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Visual Resource Assessment A User Guide MOE Manual 2

1. Lighting Direction Sub Elements Definitions and brighter than those which are Geometry the extent to which a form illuminated from behind approaches a standard geometrical figure Rounded 3 D Side Hill dominant ater accents distance A f 2 D Horizontal Signs jt H aa E D Vertical Elements S O SA i n N PLATE 2 4 The major dimensional forms in this landscape consist of a dominant forested shoulder and ridges beyond The lineal 2 D entrance sign markers contrast strongly with their background becoming highly legible The roadway form implies entry downward and blends with the lower edge of the landform on the right of the photograph 12 Geometry of 2 or 3 dimensions e g square circle triangle cube sphere cone etc Complexity the degree of simplicity or Complexity intricacy of a form simpler forms tend to be regular complex forms irregular Orientation the relationship of the form to the horizontal axis of the landscape Orientation e g vertical horizontal diagonal non directional or to the points of the compass Domi nance Forms that are bold regular solid or vertical tend to be dominant in the landscape Variable Effects Viewing Angle the visual proportions of forms change with the direction and
2. PLATE 3 12 Scenic water land edges can be particularly vulnerable to visual deterioration a fied by a U shaped valley with its side valleys A cirque lake is a good example of enclosure and sharp boundary definition Skyline character should not be overlooked as a boundary definition Figure 3 9 illustrates generalized boundaries and edges in the Slocan Valley Unit aeieea eeaeee PLATE 3 13 Landform and topography within the Slocan Valley landscape unit 29 3 8 3 LANDFORM AND TOPOGRAPHY Landform characteristics such as scale and silhouette are a primary means of differentiating one VRMA or landscape unit from another The visual dominance of a landform or series of landforms should be identified Contrasts between boundaries and transition zones can also be distin guished by landforms Figure 3 9 shows doninant landforms characteristic within the Slocan valley 3 3 4 VEGETATION A study of vegetative cover is essential to the landscape inventory and may be of even greater importance to the visual assessment process than physical features The latter are predetermined by geological processes and less likely to be manipu lated than vegetation which can be enhanced by design Vegetation is significant in the degree to which seasonal colour texture density and patterns and tree or shrub connective margins contribute to landscape diversity Landscape units may often be delineated by vegetation
3. Complexity variety of directions it follows Sky lines in rugged terrain are more complex than on flat plains Orientation the overall relationship of the TN KO m Idek 13 line to the horizontal axis of the landscape or to compass bearings Domi nance Bold vertical lines which interrupt the skyline tend to dominate weak horizontal lines Variable Effects Distance the strength of a line can decrease with distance due to atmospheric haze Atmospheric conditions clouds fog haze snow can obliterate skylines Lighting frontlighting flattens form and reduces line strength so that often only the skyline remains evident e g mountain ranges Sidelighting accentu ates the silhouette lines of separate Backlighting blends forms of equal distance into one outline In forms mountain ranges ridgelines delineate overlapping flat silhouettes Solid Vertical Element 17 Bold Lineal l L Structure Line PLATE 2 5 This scene illustrates how well line in this case a house roof line can blend or harmonize with a dominate skyline silhouette edge to become an integal part of the natural landscape offering little contrast The vertical chimney line is subordinate to the roof line creating visual interest 14 2 3 4 TEXTURE Definition See 2 1 Type JEG GAAL yuia kh EAR Z fo miart 3 GAZA A Colour Mixture mottling in
4. DATE A REGION NC SF NCC SCC AESTHETIC RESOURCE RATING FORM COUNTY SEGMENT FIELD INVENTORY LANDSCAPE UNIT EVALUATOR SCENIC RESOURCE RATING DISTINCTIVENES VARIETY HARMONY PHYSICAL INVENTORY MAX 35 PTS MAX 10 PTS MAX 25 Pts COAST BACKDROP dry sandy flat coastal plain Mik a sand dune hills HIGH lt low coastal terrace canyons amp ravines 6 2 25 rx high coastal terrace _____ mountains N head land a dune mixed lt grassiand riparian brushland kelp r E woodland landscaped 5 inward rocky intertidal A outward cobble beach WATE 3 s straight wet sandy beach OFF exposed wetland MEDIUM MEDIUM w SHORE Semi protected river mouth 6 15 x protected cave e offshore rocks and sea stacks Fj Pasture breakwater cultivated marina 2 rural Fecreational area z Med dens residential natural area S CUL urban historical cultural or TURAL industrial rec landmark mooie militar 2 Low Low y lighthouse CATION airports artificial island 2 5 o highways offshore structures 1 oO bridges commercial forestry railroads fishing harbor i fill undeveloped industrial hardo fishing sport amp commercial ___ pier If no culturat modification present score 10 REMARKS
5. Archives aa VISUAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT _A USER GUIDE F NN aN z ry ae Eanes G r S S Ee Sigs oa MOE Manual 2 ISSN 0821 0640 Archives 499 72 3 Uae PAF 1983 istry of Environment C F w1 RA l J S t e ee BCA Ministry of Environment MOE Manual 2 VISUAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT A USER GUIDE William C Yeomans SURVEYS AND RESOURCE MAPPING BRANCH Victoria B C August 1983 Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Yeomans W C Visual resource assessment MOE manual ISSN 0821 0640 2 Bibliography p ISBN 0 7718 8380 3 1 Landscape assessment British Columbia 2 Landscape protection British Columbia I British Columbia Ministry of Environment II Title III Series QH77 C3Y43 1983 333 7 2 09711 C83 092250 4 Copyright 1983 B C Ministry of Environment First Printing 1983 PREFACE British Columbia s landscape is dramatic and extensive in scale It contains a multitude of natural settings mountainous areas plateaus plains lowlands and highlands Climates range alpine to rain forest with consequent variations in vegetation types Snow fed glaciers from and icefields are common visual attractions and the Province is rich in its abundance of rivers lakes and stream
6. OVERALL SCENIC RESOURCE RATING Minimum Rating 14 Maximum Rating 70 OVERALL AESTHETIC RATING HIGH 83 100 OTHER AESTHETIC CONSIDERATION SMELLS EPHEMERAL WILDLIFE HUMAN SOUNDS streams sea Marine commercial ocean fish and other mammals fishing wind vegetation dirds recreational MEDIUM HIGH 66 82 wildlife animals terres boating transportation vehicles trial ships industry industry wildlife surfing MEDIUM 49 65 human waste disposal livestock hang gliding foghorns people gathering MEDIUM LOW 32 48 OTHER AESTHETIC RATING SCORE IN E INCREMENTS OF 5 MOST NEGATIVE SCORE 0 IF NO SIGNIFICANT OBSERVATIONS SCORE 15 MAX POSITIVE SCORE 30 REMARKS LOW 14 31 ENTER TOTAL SCORE 96 APPENDIX D 4 Field Evaluation Forms Definition and Rating Criteria for Coastal Marine Inventories Source Edaw et al 1981 DEFINITIONS ARD RATING CRITERIA O7 Iaa DISTINCTIVENESS A measure of the unique bold dramatic and memorable qualities of the visual landscape i aaa KEY WORDS HICH MEDIUM Low a aaa aaaea e spectacular dramatic evident modest o monotonous commonplace unusual unique e imageable moderate varied subdued e low contrast e bold prominent memorable e intermediate indistinct forgettable e hi
