Spatial Diagram - Räumliches Leitbild - Brief Description

The spatial diagram illustrates the future spatial development of a district or region. It is a policy document which reflects the political will of the opinion leaders and the decision makers. In order to obtain an official status for the public decisions and investments, it is approved by the relevant authority probably after having been discussed with members of public and the sectoral line agencies. The transformation of a development concept into a physical spatial structure is conducive to the design of development strategies and policies required for the implementation of the development activities. It shows how district or regional interactions are shaped in the future by, for example, extending road networks. It indicates the highest priority areas that should be developed. Furthermore, decisions on the settlement pattern development in the future are depicted in the spatial diagram. The spatial diagram depicts all physical structures within the district or region that are designed to enhance locational advantages for development. A spatial diagram does not require a time horizon. It is a flexible model that is designed to guide decision makers in optimising investment decisions, mainly in infrastructure, that will in turn encourage and foster economic and social development to take place. The spatial plan is usually implemented successively through time. In addition, an approximate scale is used for the diagram in order to avoid too much detail. Once a decision has been taken to implement elements of the spatial diagram more detailed land use plans are developed.