systems in the Classroom: Methods and Philosophies. Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education, 25, 17-25. https://doi.org/ 10.2134/JNRLSE.1996.0017.
5. Brown, T., ve Burley, J. (1996). Geographic Information Systems in the Classroom: Methods and Philosophies. Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education, 25, 17-25. https:// doi.org/10.2134/JNRLSE.1996.0017.
6. Chen, S. (2015). Integrating GIS-based Land-use Suitability Analysis in Teaching Planning Studios.
7. Chen, X., & Wu, J. (2009). Sustainable Landscape Architecture: Implications of The Chinese Philosophy of “Unity of Man With Nature” and Beyond. Landscape Ecology, 24, 1015-1026. https://doi.org/ 10.1007/s10980-009-9350-z.
8. Çelik, K. (2023). The Importance of Geographical Information Systems in Urban and Landscape Planning: A Bibliometric Analysis. MEGARON / Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Architecture E-Journal. https://doi.org/10.14744/megaron.2023.70962.

9. Duymuş, H., Seyhan, S., Özenen Kavlak, M.,& Çabuk, A. (2025). Kentsel Isı Adası Etkisinin Mekânsal ve Zamansal Değişimlerle İlişkisi: Sistematik Bir Literatür Analizi. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, 10(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.1596060
10. Eminoğlu, Y., ve Tarhan, Ç. (2025). Decadal Evolution of GIS in Disaster Management and Risk Assessment. International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences. https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg. 1544048.
11. Fritsch, D., Hobbie, D., &Verlag, W. (1995). GIS Application in Landscape Planning. Galev, E. (2016). Integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) in the Education of Landscape Architects in Bulgaria.
12. Hanssen, B. (1994). GIS in Cultural Landscape Studies. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift-norwegian Journal of Geography, 48, 163-178. https://doi.org/10.1080/00291959408552342.
13. Jeong, J., & González-Gómez, D. (2016). A Web-Scaffolding GIS Method of Spatial Planning with Rural Buildings for Teaching/Learning in Higher Education Research. 1, 23. https://doi.org/10.1 1648/J.HER.20160101.14.
14. Jombach, S., & Kollányi, L. (2022). Térinformatikai alkalmazások a tájkutatásban és a tájépítészetben Geographic Information System Applications in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Research. Magyar Tudomány. https://doi.org/10.1556/2065.183.2022.9.6.
15. Kastuari, A., Suwardhi, D., Hanan, H., & Wikantika, K. (2016). State of The Art of The Landscape Archıtecture Spatıal Data Model From A Geospatıal Perspectıve. ISPRS Annals of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 63-71. https://doi.org/10.5194/ ISPRS-ANNALS-IV-2-W1-63-2016.
16. Kempa, D.,&Lovett, A. (2019). Using GIS in Landscape Planning. Landscape Series. https://doi.org/10. 1007/978-94-024-1681-7_6.
17. Kersey, D. (2008). Improving Landscape Architectural Problem Solving: Integrating Giscience and Technology Educational Objectives in Landscape Architecture Curricula.
18. Kim, A. (2010). Students’ Perception of Landscape Design Studio Education. , 38, 9-24.
19. Kolios, S., Vorobev, A., Vorobeva, G., & Stylios, C. (2017). Geographic Information Systems. , 3-45. https:// doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53086-4_1.
20. Lathrop, R., & Bognar, J. (1998). Applying GIS and Landscape Ecological Principles to Evaluate Land Conservation Alternatives. Landscape and Urban Planning, 41, 27-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-2046(98)00047-4.
21. Leeonis, A., Ahmed, M., Mokhtar, M., Halder, B., Lim, C., Majid, N., & Scholz, M. (2025). Importance of Geographic Information System (GIS) Application to Reduce the Impact of Flood Disasters in Malaysia: A Meta-Analysis. Water. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17020181.
22. Lu, X., Liu, R., & Xia, L. (2023). Landscape Planning and Design and Visual Evaluation For Landscape Protection of Geological Environment. Journal of King Saud University - Science. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102735.
23. Lu, Y., Zhai, G., & Zhou, S. (2024). An Integrated Bayesian Networks and Geographic Information System (Bns-GIS) Approach for Flood Disaster Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Yinchuan, China. Ecological Indicators. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.112322.
24. Marulli, J., & Mallarach, J. (2005). A GIS Methodology for Assessing Ecological Connectivity: Application To The Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Landscape and Urban Planning, 71, 243-262. https://doi.org/10. 1016/J.LANDURBPLAN.2004.03.007.
25. Maurya, A., & Kumar, A. (2024). The Role of GIS in the Study of Sustainable Development and Environmental Management. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research. https://doi.org/ 10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i06.32879.
26. Merem, E., Wesley, J., Fageir, S., Nwagboso, E., Cristler, M., Isokpehi, P., Romorno, C., Thomas, T., & Nichols, S. (2015). GIS Assessment of Farm Landscape Change in South Carolina Lower Region. International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 5, 92-112.
27. Monsur, M., & Islam, Z. (2014). GIS for Architects: Exploring the Potentials of Incorporating GIS in Architecture Curriculum. https://doi.org/10.17831/REP:ARCC%Y250.
