The Great Masurian Lakes District is a region of significant natural and landscape values. The system of Masurian lakes and canals, developed during hydrotechnical engineering works started in the 19^th century [Toeppen, 1998], has created a clearly-defined and unique sequence of landscape macro-interiors. Their basic components to be considered include areas of lakes, forests and arable land. The tourist attractiveness of the study area results from, inter alia, the variability and diversity of the perceived sights, and is particularly noticeable in the longitudinal orientation which is in line with the direction of the main waterway. Agricultural land has been actively shaping the landscape of the region under study, and the variability of both its area and the structure of use implies observable landscape effects.

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