Determination of the impacts of Bartin-Amasra highway location on the natural landscape characteristics

In this study a part of Western Black Sea coastal highway located between Bartin and Amasra was investigated. Landsat 5 TM satellite data of 1987 and 2000 was used for ecological and visual evaluation relating to highway and its close vicinity. PCI Geomatica V9.1 was made use of as the image processing software. Image enrichment was applied with the aim of identifying the terrain groups and increasing the interpretation capability of image. The data belonging to this section were analyzed in geographical information systems and the results were studied in terms of landscape planning. During highway construction, total of 22,03 ha area consisting primarily of beech stands and other species was damaged. 71% of the total road construction area was classified as high sloped. It was determined that landslides occurred in roadsides having high slopes not only endanger the traffic safety, but also damage the landscape aesthetic. The altitude, aspect and climate characteristics of the study area was investigated, and was determined that the current situation of the study area is appropriate for renovation of the vegetation damaged during the highway construction. For this reason, suggestions were presented to protect natural landscape in order that the study area and its vicinity have a close relation with the highway.