The fragmentation of landscape due to transportation infrastructure has a number of ecological effects. It contributes significantly to the loss of species in Europe (e.g., by the dissection of populations and the isolation of habitats) and affects the water regime, the scenery, and the recreational quality. In spite of the planning concept of preserving large fragmented areas, fragmentation has continued to increase during the last twenty years.
Therefore, data on the degree of landscape fragmentation and on how it has developed are needed. Data would be suitable for comparing different regions, especially according to different natural landscape types.  

Studies on the degree of landscape fragmentation using the same method have already been conducted in Baden-Wurttemberg, Thuringia, Hesse, Bavaria und Saxonia which allows comparing the results from Switzerland with the results from these regions. In addition, the time series of the degree of landscape fragmentation are useful as an indicator for the endangerment of biodiversity, as an indicator of sustainability, and as a foundation for setting goals in planning and politics and for proposing appropriate measures.