7. To arrive at an Overall Rating one must review the Contrast Rating box 1 and use the criteria listed below Overall Element Ratings High 2 Overall High if Moderate 8 1 3 components high Low 4 None 0 or 3 components Overall Element Scores medium High 12 Moderate 8 Low 4 None 0 Overall Medium if 1 2 components medium with no higher ratings High 9 Moderate 6 Low 3 None 0 Overall Low if 1 3 components low with no higher ratings High 6 Moderate 4 z 0 Texture Low None Overall None if High 9 al components Moderate 6 Low 3 None 0 Total Contrast Score Add the score from box 2 Overall Contrast Rating to the score from box 3 Scale Dominance to get the Composite Visual Impact Severity Number Compare the CVIS Number with the accompanying table to choose the Sensitivity Class Composite Visual Impact Severity Class I and I S Z Class II Class V and V R and V E Severe Project Visual Impact Visual Resource Management Class Requirement maximum Assessor Does the project meet the Visual Resource Management Class Requirement Yes C Ta APPENDIX D 3 Field Evaluation Forms Coastal Marine Landscape Scenic Rating System Source Edaw et al 1981
8. FIGURE 3 14 Slocan Valley Landsape Unit Biophysical Characteristics l Soils stability and productivity levels for determining vegetation regeneration 2 Soil and rock colour contrast values when exposed 3 Terrain characteristics beyond general landform description 4 Aquatics and hydrology for mapping stream and lake visual characteristics 5 Presence of wildlife for possible value as a viewing experience 6 Climate moisture and temperature regimes which often cause breaks between visual units as noted in Section 3 4 An analysis of biophysical resources will reveal other land capability designations and the land s relative biophysical capacity to accomodate any management activity with varying effects on the visual environment see Chapter IV Section 4 6 Visual Absorption Capability VAC Maps covering the above biophysical components are available for a considerable portion of the province from the B C Ministry of Environment Assessment and Planning Division Catalogue 1981 Figure 3 14 indicates generalized biophysi cal characteristics in the sample study area 3 9 AN INVENTORY PROCEDURAL CHECKLIST Define the Regional Setting Identify the landscape setting and mapping scale to be used The descriptive inventory is best understood within the framework of its regional and sub regional setting An appropriate scale of mapping should be determined at this point Identify physiographic and
9. Another advantage is that since VAC is often inversely proportional to visual quality the higher the VAC the more likely visual quality is low and vice versa it can be used to indicate where more intensive visual assessment may be done on a regional scale Figures 4 8a through 4 8d illustrate how VAC patterns can be overlaid to obtain a final reading of composite values with the Slocan Valley serving as an example 55 PLATE 4 20 Wapiti Lake and surroundings are low in VAC primarily because of steep slopes and low vegetation regeneration potential 4 6 1 RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR ASSIGNING VAC RATINGS Step One Define landscape units and or viewsheds by air ground and air photo examina tion Step Two Determine where VAC assessment is needed relative to project impacts Step Three Review basic assumptions and Visual Quality objectives Step Four Map slope vegetation soil and rock colour factors and landscape diversity Step Five Assign biophysical sensitivity ratings high to low with the formula VAC Sx E R D C Where S slope the steeper the slope the lower the VAC E Soil stability and erosion potential Positive factors raise VAC negative factors lower VAC R Vegetation regeneration poten tial High potential raises VAC 56 Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Class One 0 30 Class Two 30 60 B3533353333323333232 Class Three 60 and above
10. Distance Zones Foreground II Middleground 1 SZ Background I SZ 1 See Figure 4 7 for above KOP locations within SAU boundaries Slocan Valley landscape unit 54 TABLE 4 5 Visual Resource Management Class Requirements After Sheppard et al 1979 Class I and I SZ Any contrast created within the characteristic landscape must not be noticeable The visual impact of a proposed modification may not exceed Negligible with a total score of 0 11 and the degree of contrast in any one element may not exceed Low or subordinate with an element score of 4 Class II Changes in any of the basic visual elements should not be evident in the characteristic landscape contrasts may be evidently seen but should not attract attention The visual impact of a proposed modification should not exceed Weak with a total score of 12 23 and the degree of contrast in any one element should not exceed Low or subordinatae with an element score of 4 Class III Contrasts may be evident however changes should remain subordinate to the existing characteristic landscape Visual impact of a proposed modification may not exceed Moderate with a total score of 24 351 and the degree of contrast or dominance in any one element should not exceed Medium or co dominant with an element score of 8 Class IV Contrasts may attract attention and be a dominant feature of the landscape in terms of scale However the changes should repeat th
11. Coarse and contrasty textures tend to dominate 2 3 5 SCALE fine grained textures of low internal contrast Definition See 2 1 Variable Effects a Types Distance internal contrast and the apparent grain of the texture is lessened with Absolute Scale the absolute size of an distance Coarse textures of coniferous object obtained by relating the size of forest may remain visible at up to 12 15 the object to a definitely designated kms while fine textures of grassland may i e measured standard disappear within 1 2 km of the observer Relative Scale the relative size of objects Atmospheric Conditions haze cloud dust the apparent size relationship between etc reduce the distances at which landscape components and their surround textures disappear and lose internal ings contrast Illumination light and shade textures are most obvious in side lighting and when Canopy leads the eye to point Edge adds interest to space PLATE 2 7 This scene illustrates the spatial qualities of a focal landscape readily seen from a key observation point KOP along a major highway in the Okanagan area Any management activity at point A would be highly visible In this example atmospheric clarity and elevation of the observer combine to lead the eye directly to point A 16 Sub Elements Scale dominance the scale of an object relative to the visible expanse of the landscape which forms its setting Scale
12. FIGURE 4 8 a Slocan Class Analysis Valley VAC Slope Example not a pian for illustrative purposes only Legend High Productivity Moderate Productivity Limited Productivity Barren or Non productive FIGURE 4 8 b Slocan Valley VAC Productivity and Vegetation Regeneration High Diversity Moderate Diversity Low Diversity FIGURE 4 8 c Legend Stocan Valley VAC Pattern Diversity Vegetation 57 Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend High VAC Moderate VAC WE FIGURE 4 8 d Slocan Valley VAC Composite VAC Values a EEE Este 58 D Vegetation diversity The greater the diversity the greater potential for high VAC C Potential soil and vegetation colour contrast Too great a contrast lowers VAC by virtue Step Six Draft final VAC overlay to visual assess ment map in terms of high medium or low VAC Table 4 8 assignments are translated as follows Recommended numerical High VAC 29 36 Moderate VAC 20 28 Low VAC 4 19 FACTOR s of exposure to view TABLE 4 6 RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF VAC FACTORS adapted from Blau et al 1979 Slope E Soil stability amp erosion potential R Vegetation regeneration potential CHARACTERISTICS VAC VALUES VERBAL NUMERICAL Steep 60 1 multiplier Moderately Steep 30 60 2 multiplier Relatively Flat 0 30 3 multiplier High constraint value de
