Differences in Visual Perception of Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana Mattf under Snow Load

Abstract

This study aims at determining the visual values of solitary and group fir trees in Kastamonu city and the differences in their visual perceptions according to seasons. For this purpose selected trees in Ilgaz National Park were photographed in two different time periods (in snowy days of 2012 and in other days). Four different fir tree images were used in this study. These tree images are (i) image of a fir tree under snow load, (ii) ordinary image of a fir tree, (iii) image of a composition created by the fir trees under snow load, and (iv) ordinary image of a composition created by the fir trees. These photographs were evaluated by Kastamonu University Forestry Faculty students by using Semantic Differential Scale Technique. According to this technique ten pairs of opposing adjectives were chosen for the evaluation the visual quality of the figures. Consequently, in this study the differences in their visual perceptions according to seasons were determined. In addition, differences on perception of physical characteristics such as form, branching structure, texture, trunk, and foliage were also investigated. The respondents’ socio-economic structure’s effects on human perception were researched as well. Key Word: Visual perception, Bornmullerian fir, emphasis on physical characteristics