Abstract
This paper demonstrates the possibilities of a Geographical Information System (GIS) for investigating and explicating the spatial variation of the short-range viewshed aesthetic appeal in a World Heritage coastal dune and forest area. The study pursues the following objectives: (1) develop and trial a GIS-based algorithm for computing the Aesthetic Appeal Index for a Short-Range Viewshed (ǣ); (2) deliver an output map showing the spatial variation of the computed ǣ values in the target territory and distribution of the zones with high scenic quality and potential aesthetic ecosystem services (PAES); and (3) assess management alternatives in zones with high PAES and high conservation value. This study combines two key innovative aspects. First, it integrates an objective digital map of habitats with subjective scenic preferences of coastal forest and dune landscapes based on psychophysical and cognitive perceptions of scenic beauty. Second, it applies a GIS-based algorithm to translate subjective scenic preferences to an output map of ǣ. The study’s main conclusion is that the combined aesthetic appraisal of the immediate and foreground viewshed of coastal forests and dunes, by applying a specially created GIS algorithm, allows an assessment of the scenic quality of this landscape reliably in statistical terms.
Highlights
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the possibilities of a Geographical InformationSystem for investigating and explicating the geographical variation of the aesthetic appeal of a UNESCO-listed coastal dune and forest landscape, interpreted in psychophysical and cognitive terms as Potential Aesthetic Ecosystem Services (PAES)
The study’s main conclusion is that a combined valuation of the short-range, i.e., immediate and foreground viewshed of coastal forests and dunes on the Curonian Spit, applying an innovative Geographical Information System (GIS) algorithm, allows assessment of the scenic quality of this series of habitats and landscapes reliably in statistical terms
As a result of computations using the developed GIS-based algorithm computing the Aesthetic Appeal Index for a Short‐Range Viewshed (ǣ), anArcGIS raster layer with a the Aesthetic Appeal Index for a Short-Range Viewshed (ǣ), anArcGIS raster layer with grid resolution of 20 m × 20 m cells based on the computation of the ǣ values for each a grid resolution of 20 m × 20 m cells based on the computation of the ǣ values for raster cell was created, showing the spatial variation of the computed ǣ values in Nagliai each raster cell was created, showing the spatial variation of the computed ǣ values
Summary
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the possibilities of a Geographical InformationSystem for investigating and explicating the geographical variation of the aesthetic appeal of a UNESCO-listed coastal dune and forest landscape, interpreted in psychophysical and cognitive terms as Potential Aesthetic Ecosystem Services (PAES). Experts have argued for many years that considering the public’s aesthetic perceptions, judgments, needs, and demands could contribute to more effective and intelligent landscape planning and wiser resource use [2]. What is needed for that purpose is a visual aesthetic assessment of the geographic and temporal patterns of environmental conditions [3]. The research on the scenic quality and aesthetic value of landscapes, those with a high recreational appeal, mainly focuses on aesthetic ecosystem services (AES) as part of a broader sphere of cultural ecosystem services (CES). Booth et al [8] and Schirpke et al [9] focus on modelling the scenic value of various regions in the USA and Europe as an essential component of AES (former) and CES (latter)
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