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Quantifying the visual-sensory landscape qualities that contribute to cultural ecosystem services using social media and LiDAR
Citation:
VanBerkel, D., P. Tabrizian, M. Dorning, L. Smart, D. Newcomb, M. Mehaffey, A. Neale, AND R. Meentemeyer. Quantifying the visual-sensory landscape qualities that contribute to cultural ecosystem services using social media and LiDAR. Ecosystem Services. Elsevier Online, New York, NY, 31:326-335, (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2018.03.022
Impact/Purpose:
Journal article in which we describe a new approach for mapping landscape values and perceptions that leverage viewshed analysis of georeferenced social media data. The information methods will be used to delvelop metrics of cultural services for incorporation into the EnviroAtlas as part of the national map application.
Description:
Landscapes are increasingly recognized for providing valuable cultural ecosystem services with numerous non-material benefits by serving as places of rest, relaxation, and inspiration that ultimately improve overall mental health and physical well-being. Maintaining and enhancing these valuable benefits through targeted management and conservation measures requires understanding the spatial and temporal determinants of perceived landscape values. Content contributed through mobile technologies and the web are emerging globally, providing a promising data source for localizing and assessing these landscape benefits. These georeferenced data offer rich in situ qualitative information through photos and comments that capture valued and special locations across large geographic areas. We present a novel method for mapping and modeling landscape values and perceptions that leverages viewshed analysis of georeferenced social media data. Using a high resolution LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) derived digital surface model, we are able to evaluate landscape characteristics associated with the visual-sensory qualities of outdoor recreationalists. Our results show the importance of historical monuments and attractions in addition to specific environmental features which are appreciated by the public. Evaluation of photo-image content highlights the opportunity of including temporally and spatially variable visual-sensory qualities in cultural ecosystem services (CES) evaluation like the sights, sounds and smells of wildlife and weather phenomena.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Quantifying the visual-sensory landscape qualities that contribute to cultural ecosystem services using social media and LiDAR
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2018.03.022