It divides Hong Kong into six areas: upland countryside landscape (occupying 58.9 per cent of the total land area), lowland country landscape (8.1 per cent), rural fringe landscape (9.9 per cent), urban fringe landscape (10.3 per cent), urban landscape (8.2 per cent) and coastal waters landscape (4.6 per cent).

Details for each area include location, character, topography and relief, geographical features, vegetation, land use, hydrology and communication.

The landscape values of the areas are calculated by assessing a number of factors, including visual coherence, complexity, rarity, relief and condition, key heritage/natural features and visual attractors/detractors.

Using those factors, the landscape value is ranked as either high, high (qualified), moderate or low for all statutory outline zoning plans and other relevant plans.

For example, most of the countryside is ranked as carrying high landscape value, while that of the coastal areas and edges of Tsuen Wan and Kowloon Bay is low, the study found.

The department said the maps and their associated databases would be used not only for plan-making and assessment of major development proposals but also by other departments and professionals in landscaping and the environmental assessments of major projects at the city level.

The Town Planning Board will also discuss the latest progress on the greening master plan for Tsim Sha Tsui.

In a paper to be presented at the meeting, it is reported that six green pilot schemes for the area will start soon and be completed by end of the year. Work on other short-term greening measures will begin early next year, subject to the availability of funds.