13. Tech Report PSW 35 pp 590 597 Alberta Transportation 1980 Alberta Roads Environmental Design Guidelines Alberta Environment Calgary Alta 78 pp American Society of Landscape Architects 1978 Creating Land for Tomorrow Under Contract to SEAM Surface Environment and Mining Forest Service USDA 45 pp Anderson Lee Jerry Mosier and Geoffrey Chandler 1979 Visual Absorption Capability In Proc Our National Landscape USDA forest Service Gen Tech Report PSW 35 pp 164 171 Andrews Richard N L 1979 Landscape Values in Public Decisions In Proc Our National Landscape USDA Forest Service Tech Report PSW 35 pp 686 692 Angelo Mark 1979 The Use of Computer Graphics in the Visual Malysis of the Sunshine Ski Area Expansion British Columbia Institute of Technology Burnaby B C 9 pp Bauer Wolf 1974 The Shore Process Corridor Its Anatomy Function and Basis for Shoreland Planning and Management Oregon Coastal Conservation and Development Commission 12 Pp Bird Brian J 1972 The Natural Landscapes of Canada A Study in Regional Earth Science Wiley Publishing Toronto Ont Blair William 1981 Visual Assessment for Highway Projects U S Department of Trans portation F H A Washington D C 89 pp Blau David H Michael C Bowie and Frank Hunsaker 1979 Visual Resources Inventory and Imnaha Valley Study Hells Canyon National Recreation Area In Proc Our National Landscape
14. Using Sensitivity Level Matrix delineate all areas of High Moderate or Low sensitivity 2 Evaluate all designated parks ecological reserves and designated conservancies as high automatically FIGURE 4 4 Slocan Valley Sensitivity Levels Landscape Unit 4 4 KEY OBSERVATION POINTS KOP AND DISTANCE ZONES Scenic quality and visual sensitivity levels relate directly to how the landcape is seen and from what angle Thus visibility from main view ing routes and key observation points KOP mapped during the descriptive inventory phase must be quantified in the overall visual quality assess ment a aaaea PLATE 4 10 A Slocan Lake KOP any induced development would detract seriously from its scenic value and high sensitivity Establishing distance zones based upon travel routes and pre determined KOPs is essential to the determination of visual sensitivity classes KOPs may be determined either Chapter III or by IV Section 4 7 by direct observations computer graphics Chapter As noted distance zones fall into four categories in Chapter II foreground middleground background and seldom seen areas Litton 1972 BLM 1980 USFS 1974 These are mapped from key observation points KOP See Glossary of Terms Any determination of distance zones is compli cated by the fact that what may be foreground in could well be one instance middleground from another vantage po
15. and improve a particular scene by adding variety and harmony Contrast the effect of a striking difference in form line color or texture of a landscape s features Variety the condition of having differentiated parts the absence of monotony or sameness Back where the light source comes from Lighting behind the object viewed face of the object The visible is generally in shadow and its edge highlighted Front where the light source comes from Lighting behind the observer and falls directly on the object viewed There is little shadow effect Side where the light source comes from one Lighting side of the object viewed This is the light considered most effective for evaluating visual contrast LANDSCAPE COMPONENTS Any landscape can be described in terms of physical parts These are a Landform e g types of land surfaces plateaus mountains valleys etc See Appendix A Glossary b Landcover 1 Rock and soil surfaces 2 Lakes water courses marshes 3 Ice and snow 4 Vegetation trees shrubs and low vegetation perceived not as three dimensional objects in foreground nor as two dimensional objects in fore ground but as two dimensional patterns over longer viewing distances 5 Structures man made objects in the landscape usually three dimensional e g buildings transmission towers irrigation channels but sometimes low profile and two dimensional e g roads Management
16. capability for recovery from visual impacts generated by development activities Since 1977 the Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch Ministry of Environment has considered the visual resource in its land capability studies it has evident to Branch planners and technicians as well both the public sectors that a guideline document covering visual analysis methodology is needed During this period become increasingly as to their clients in private and As a result the present project was initiated in October 1981 with the following objectives To develop a written and graphically supported document covering a terminology inherent to visual resource management in general and b a methodology for classification of the landcape in terms of visual assessment with specific reference to British Columbia British Columbia is the third largest of the ten provinces in Canada with an area of approxi mately 95 000 000 hectares 366 255 square miles Over 90 of this area is in public i e Crown ownership An unequalled opportunity thus presents itself to manage these public lands in the direc of their resources for all time tion maintaining outstanding visual The User Guide is intended to further this objective iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The User Guide represents the efforts of a number of individuals from both the public and private sectors in British Columbia and the U S and was written under sponsorship of the
17. its surroundings which gives it a high Probability of evoking a strong image in any given observer the shape colour or arrange ment which provides a strongly identified powerfully structural highly useful mental impact of the environment the idea behind a place or landscape that can be readily under stood in aesthetic terms thus precluding fear of the unknown as well as increasing visual awareness synonymous with legibility Intactness the integrity of visual order in the natural and man built landscape and the extent to which the landscape is free from visual encroachment Interdisciplinary Team a group of individuals with different training representing the physical sciences social sciences and environmental design arts assembled to solve a problem or perform a task the members of the team proceed to solution with frequent interaction so that each discipline may provide insights to any stage of the problem and disciplines may combine to provide new solutions Inter vi sibility the principle that from any point visible to an observer the observer can also be seen Intrusion a feature land and water form vegeta tion or structure which is generally considered out of context because of excessive contrast and disharmony with the character istic landscape Key Observer Position KOP one or a series of observer positions on a travel route or at a use area or a potential use area that are used to determine s
