Creating an evidence base for managing structural change in the Rhineland Mining Area—evaluating open space applying a comprehensive set of indicators

Post-mining landscapes undergo thorough structural changes. Hereby, striking transitions take place concerning open spaces in particular. For the Rhineland Mining Area, the project DAZWISCHEN, with five thematic fields of action, in its first phase intends to capture the status quo of the region. Spatial talents and spatial barriers are identified as a result. Considering open space, we present a multi-method approach integrating basic land use data, ecosystem services, and combined indices. We disclose a bipartition of the region with two relatively homogenous areas regarding the assessment of the landscape or open spaces and their functionality. However, we also detect highly functional patches in ‘weaker’ surroundings, making their preservation and protection particularly important. Our results hail from a wide array of analyses using the available data as effectively as possible. Thus, we can provide information for politicians, practitioners, and scientists doing research in similar settings.