Visual Landscape Quality Assessment and the Impacts on Land Use Planning

Abstract

Visual landscape quality assessment has become a fundamental component of spatial planning, landscape planning and management. Determining the visual quality value when planning an area, determination of aesthetic value in a sense, always has an importance in studies about landscape evaluation. Visual landscape quality assessment can be used in urban and rural landscapes, coastal landscapes, forest landscapes, natural parks, historical environments, road landscapes, etc. There are different methods used in analysis studies for determining the quality of visual landscape units. With the results of these analyses, information about the current visual characteristics and situation of the area is provided. The gained information will be a guideline for determining priority areas during conservation planning, rehabilitation and resource management studies, protection, repair, empowerment, concealment, decision making, strategy development and management. The sensitivity level of the areas, particularly the visually sensitive ones, to possible future changes and destructions will be determined. Furthermore, evaluating the bio-physical properties of the landscape and taking into consideration the presence of visual landscape elements in decision making during the planning period for an area will ensure sustainability of the landscape elements that need preservation. © 2018, Centenary University. All rights reserved.