18. points demonstrating viewed areas times seen and impact frequencies Travis Elsner et al 1975 It can also depict slope and aspect data in varying degrees of shaded patterns 2 3 3 5 8 s 0 5 neeee yd DL oeoe dd yee dID itz wed z 21000006 1221902222179008 996 Goes 7222 96980 WIZ0072222212000000 6007290907722222 wacacassor2 2222 Hath a wevoccoccocssavescosseecur iis ioseeeedizz ziveececowena n in 1 1 3 7 3 3 5 s FIGURE 4 11 Viewit An Example of Application al 1976 Perspective Plot is used largely for selection of cut blocks in forested areas where visual imapct can be determined from varying observer points and from different azimuth angles Twito 1978 It places the proposed cut block in perspective outline by tree symbols and is highly manipulative This program is written specifically for use on desktop computer systems such as the Hewlit Packard 9845 or Wang 2200 LVP The system has been further developed to depict utility poles and lines road cuts water storage areas and similar projects where ditigal control can be obtained see Nickerson 1980 v LEVEL LINE OF SIGHF IS INCHES ABOVE FRAME VIEH DIST 15 INCHES HHT ai an PERSPECTIVE plot FIGURE 4 12 Perspective Plot An Example of Application Preview in addition to rendering perspective diagrams from digitized data is capable of graphi cally illustrating vegetative cover rock
19. which may well be incorporated in both the map and narrative accounts 1 Pre typing refers to initial and direct mapping on air photos with colored pencil These are later taken to the field for verification following which the data can be transferred to scaled maps 37 Field Work Field work jis essential to the landscape inventory Previously pretyped air photo pairs need to be checked for ground truth Presence on the site or area is required to accurately confirm boundaries of scenic assessment units SAU viewsheds visual units and feature or focal attractions Products of the inventory at this point should include graphic representations such as diagrams photographic examples occasional tables graphs and field sketches The latter can abstract from the complexity of the landscape by capturing the essence of a place and simplifying the impression a photo usually gives Litton 1978 Low level air reconnaissance is extremely valuable in field work particularly in British Columbia where distances between points of vehicular access can be great and time costs critical Air coverage is an excellent means to identify 1 major landform components 2 extensive riparian environments 3 ecological relationships existing between landscape units 4 major edges and margins between areas of contrast 5 connecting area elements such as ridge lines side valleys and portals However where possible it is i
20. 1968 1972 Daniels Boster et al 1976 Shafer and Tooby 1973 Kaplan 1975 Zube 1974 and Zube Brush and Fabos 1975 APPENDIX C MANAGEMENT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ADOPTED AND MODIFIED FROM U S D A FOREST SERVICE 1972 VALUES INVOLVED GENERAL 1 Will benefit social economic accrue to the community at large from the proposed project 2 Are the potential project benefits of short or long term social and economic benefit 3 Will the project benefits offset the losses to both present and potential users of the area PHYSICAL REALITIES 1 If the project is brought to completion what are the actual visual biophysical ecological effects involved 2 Is the site or area suited to the project s intent in a Provincial sense In a regional or local sense In a national sense 3 Have site or area limitations and opportunities been adequately analyzed by qualified personnel CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO VISUAL QUALITY 1 What economic technological design labor and policy constraints will affect the project s visual impact potential 2 Can the originally expected project if visual impacts are high be altered in any way in order to meet Visual Resources Management Area objectives 3 If not will the stated constraints still allow for a quality product that will satisfy human values i e assuming a lesser degree of visual quality 91 DOCUMENTATION OF FINDINGS 1 A
21. 32 pp Ministry of Environment British Columbia Assess ment and Planning Division 1981 APD Catalogue 81 96 pp 1977 Terrain Classification System 54 pp Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch 1982 Terrestrial Studies Branch APD Bulletin 28 Biophysical Resources of the Slocan Valley O R Travers Coordinator 182 pp Ministry of Forests British Columbia 1981 Forest Landscape Handbook W H Van Heek Coordinator 96 pp Ministry of Lands Parks and Housing British Columbia Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division 1982 Natural Regions and Regional Landscapes for the British Columbia Park Systems Unpublished draft Myklestad E and J A Wager 1976 Computer Assistance for Visual Management of USDA Forest Service Research Paper NE 355 14 pp Preview Forested Landscapes Nickerson Devon B 1980 Perspective Plot An Interactive Technique for the Visual Modeling of Land Management Activities USDA Forest Service PNW Range and Experiment Station 146 Pp 75 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 1977 Ontario Provincial Parks Design Principles and Standards 58 pp 1977 Algonquin Provincial Park 82 pp Frank MacDougall parkway Study 1980 French River Canadian Heritage Waterway Plot Study Landscape Evaluation 62 pp Ouspensky P D 1968 The Fourth Way Alfred A Knopf New York 437 pp Pearce Joseph Chilton 1971 Crack in the Cosmic Egg Washington quare Press 145 pp Sche
22. 4 9 Development activities could occur in this area with little effect on its level of visual sensitivity el TABLE 4 2 Visual Sensitivity Level Matrix User Volume H M L H High Sensitivity User M Attitude Moderate Sensitivity Low L Sensitivity MgMarion Mt ooper Sar S 815 Averton 25 Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend High Moderate Low Procedure Using scenic assessment boundaries delineate user volume high medium low from all available Provincial transportation data Map should be accompanied by standards leading to reasonable accurate definitions of high medium and Tow user volume FIGURE 4 2 Slocan Volume Valley Landscape Unit User Procedure 45 Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend High Concern Moderate Concern Low Concern EE Usina Scenic Assessment Unit boundaries delineate all areas of hiqh moderate and low user attitudes relative to actual or proposed modifications to the natural environment FIGURE 4 3 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit User Attitudes a aaaaaaaaaaaaasasauasatalualalalatlalalaalallllllllssssssslsl 46 Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend High Sensitivity Moderate Sensitivity Low Sensitivity NCTE Sensitivity Levels are obtained by overlaying User Attitudes with User Volume travel PROCEDURE 1
23. 94 are administered by the Crown The characteristic landscape can be described as forested rolling to rugged with steep FIGURE 3 8 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit mountains rising to 2803 metres 9 250 ft in the Valhalla ranges along its northeast boundary Slocan Lake 23 500 hectares in area 91 sq mi occupies a central portion of its northern extremity and lies at an elevation of 1762 It is drained southward by the Slocan and Little Slocan Rivers Valley bottoms and sides hold moderate agricultural value are sparsely settled and scenic Timber harvesting and tourism are the unit s primary land use activities A major highway and rail line dissect the area Height of Landsat 2 Imagery October 9 1980 Canada Centre for Remote Sensing PLATE 3 10 The Slocan Valley landscape unit looking north toward Summit Lake land to west and east narrowing to portals to the north and south define the Slocan Valley Landscape Unit General Description Form Bold to moderate Slocan Valley is form dominant with peaks rising sharply above valley floor Line Ridge line Perry s Ridge a strong element Bold skyline edges along western and eastern boundaries Valley edges are digitate where valley meets ridge bottoms Colour Dark cool colours of forested hills tend to retreat in perspective Blues of lake and river become foil for greens and yellows along main valley floor Scale Confined along valley floor m