28. Mu, B., Liu, C., Tian, G., Xu, Y., Zhang, Y., Mayer, A., Lv, R., He, R.,& Kim, G. (2020). Conceptual Planning of Urban–Rural Green Space from a Multidimensional Perspective: A Case Study of Zhengzhou, China. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072863.
29. Nijhuis, S. (2014). Applications of GIS in Landscape Design Research. 4, 43-56. https://doi.org/10.7480 /RIUS.4.1367.
30. Nijhuis, S. (2015). GIS-Based Landscape Design Research. Architecture and The Built Environment. https://doi.org/10.7480/ABE.2015.13.1018.
31. Nijhuis, S. (2016a). GIS-Applications İn Landscape Design And Research.
32. Nijhuis, S. (2016b). GIS-Toepassingen in Onderzoek Naar Buitenplaatsenlandschappen. 115, 147-164. https ://doi.org/10.7480/KNOB.115.2016.3.1404.
33. Petlukova, E., Tabunshchik, V., & Zelentsova, M. (2020). Landscape Planning as a Basis for Sustainable Development of a Region (Simferopol Region and the Town of Simferopol, Republic of the Crimea Taken as an Example). IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 753. https://doi .org/10.1088/1757-899X/753/3/032090.
34. Ramyar, R., Ackerman, A., & Johnston, D. (2021). Adapting Cities for Climate Change Through Urban Green Infrastructure Planning. Cities, 117, 103316. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CITIES.2021.103316.
35. Reljić, D., Miočić-Stošić, V., Butula, S., & Andlar, G. (2017). An Overview of GIS Applications in Landscape Planning. Kartografija i Geoinformacije, 16, 26-43.
36. Río, R. (2020). Opportunities and Precautions in The Implementation of GIS-Based Analysis Tools to Cultural Landscape Restoration. , 2, 1-2. https://doi.org/10.5194/ica-abs-2-44-2020.
37. Roumenina, E., Filchev, L., Naydenova, V., Dimitrov, P., & Jelev, G. (2010). Landscape Planning of Land-use Using High-resolution Satellite Images and Ground-based Data. .
38. Rozhi, I., Rozhi, T., & Fedii, O. (2024). Geodesıc Aspects Of The Creatıon Of Dıgıtal Relıef Models For The Needs Of Geo-Informatıon Systems. Spatial development. https://doi.org/10.32347/2786-7269.2024.8.477-491.
39. Rui-Qing, B. (2013). Strategies of Computer-aided Design Applying to Landscape Architecture Planning and Design. Journal of Beijing Forestry University.
40. Schaller, K. (2001). GIS Application in Landscape Planning.
41. Srivanit, M., & Selanon, P. (2017). GIS-based Land Suitability Analysis to Support Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Master Plan: A Case Study of the Campus Station of Thammasat University and Its Surrounding Communities. 9, 49-60.
42. Tang, R. (2019). Exploration of Introducing GIS Application into Landscape Architecture Curriculum. Proceedings of the 2nd Symposium on Health and Education 2019 (SOHE 2019). https://doi.org/10.2991/SOHE-19.2019.38. URL 1: YÖK Atlas, Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri Programı Bulunan Tüm Üniversiteler, https://yokatlas. yok.gov.tr/onlisans-program.php?b=30138
43. Van De Riet, K., & Berger, U. (2015). Integrated Forest Biometrics for Landscape-Responsive Coastal Urbanism. 433-443. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24208-8_36
44. Vinueza-Martinez, J., Correa-Peralta, M., Ramírez-Anormaliza, R., Arias, O., & Paredes, D. (2024). Geographic Information Systems (GISs) Based on WebGIS Architecture: Bibliometric Analysis of the Current Status and Research Trends. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156439.
45. Wang, J., Chen, T., & He, Y. (2024). Application of Satellite Remote Sensing and GIS Technology in Natural Disaster Risk Assessment. 2024 IEEE 2nd International Conference on Sensors, Electronics and Computer Engineering (ICSECE), 119-125. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSECE61636.2024.10729369.
46. Wu, Y., Bishop, I., Hossain, H., & Sposito, V. (2006). Using GIS in Landscape Visual Quality Assessment. Applied Gis, 2. https://doi.org/10.2104/AG060018.
47. Xing, W. (2024). Leveraging GIS for Sustainable Tourism Development: A Comprehensive Spatial Approach. Applied and Computational Engineering. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/106/ 20240911.
48. Yang, C. (2024). Application and Assessment of GIS Technology in Flash Flood Risk Management. Sustainability in Environment. https://doi.org/10.22158/se.v9n1p26.
49. Yijing, 于., Jinyi, 马., ve Yunjue, 袁. (2013). Review on the Development of Landscape Architecture Ecology in China. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 33, 2665-2675. https://doi.org/10.5846/STXB201201170104.
50. Yi-Re, L. (2003). The Reformation of Landscape Planning and Design Based on GIS. Journal of Chinese Landscape Architecture.
51. Zhang, Y. (2022). Application of Landscape Architecture 3D Visualization Design System Based on AI Technology. International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/ 9918171.
52. Zhou, H., & Dai, Z. (2021). Green Urban Garden Landscape Simulation Platform Based on High-Resolution Image Recognition Technology and GIS. Microprocess. Microsystems, 82, 103893. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICPRO.2021.103893.