Identifying and predicting visual preference of southern Appalachian forest recreation vistas

Abstract

Visual preference of forest recreation vistas from the Blue Ridge Parkway of the Southern Appalachians was measured and used as a dependent variable for determining landscape predictors of vista preference. A photo-questionnaire was used to obtain scenic preference ratings for vistas from 721 parkway visitors. Factor analysis of visual preference estimate values for 96 vistas reduced the data set to nine vista landscape themes. Mountain forest landscapes with water, either flowing or stationary, ranked highest in scenic preference, followed by mountain vistas with multi-ridges in the background. Least preferred were vista landscapes consisting of views with only one mountain ridge present, and vistas in which the foreground woody vegetation obscured a portion of the vista. Topography, vegetation zones, viewing distance and dominant landscape features identified within the nine factored landscape themes were digitized and quantified. Multiple regression models were formulated using the digitized landscape and feature measurements as predictors of scenic preference. Results indicated 76 and 71% of the variance in scenic preference could be explained by the best two models. Forest border or edge in the fore/mid-ground, moving water, and amount of ridge line (multi-ridges) were positive predictors, while obstructing vegetation in the foreground of unmaintained vistas detracted the most from scenic preference. Both the qualitative identification of scenic landscape themes through factor analysis, and the quantitative determination of landscape predictors of scenic preference have implications for the designing and management of overlook vistas in scenic recreation areas.