24. A 21 to 35 points regional scenic relationships B 8 to 20 points Timing Rate for scenic quality under the most critical conditions i e under highest seasonal use with sidelighting C 14 to 7 points instead of front or back lighting conditions see Chapter 2 Sec 2 3 1 Rating scores ranging from 3 to 5 are suggestive only The evaluator may assign scores within these basic numerical units where subtleties of scenic elements warrant but should justify these ratings in his narrative report Scenic Assessment Unit Boundaries See Section 3 6 p 24 42 value e g bridges dams rail and road lines tree plantations well sited architecture and landscape architecture and even a minus factor if incompatible or inappropriate The Coastal Marine Zone expresses a somewhat different set of aesthetic values than found else where in the province Scenic assessment of this environment is deserving of a methodology more reflective of subtle aesthetic variations as well as potentially positive effects of cultural modifi cations such as lighthouses settlements harbours etc which can often add to an otherwise uniform or monotonous seascape Since 15 VRMAs within eight Riotic Regions front the sea in British Columbia these values are needful of future documentation and field testing as development projects come on line within this unique and sensitive visual environment See Appendix N 4 for recommended Coastal Zone
25. Chapter II Concepts Adapted from VSDI Bureau of Land Management 1978 and Smardon et al 1982 93 94 APPENDIX D 2 Establishing Contrast Rating Scores for Project Visual Impacts Relative Importance of Visual Elements in Contrast Ratings Procedure Multiply weighting assigned to each visual element against degree or contrast i e strong 3 moderate 2 weak 1 and none 0 Visual Elements amp Weighted Values Land Water Introduced or Modified Components Vegetation Structures Color High High 1 High Contrast Moderate Moderate Moderate 4x Low Low Low Weighting None None None Form High High High Contrast Moderate Moderate Moderate 4x Low Low Low Weighting None None None Line High High High Contrast Moderate Moderate Moderate 3x Low Low Low Weighting None None None Texture High Contrast Moderate 2x Low Weighting None High Moderate Low None High Moderate Low None Scale High Contrast Moderate 3x Low Weighting None High Moderate Low None High Moderate Low None owanw ONFD oowoo owo onao Cwnw onem Major object in confined setting Dominate One of several major objects or major object in an unconfined setting Go dominate Significant object relative to setting Subordinate Small object relative to setting Insignificant Comments Project Name Proposed Field Form 2 2 Overall Rating
26. N N VISUAL IMPACTS Intensity related to visual quality determinants Visual impact predictions alternate solutions use of computer graphics and l i l i l simulation l l l l i l l NX 7 PROJECT DISAPPROVAL PROJECT APPROVAL ALTERNATE SOLUTIONS N Tareal lineal visual resource quality mapping precedes specific impact analysis 2Relates to visual character and quality at site specific view specific and route specific project FIGURE 1 2 A Model for Processing Resource Assessment and Impact Studies VISUAL ASSESSMENT Initiation Terminology Landscape Components Visual Elements Visual Impact Severity A 4 __ Synthesis Descriptive Inventory Visuat Assessment Procedures Scenic Quality Visual Sensitivity Levels Distance Zones Visual Absorption Capability Visual Impact Predictions pi Management Options Mitigation Enhancement Rehabilitation Alternate Site Location Disallowance a i Completion management and allocation priorities Methods for predicting the degree to which specific develop ments may alter the visual environment are set forth under Sectin 4 6 Visual Impact Predictions Chapter Five Management Options concludes the User Guide by recommending design guidelines to be followed in accommodating development proposals in the landscape with a minimal impact upon its visual q
27. Spatial Composition l Refer to Chapter II Concepts Adapted from VSDI Bureau of Land Management 1978 and Smardon et l 1982 Expansive bounded area enclosure visual unit cs Te ty moderate ty focal ETORT 5g of views of river thus highds sensitiyity te WleWwina Focal feature enclosed Panoromic canopied weak to strong LANDSCAPE 61 TABLE 4 8 Proposed Field Form 2 Establishing Contrast Rating Scores for Project Visual Impacts Modified from Sheppard et al 1979 2 Relative Importance of Visual Elements in Contrast Ratings Overall Rating Procedure Multiply weighting assigned to each visual element against degree To arrive at an Overall Overall Overall or contrast i e strong 3 moderate 2 weak 1 and none 0 Rating one must review the Element Element Contrast Rating box 1 Visual and use the criteria listed Ratings scores Elements amp Introduced or Modified Components below Weighted 5 High Values Land Wate Vegetation Structures iaht Moderate Overall High if Color 1 3 components high Low Color High 12 High or 3 components None Contrast Moderate Moderate medi um High 4x Low Low Moderate Wei ghti Form er gnelng None 0 None Overall Medium if os Form High High High 1 2 components fhe Contrast Moderate Moderate Moderate medium With no High 4x low pee low higher ratings Moderate Weighting None None None Line Low Line High High High Overall L
28. THE GUIDE AS A STIMULUS TO STANDARDIZATION OF BASIC VISUAL ASSESSMENT TERMI NOLOGY There is a need in British Columbia to standardize and simplify terminology used in the growing field of visual resource analysis Planners and designers can employ the User Guide as a foundation for further refinement of the art based on a common acceptance of assessment terminology Other means such as workshops data exchange between professionals and a centralized library should also stimulate increased information exchanges between practitioners 1 3 METHODOLOGY AND CHAPTER SUMMARY Visual analysis is a relatively recent design science and as such requires a more than cursory clarification of terminology used in its conduct if it is to be properly understood Chapter Two Concepts deals in some depth with such terminology as it is applied to visual inventory and assessment Familiarity with these basic concepts is essential to the visual analyst as a guide to understanding the basic pattern elements of forn line colour texture and their scale relationships as they are perceived in the landscape and as they affect or are affected by management activities and cultural changes Chapter Three Descriptive Inventory Establishing a Regional Framework outlines a recommended procedure for carrying out the descrip tive inventory phase of assessment within a recom mended provincial and regional framework The Chapter defines in conceptual ter
29. Technical Paper 81 5 U S D I Bureau of Land Management pp 114 147 Fenneman Nevin M 1931 Physiography of the Western United States McGraw Hill Book Co New York 534 pp Fraser B 1982 Public Involvement Handbook B C Ministry of Forests 134 pp Holland Stuart S 1964 Landforms of British Columbia A Physiographic Outline Bulletin 48 British Columbia Dept of Mines and Petroleum Resources 138 pp Horner Roger 1982 Visual Resources of the Northeast Coal Study Area 1977 1978 APD Bulletin 23 Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch B C Ministry of Environment Victoria B C 115 pp Howes D and E Owens 1982 Physical Shoreline Classification for B C TSB Draft B C Ministry of Environment Victoria B C Jones and Jones Architects and Landscape Architects Seattle Wash 1977 Aesthetics and Resource Management for Highways Sponsored by U S Dept of Transportation Washington D C 139 pp Kaplan Rachel 1975 Some Methods and Strategies in the Prediction of Preferences In Landscape Assessment Values Perceptions and Resources pp 118 129 Dowden Hutchinson and Ross Stroudsburg PA Kell Gary W 1979 Project Visual Analysis for the Alleghany Nat l Forest In Proc Our National Landscape USDA Forest Service Gen Technica Report PSW 35 pp 565 571 Lee Michael S 1979 Assessment of Louisiana River Landscapes In Landscape Preference Proc Our National Landscape USDA Fo
30. USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Report PSW 35 pp 428 438 Block J and Valerie Hignett 1982 Outdoor Recreation Classification for British Columbia B C Ministries of Environment and Lands Parks and Housing Victoria B C APD Bulletin 8 133 pp Block J 1978 Visual Analysis Bowen Island B C In Bowen Island A Resource Analysis for Land Use Planning Vol I Chapter Seven and Vol II Appendix E Ministry of Environ ment British Columbia Resource Analysis Branch 97 pp Chamberlin T 1980 Aquatic System Inventory B C Ministry of Environment APD Tech Paper 1 32 pp Craik Kenneth 1968 The Comprehension of Everyday Physical Environment Journ of Amer Inst of Planners 34 29 37 Daniels T C and R S Boster 1976 Landscape Aesthetics The Scenic Beauty Estimation Method USDA Forest Service Paper RM 1 67 Demarchi Dennis A 1983 Biotic Regions of British Columbia An Ecological Land Classification for Fauna in process Environment and Land Use Committee British Columbia 1976 Guidelines for Coal Development 74 ___ 1977 Guidelines for Linear Development 32 Pp ___1979 Guidelines for Regional Resource Management Committees _____ 1979 Approvals Procedures for Land Develop ment ____ 1980 Environmental and Social Impact Compen sation Mitigation Guidelines EDAW Inc Allen Lind and Stephen S R J Sheppard 1981 Aesthetic Resource Evaluation of the California Coastline In POCS
31. VRMA Atmospheric conditions are periodically affected by sawmill emissions but generally the unit s topographic and water features are clearly visible from key obser vation points KOP along highway route 6 which transects the unit from south to north Climate of the area is Continental in nature with warm summers and cold winters Annual precipitation ranges from 560 mm 22 in in some valley bottoms to over 1900 mm 75 4 in at higher elevations B C Ministry of Environment 1982 3 8 AREAS OF INVESTIGATION WITHIN THE INVENTORY Eight primary areas of investigation are required in the descriptive inventory general description boundaries and edges landform vegetation water and river drainage systems focal attractions and land use Criteria for carrying out these aspects follows 3 8 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION A general description of the area under study whether a VRMA landscape unit viewshed or SAU should identify dominant pattern elements form line colour texture and their scale relation 28 ships It should also define in narrative terms the area s regional characteristics in terms of climate imageability regional symbolism and relationship with adjacent physiographic units The general description of the Slocan Valley Landscape Unit within Section 3 7 serves as an example of a fairly comprehensive general descrip tion The primary value of the general description is in its thematic aspects which lead
32. after decisions are made THE PROCESS There are three major objectives involved in the community involvement process Jones and Jones 1977 l to distribute information to the public 2 to gather pertinent information from the public 3 to ensure that information from the public is considered along with technical information early and continuously in an interactive process Fraser 1982 defines three principle methods of achieving community involvement l public information methods press releases pamphlets viewing centers field trips etc 2 consultation methods written briefs plan reviews public meetings and workshops 3 extended involvement methods public advisory committees task groups joint planning teams Some specific ways in which public involvement can be used include 1 determining which resources are most valued in a community and the nature of public concerns about a project 2 checking resource inventories and gathering suggestions on the development of alternatives and 3 obtaining direct viewer response to alternatives Technical information should be simplified into sketch formats Simplified graphics hand drawn maps and pertinent photographs are more likely to elicit comments than a detailed and possibly confusing series of complicated maps Content of the subject matter for presentation at public hearings varies so much from one project to another that it is difficult to set any
33. around Site Mod Contre of Regularity continuity Little hie de fn lard form Inreg Cont iuit he vue chrome Crey todeep brown Glacia ti over belseck Clarity grain Soi texture not evident Sram KoP eee lard farm subord in 9 but rises abae Site Regular Si va ple vertical gt DFY WEC 4 ospen LAND WATER Regularity simplicity orientation Direction regularity a edge character No rb2rien defini Hiin Edges D rregulas ei ctelse chron Hve deep green Vale medium Chrome dv if Clarity grain lt Course textured dense ever orde red Size di m objects 0 rouneing Basie Comi f 22 qraw to lt of not domin Regularity simplicity orientation Simple Jow pro file Cern boo Direction regularity Horia dominant largely urfa ares continuity simplicity blend well W ov erovFdh vg s ilu eon reJ RITE trace 5 fan ia bere high chroma Clarity acain eted Cenc Untreated wood auras Size height width Obsecver above frem KOPA Thus low VAC surrounding areas but lew peofite inot cmm pa tehe w surround Define characteristic amp landscape regional Lamdscape unit dissected ee Columb amp e m te peq intecis Wet bel setting etc stengly by reiiina to rugged vee te J KENES b 93 Texture Scale STRUCTURES VEGETATION General Description
34. basic elements of the landscape The primary character of the landscape should be retained regardless of the degree of modification allowed A theoretical project will serve as an example Plate 4 21 illustrates a sewage treatment plant within VRMA 14 B but a proposal for its expansion has been initiated by the Regional District Tne existing plant requires a visual contrast rating to determine whether or not it meets the requirements of VR Management Class 111 into which it falls The facility is in place Completing the proposed field form 1 Table 4 7 for assigning visual contact ratings is the first step in the assessment It sdhould be filled out in the field where direct observations can reveal basic quality ilnformation relateed to form line colour texture and scale At this level of assessment the characteristic landscape is defined in terms of descriptive inventory This may or may not have been done for the entire VRMA These data are then related to the proposed project in terms of evident contrasts VRMA Field Form 2 Table 4 8 is used for this purpose Usingf this form the sewage treatment plant is compared with existing site conditions element by element feature by feature according to the degree of contrast involved e g strong 3 moderate 2 low l and 0 no contrast Thus the element s weighted value multiplied by the degree of contrast equals the magnitude of visual impact Weighted values for
