Abstract
The purpose of this study is to derive policy suggestions and new orientations for biotope mapping in Korea from a review of case studies on the classification of biotope typesin Germany. This study was conducted in the following manner: First, the related literature and data on biotopes in Germany was collected. Second, the representative examples at the provincial government level and urban and residential areas were selected. Finally, the characteristics of biotope types, biotope classification systems, and biotope classification criteria were reviewed. The results of reviewing the case examples in Germany are as follows: First, the biotope types at the provincial government level were composed of patterns which existed mostly in natural areas and the corresponding areas of their conditions. Those in urban and residential areas were made up of patterns which were distributed in urban areas and their peripheries. Second, the biotope classification systems at the provincial government level consisted of three steps:large, medium and small. Those in urban and residential areas were made up of two steps: medium and small. However, it is strongly recommended to introduce the biotope classification system composed of three steps. Third, the biotope classification criteria at the provincial government level considered ecological factors and anthropogenic factors except land use forms. Those in urban and residential areas reflected mostly anthropogenic factors and ecological factors. In conclusion, this study suggests that future biotope surveys and mapping in Korea should be investigated not only in urban areas but also in natural and semi-natural areas. In addition, a specified biotope type classification system should be established in Korea.
