Enhancing basin-scale Visual Landscape Quality assessment using geospatial information systems for land management

Kurt Kayali G., BERBEROĞLU S., Kulahlioglu M.

Landscape Research, 2025 (SSCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/01426397.2025.2552989
  • Dergi Adı: Landscape Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Index Islamicus, Veterinary Science Database, DIALNET
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: GIS, land use management, Landscape quality, remote sensing, UAV, visual quality
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The domain of Visual Landscape Quality (VLQ) is characterised by a subjective nature and remains one of the least methodologically standardised domains. To address this gap, the study proposes a holistic, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach. The approach, grounded in the US Bureau of Land Management’s Visual Resource Management (VRM) principles, is adapted to regional conditions and strengthened by: (i) integrating spatial layers, including percent tree cover, to refine the vegetation criterion and using landform as the Topographic Position Index; (ii) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery providing comprehensive landscape information; (iii) validation through a survey of 62 experts across disciplines to analyse perceptual accuracy and ensure objectivity; and (iv) integrating Landscape Character Analysis to align VLQ classes with character types. This method translates basin-scale analysis into sub-scale planning decisions, identifies ecologically meaningful boundaries and supports sustainable landscape planning for decision-makers and practitioners working across administrative boundaries and sectors.