35. biotic regions Satellite imagery and photo stereo pairs are extremely valuable at this stage of data assembly Define Visual Resource Management Areas Define and describe Biotic Sub regions Visual Resource Management Areas VRMA and landscape units in terms of general description boundaries and edges landform and topography vegetation water inland or marine coastal focal attractions and local features land use and man made elements and biophysical characteristics At this point scenic assessment unit boundaries can be defined at a preliminary level and key observation points KOP noted on maps and pre typed air photos These will become basic to the scenic quality assessment KOPs are later confirmed and photo graphed after traveling through the area on major access routes where critical viewpoints commanding primary viewsheds become obvious Photographs from these points should be included in the narrative accompanying the inventory map or maps and may require splicing to encompass the KOP field of vision Initiate Narrative Account A narrative or expanded map legend accompany ing base maps is essential to identify facets that do not lend themselves to graphic documentation The narrative should accompany the factual inven tory maps to cover intangible factors such as climate and land and water pollution where known Examination of any pertinent literature and local information on the project area can provide data
36. cations of the natural landscape User volume is a measure of travel frequency within the landscape and relates directly to acces sibility leisure time availability and local use Where possible travel volume should be measured within provincial distance standards or travel time gained from highway origin and destination 0 and D studies park user statistics tourism travel estimates and projections economic forecasts and local questionnaires and field observations over scheduled time periods The SAU is then assigned a high medium or low user volume rating according to regional and or provincial travel standards 44 PLATE 4 7 Visual sensitivity levels are high in this Kootenay River scene User attitudes although more difficult to assess can be obtained by survey questionnaire public workshops and hearings where reactions to proposed modifications to the landscape are solicited see Appendix 8 Public reaction is evaluated and mapped as high medium or PLATE 4 8 Creston Flats an area holding moderate sensitivity to development low User attitude is of greater importance and weighted higher than user volume in this evalua tion After overlaying user attitude with user volume on each SAU a visual sensitivity matrix is used to determine visual sensitivity levels Table 4 2 See Appendix B User Preference Factors for further classification of guidelines to measurement of user attitudes PLATE
37. consid erable variety adjacent scenery is not unusual or outstanding in a regional context PLATE 4 6 Uniform tree stands and low topographic relief reduce scenic quality in this area to Class C 0 11 43 Scarcity was given a high rating 5 due to the unusual and dramatic relationships existing between Slocan Lake and the Valhalla ranges which rise abruptly from the lake s eastern shoreline and are accessible only by water This factor is unique to the VRMA and to the region as well Cultural modifications are moderate to severe in the vicinity of Slocan village where a large sawmill intrudes upon the natural landscape and reduces adjacent air quality to some extent However there are no other serious cultural modifications of a negative nature in the valley which is in fact enhanced by pastoral modifica tion agriculture Cultural modification was therefore given a rating of 1 With the highest possible chart score being 35 the Slocan landscape unit rated 23 or high level A 4 3 ESTABLISHING VISUAL SENSITIVITY LEVELS Visual sensitivity is defined as the degree to which any portion of the landscape is sensitive to or liable to be visually degraded by man made developments either proposed or existing Bureau of Land Management 1980 The interaction of two factors is involved in measuring an area s visual sensitivity levels 1 user volume and 2 user attitudes relative to existing or proposed modifi
38. contrast the scale of an object relative to other distinct objects or areas in the landscape Proportion of field of view the scale of an object relative to the total field of view accepted by the human eye or camera Domi nance Large heavy massive objects within a confined space dominate small light delicate objects in more expansive settings Variable Effects Distance the apparent size of an object Distance decreases with distances from the observer Spatial enclosure the size of the enclosing space inversely affects an object s oY Ar Spatial Enclosure relative scale small spaces make objects appear larger Viewing Angle the apparent scale of an object in the landscape is affected by the observer s angle of view in two ways 1 perspective foreshortening when seen obliquely or at low viewing angles reduces the apparent size of surfaces of areas or objects Viewing Angle 2 by increasing an object s elevation in relation to the observer s position the object s relative scale tends to increase Atmospheric Conditions increased haziness may increase the apparent scale of the landscape s space by obscuring its boundaries 2 3 6 SPACE Definition See 2 1 Sub elements Landscape Composition is defined as the arrangement of objects and voids in the landscape that can be categorized by Some composi their spatial composition 17 Canopied
39. contrasts in the early morning light sesessesosososeceeeseeseenoe cs 2 1 Md pilings and mist enshrouded hills are softly reflected in this R C coastal SCENE sessesevevee CS 2 2 An illustration of basic visual design terminology waccccvecccccccccccccccvvecsvcsessesssssssccers 7 2 3 The major colours in this Kootenay Lake cottage scene are brown green yellow and cream seceoee 10 2 4 The major three dimensional forms in this landscape consist of a dominant forested shoulder and ridges beyond ececccccvcccccccccssceccnnscsseseseeseesssssss essen esserscessensseseesssseseseseees 11 2 5 This scene illustrates how well line can blend or harmonize with a dominant skyline se sesecceeo 13 2 6 A variety of textures in this R C picnic scene occur with little semblance of harmony ssesseseeee 14 2 7 This scene illustrates the spatial qualities of a focal landscape readily seen from a key observation point sesececcccccccccccccccceccescecsccescscsccvccenscceessceceessssssensesscosvesese 15 2 8 Strong visual contrasts in form line colour and texture are provided by this roadside advertising billboard s s s sssssssosooseooosooeecsesesocoosesocoesseseeeesessesesssooesooesoeeesee 18 3 1 Abundant water in British Columbia offers visual diversity esssesesesseeecoosssecesceseososeeee CS 3 2 The Rocky Mountain Trench is a narrow but well defined physiographic FEQION wcsceccesdeeeseseoccese 19 3 3 The Georgia Nepression Riotic Region is rich in imagery seeesseso
40. dominate dark cool dull colours which retreat Atmospheric Conditions haze fog dust Dark next to light tends to attract the eye and rain etc may cause atmospheric perspec Low Chroma Low Value Medium owe Medium Value 5 s RANN lt D Brown m k 4 i ges 86g eye Low Value ag tes ae Cream White a eae _ _ _ _ _ s e Bape ag 6 Ft E l RATRE ERY PRS CD gy US ito O PLATE 2 3 The major colours in this Kootenay Lake cottage scene are brown structure green trees yellow ground cover and cream to white rock and road The cottage fits the site well contrasting little with its surroundings 11 Time of Day illuminated surfaces tend to become paler during periods of midday sun otherwise becoming darker and redder later in the day E i sy 2 3 2 FORM Atmospheric Conditions Definition See 2 1 tive to become extreme even over short Types viewing distances Cloud reduces value and chroma 2 Dimensional shape the presence of an area Lighting Direction objects which are R or areas which contrast in colour and or illuminated from the front appear paler s texture from adjacent areas creates a two dimensional shape in the landscape 3 Dimensional Mass the volume of a landform natural object or man made structure in the landscape
