Building on the results of 20 years research, Landcare Research scientists have used powerful spatial analysis tools in conjunction with extensive databases describing climate and soils to develop a profoundly different approach to the classification of landscapes. The results clearly portray the rich diversity of our natural environments, providing new insight into the major factors that make New Zealand different. The final chapter in this book demonstrates the use of the classification to address a range of land related issues including management of biodiversity, biosecurity, and optimisation of productive land uses.