To create beautiful and well functioning landscapes and urban areas Spatial planning is one of society's tools to ensure a sustainable development of towns and landscapes, where economic development, social welfare and environmental considerations are given equal weight. The aim is beautiful and well functioning towns and landscapes. Forest & Landscape Denmark carry out research in urban planning, urban development and quality of the urban environment, along with research on countryside- and landscape planning. Analyses of policymaking as well as development of planning methods are meant to give new insights as well as new tools for professionals and politicians in local, national and EU levels. European spatial planning and co-operation is given special attention, an activity which in particular deals with regional development, urban systems and urban strategies in a global context.