A visual information system and its use in urban planning

Abstract

This research is based on a visual information system. Information about visual— aesthetic relationships in space is taken from panoramic photographs. These photographs are taken from the intersections of the spatial information grid. Views are inventoried and evaluated, and information is transferred into grid cells and thence into a computer data bank. Thus we can process and simulate different visual phenomena and optimise future visual impact. Changes in the environment can be simultaneously tested on photographs and through computer outputs. In the present research, this basic visual information is broadened into the field of sociology, through questionnaires about public opinion. That is, visual information is measured according to values given by the public about the visual environment. Thus we incorporated the whole feedback loop — visual inventory—public evaluation—computer optimisation—testing on photographs. With such information we have tested various visual relationships, such as visual absorption of the countryside, visual dynamics, interactions and changes in databank. The crucial parts of the research are location criteria for different land-uses to give an optimal visual impact: housing, working places, centres, recreation areas, preserved land, traffic- and communal infrastructures. Each experiment consisted of several tests with computer outputs, photosimulations and interpretations. Computer- printed information was applied to photographs. In the research we have also completely documented computer programs. Their most important roles are lists, averages, extreme values, frequencies and graphical outputs in plotter or printer (SYMAP) techniques.