COVER STORIES very complicated and costly effort, and yet it also may suffer from a lack of public understanding. Answering this dilemma and deciding on the appropriate methods and their level of complexity requires judgment and experience; there is no other way at this time. (See figure 3.) However, there is a potentially important research study that can be derived from this situation. There are many models of processes, such as erosion, hydrology, forest succession, traffic, air pollution, noise, and visual preference. Comparing the efficiency and efficacy of process models across scales and levels of complexity might result in a better understanding of which combinations are the most appropriate fit for any design problem. This comparative research, and the resultant ability to categorize the applicability of the many analytic models that already exist, would be a significant step toward the theme of this article. It would certainly help the very broad-ranging community of designers. (See figure 4.) 5 Process Models Levels of Complexity 1) Direct + 2) Thematic + 3) Vertical + 4) Horizontal + 5) Hierarchic + 6) Temporal + 7) Adaptive + 8) Behavioral + What? + How much? Where? + What else? + Context? + Scale? + When? What if...? + From what to what? + From whom/where to whom/where? + “It is the mark of an instructed mind to rest satisfied with the degree of precision which the nature of the subject admits, and not to seek exactness where only an approximation of the truth is possible.” —Aristotle About the Author Carl Steinitz is Alexander and Victoria Wiley Professor of Landscape Architecture and Planning, Emeritus, at Harvard University Graduate School of Design and Honorary Professor at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London. He began his affiliation with the Harvard Graduate School of Design as a research associate in the Laboratory for Computer Graphics and Spatial Analysis in 1966. He has held the position of Professor of Landscape Architecture and Planning at the Graduate School of Design since 1973. Professor Steinitz has devoted much of his academic and professional career to improving methods to analyze large land areas and make design decisions about conservation and development. In 1984, the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) presented Professor Steinitz with the Outstanding Educator Award for his “extraordinary contribution to environmental design education” and for his “pioneering exploration in the use of computer technology in landscape planning, especially in the areas of resource management and visual impact assessment.” In 1996 he received the annual Outstanding Practitioner Award from the International Society of Landscape Ecology (USA). In 2002, he was honored as one of Harvard University’s outstanding teachers. Professor Steinitz is principal author of Alternative Futures for Changing Landscapes, Island Press, 2003. He is presently writing a book for Esri Press. For more information, contact Carl Steinitz (e-mail: steinitz@gsd.harvard.edu). This article was adapted from a presentation given at the Santa Barbara, California, Specialist Meeting on Spatial Concepts in GIS and Design, December 15–16, 2008. i bl Pu Low c Un de rst and ing Ef fo rt High House Garden d an ce en Sci Figure 3 Regional Urbanization Town Process Models Levels of Complexity 1) Direct + 2) Thematic + 3) Vertical + 4) Horizontal + 5) Hierarchic + 6) Temporal + 7) Adaptive + 8) Behavioral + What? + How much? Where? + What else? + Context? + Scale? + When? What if...? + From what to what? + From whom/where to whom/where? + Regional Conservation Urban Park Figure 4