Assessing & modeling of landscape scenic values using the method of weighted linear combination (Case study: Walking tracks of Ziarat watershed, Golestan Province)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, Environmental Assessment, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, I.R. Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, I.R. Iran

3 Associate Professor, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, I.R. Iran

Abstract

Recent literature attaches high importance to scenic evaluation of natural landscapes. Scenic beauty evaluation techniques often use parameters derived from photographs or collected in situ data via field assessment and questionnaires. Such techniques are relatively costly and time consuming. Park managers and recreational planners require spatial tools and techniques that are fast, flexible and repeatable in order to extract predictable spatial data from scenic resources. As it is impossible or very hard to measure all essential parameters directly, the use of spatial data and Geographic Information System for the assessment and modeling of visual quality of landscapes has become inevitable. This paper develops a spatial method for evaluation of scenic attractiveness of landscapes using geographic information systems (GIS). At first the effective criteria were chosen according to characteristics of study area then these criteria were weighted using AHP. In the next step criteria were combined using Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method to reveal the suitability of scenic beauty. Eventually, for land zoning according to scenic value, the module of Zonal Land Suitability (ZLS) was applied and the walking tracks of Talambar, Chomazchal, Zeble, Mazookesh, The first waterfall of Ziarat and Sardansar were being suggested as more beautiful walking tracks.

Keywords

  1. Alexsandra M. Tomczyk. 2011. A GIS assessment and modelling of environmental sensitivity of recreational trails: The case of Gorce National Park, Poland. Applied Geography. Vol.31. pp:339-351.
  2. Aminzadeh, B. & Ghorashi, S. 2007. Scenic Landscape Quality and Recreational Activities in Natural Forest Parks, Iran. International Journal of Environment. Vol. 1(1), pp:5-13
  3. Aminzadeh, B. 2002. Landscape, Pattern, Perception and Process. Tehran University Press. 256p. (in Persian)
  4. Arriaza,‏ M., Canas-Ortega, J.F., Canas-Madueno, J.A. and Ruiz-Aviles, P. 2004. Assessing the Visual Quality of Rural Landscapes. Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol. 69. pp: 115-125.
  5. Arrowsmith, C. 2001. Modelling Tourism Potential for Nature-Based Tourism. Proceeding of The Australian Academy of Science Fenner Conference. Canberra.
  6. Ayad, Y. 2005.Remote Sensing and GIS in Modeling Visual Landscape Change: a case study of the Northwestern arid coast of Egypt. Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol.73, pp: 307–325.
  7. Bishop, I.D. & Hulse, D.W. 1994. Prediction of Scenic Beauty using Mapped Data and Geographic Information Systems. Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol. 30, pp: 59-70.
  8. Chhetri, P. & Arrowsmith,C. 2003. Mapping the potential of scenic views for the Grampian National park. Proceeding of 21 International Cartographic Conference (ICC). Durban, South Africa.
  9. Clay, GR & Daniel, TC. 2000. Scenic Landscape Assessment, the Effects of Land Management Jurisdiction on Public Perception of Scenic Beauty. Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol. 49. pp: 1-13.
  10. Eastman, J.R., Jin. W., Keym, P.A. And Toledano, J. 1995. Raster procedure for multi criteria and multi objective decisions photogrammetric Engineering & Remote sensing. Vol. 61(5). pp: 539-547.
  11. Fourier, R. 2005. Applying GIS in the Evaluation of Landscape Aesthetics. Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Art at the University of Stellenbosch. 70p.
  12. Golchin, P., Masnavi, M. R. 2005. Landscape visual quality assessment of urban green spaces using visual aesthetic approach: Case study: Ferdowsi Mountain Park of Tehran. Viewed in www.civilica.com, 2/10/2011. (in Persian).
  13. Jahani, A., Makhdoum, M., Feghhi, j. and Etemad, A. 2011. Determine the quality of the landscape and view points in order to ecotourism land use (Case study: Patm part of Kheyrood forest). Environmental research. Vol:3. Pp:13-20. (in Persian).
  14. Khalilnejad, M. R., Aminzadeh, B. 2011. Visual management strategies in Khour park of South Khorasan Province. ). Environmental research. Vol:3. Pp:1-12. (in Persian).
  15. Mohamadi, M; Zangi abadi, A. 2009. Site selecting of ecotourism suitability in Chaharmahal o Bakhtiari with using of SWOT. Environmental Sciences. Vol. 47. pp: 1-10. (in Persian).
  16. Motevalli, M. 2010. Review and assess the aesthetic quality of the landscape based on the concept of sequential views, Case Study: Darabad tourism route of Tehran. Armanshahr. Vol: 5. Pp: 123-139. (in Persian).
  17. Porteous, J. D. 1996. Environmental Aesthetics: Ideas, Politics and Planning. Translated by: Mohammad Reza Masnavi, 1389. Pub: jahade daneshgahi Mashhad. (in Persian).
  18. Rafiani, P. 1390. Surveying and Categorizing of Walking Tracks in Natural Ecotourism Area, Case Study: Walking Tracks of Ziarat watershed. M.Sc. thesis of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. (in Persian).
  19. Ryngnga, P.K. 2008. Ecotourism prioritization: A geographic information system approach. Tourism and Heritage. Vol. 1. pp: 50-56.
  20. SalmanMahini, A; kamyab, HR. 2010. Applied Remote Sensing and GIS with Idrisi. Mehre Mahdis Press, Tehran, 582p. (in Persian).
  21. SalmanMahini, AR. 2011. Land use planning pamphlet. Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. (in Persian).
  22. Sung, D, G.; Lim, SH.; Ko, J & Cho, G. 2001. Scenic Evaluation of Landscape for Urban Design Purposes Using GIS and ANN. Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol. 56, pp: 75-85.
  23. Wu, Y., Bishop, I.D., Hossain, H. and Sposito, V. 2006. Applying GIS in Landscape Visual Quality Assessment. Applied GIS. Vol.2(3). pp:1-20.