All human activities have a spatial dimension; therefore, spatial planning are methods used by the public sector to influence the future distribution of activities in space, with the aim of producing their rational organisation including the linkages between them, to balance development with environmental protection, to achieve social and economic objectives, and to influence the distribution of people and activities. Spatial planning embraces measures to co-ordinate the spatial impacts of other sector policies, to better distribute economic development between regions than would otherwise be created by market forces, and to regulate the conversion of land and property uses. It also leads to the careful management of natural and cultural resources as well as urban settlement system and infrastructure network. 

Considering the conditions of mountain regions whose environment represents a constraint as well as an opportunity for the population living there, spatial planning is essential for the preservation and development of such regions. 

As outlined in Article 5 of the Carpathian Convention, spatial planning must consider specific ecological and socioeconomic conditions of the Carpathians in order to implement policies that both protect the mountain ecosystems and benefit local communities. The Convention especially emphasizes cooperation within border areas and across national borders. Parties are required to not only cooperate on a municipal or national level to conserve and sustainably manage natural resources, but also cooperate regionally for developing transboundary infrastructure, prevent transboundary pollution impacts and more.