Phys. Geog. Geom. 2025, 48(2): 54–68

https://doi.org/10.17721/phgg.2025.48.1/129.06

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Surface water: landscape functions and their integration into spatial planning

Liubov М. Tymuliak
Institute of Geography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Volodymyrska Street, 44, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
 

Abstract
The landscape, as an integrated natural-territorial system, significantly influences the characteristics of surface waters, including their regime, chemical composition, degree of mineralization, and the intensity of matter and energy exchange. In the context of spatial planning, the study of surface waters must account for both their impact on the structure, properties, and functioning of specific landscape complexes, and the reciprocal influence of those landscapes on surface water dynamics. Disentangling these interdependencies is a complex task, yet it is crucial for the effective planning of industrial, recreational, protected, residential, and water management areas.

Within the landscape system, surface waters perform multiple functions: landscape-shaping, hydrological balancing, climate regulation, transformation, transit, ecosystem support, economic use, and recreation. Each of these functions can be described through specific indicators proposed in this study. While most of these functions–such as hydrological balance, climate regulation, and ecosystem services–should be preserved and enhanced through spatial planning, others – like transformation and transit–may require limitation. To support this, the study outlines specific principles for spatial planning of industrial, agricultural, protected, recreational, and other land uses that reflect the complex interdependence of natural components within the landscape. Incorporating these principles will contribute to the development of well-informed, sustainable decisions in territorial spatial planning.

Keywords
Spatial planning, function, surface waters, landscape components, landscape interrelations, indicator

 

Received: 3 May 2025 / Accepted: 10 June 2025 / Published online: 30 June 2025