Land use

Land use is defined as the specific type of human exploitation of areas of the earth’s surface. In contrast to land cover, the aspect of usage plays a decisive role. Available space can show several forms of use simultaneously. The main forms of land use are settlement and transportation areas, agricultural areas, forested areas and water surfaces, each of which can be further subdivided.

In Germany spatial planning includes the designation and classification of primary development sites as well as the designation of areas that are to remain undeveloped for the public good, for agriculture and forestry.