41. edge and mass character istics which also indicate the presence of water in more arid environments Vegetation cover has been broken down into six main descriptive categories 1 Tree cover 2 Meadow 3 Scrub cover 4 Marshes or poorly drained peatland moss areas 5 Grasslands 6 Non vegetated alpine or alpine areas Connective margins or edges between major vegetation changes can be 1 sharp e g coniferous species 2 transitional e g mixed 30 PLATE 3 14 Evergreen and deciduous textural patterns blend together in this high mountain lake reflection deciduous coniferous 3 digitate e g interlocking fingers such as found in an oak forest and 4 diffuse soft and gradual e g broadleaf maple trees in coastal British Columbia forests adapted from Litton Tetlow et al 1974 Figure 3 10 depicts generalized vegetative cover in the Slocan Valley 3 8 5 WATER AND RIVER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS a Inland Water Systems British Columbia contains approximately 3 million hectares of major lake bed and 12 000 river bank kilometres in its five major river systems Stream bank miles in other connecting river and stream systems are equally extensive Secter 1979 Thus water assumes particular significance in British Columbia as a visual component of the landscape Movement is an especially significant aspect of water in visual terms In the descrip tive inventory rivers are described as braided meandering sinuo
42. environmental aesthetics Blair 1981 Internal Aesthetics Three questions must be answered in regard to the internal aesthetics of a project l does the project design visually express its internal functions i e is it clear to the observer what that function symbolizes in the landscape Mm Are details of the project visually consistent with one another 3 Are there other aspects of internal aesthetics that vary with the nature of the project For example a scattered undefined cluster of buildings generally creates a sense of disorder and confusion in the observer Relational Aesthetics This term refers to the visual relationships between a project and specific elements of its surroundings For example although some degree of contrast is needed for highway informational signing the contrast may be too extreme in terms of colour or line Signs may also block out important scenic views Relational aesthetics are largely controlled by community approval of the proposed project provided the information is adequate for review in the planning stage Environmental Aesthetics In addition to the above a proposal to alter the landscape may also affect the surrounding regional environment often outside the study area itself This involves extended environmental aesthetics the third area of project concern Consequent effects may be to enhance the quality of the total environment decrease its quality or in some i
43. field form examples PLATE 4 5 This view of Kootenay Lake would qualify for a Class B scenic quality rating Returning to the basic scenic quality level appraisal recommended for most of R C the Slocan Valley Landscape Unit will serve as an example of application where ratings are summarized as follows Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only legend Scenic Quality Rating A High B Moderate C Low Scenic Assessment Unit 9 FIGURE 4 1 Slocan Valley Landsape Unit Scenic Quality Landform rated high 5 in scenic quality by virtue of extreme variations in topography visual diversity interesting valley contrasts and topographical cohesiveness of the entire area Vegetation is typical of the VRMA and except for riparian relief along the Slocan River and its tributaries is primarily hemlock spruce and cedar with some deciduous elements along water courses It was given a moderate rating 3 Water rated high in scenic quality 5 by virtue of Slocan Lake s clear water pristine qualities dramatic edge features and the sinuous placid to tumbling aspects of the Slocan River Colour is prominent along the valley floor particularly during the fall months but surround ing ridges and mountains are largely monochromatic deep green and blue Colour was given a rating of 3 or moderate Adjacent scenery was rated 3 or moderate since although high in relief and offering
44. firm quide lines Nevertheless the presentation should definitely contain l the problem statement and terms of reference for the project 2 map and graphic illustrations of the area 89 in its present state the descriptive inventory 3 clear and concise overlay studies of development activities proposed e g hydro line surface mine etc either by photographic simulation sketches or computer graphics 4 alternative placement of the activity on the landscape with probable visual impact consequences clearly stated 5 a proposal with alternatives THE SETTING The set or setting for the workshop or public hearing refers to placement of the public involvement in an area conducive to individual and group participation This is essential to the community involvement process since all too often a proposal for development fails to meet public approval due to its presentation in inappropriate surroundings The setting must be comfortable free from outside disturbances adequately illumin ated and suitably arranged for information seating and individual participation Visual aids strongly favor communication and interaction For British Columbia see Fraser 1982 FURTHER REFERENCES TO USER PREFERENCE FACTORS In view of the complexity of social and psychological factors involved in establishing user preference factors a matter beyond the scope of this document the reader is referred to the following sources Craik
45. numerical assignments are subjective to some degree The visual analyst must use these figures with restraint since they are basically indicators not absolutes D 1 Landform Vegetation E Colour Adjacent Scenery TABLE 4 1 41 Criteria Governina Scenic Quality Rating Procedures High vertical relief as expressed jn pro minent cliffs spires or massive rock out crops or severe surface variation or highly eroded formations including major badlands or dune systems or detail features dominant and exceptionally striking and intriguing such as glaciers A variety of vegetative types as expressed in interesting forms textures and patterns Clear and clean appearing still or cascading white water any of which are a dominant factor in the landscape Rich colour combinations variety or vivid colour or pleasing contrasts in the soil rock vegetation water or snow fields Adjacent scenery greatly enhances visual quality Scarcity Cultural Modifications One of a kind or usually memorabTe or very rare within region Consistent chance for exceptional wildlife or wildflower viewing etc After USDI Bureau of Land Management 1980 Criteria For Determining Scenic Value Scale Free from aesthetically undesirable or discordant sights and influences or modifications add favorably to visual variety Moderate Low Comments Steep canyons mesas butte
46. outcrops water bodies and ground cover as well Myklestad et It has proven useful in selection of Suitable ski slopes borrow pits road locations and cut block proposals FIGURE 4 13 Preview An Example of Application in British Columbia Source Angelo 1979 4 7 4 SIMULATION Visual predictions may also be made through simulation which can either be photographic or mechanical and often combines well with computer graphics In this rapidly developing field actual predictable results of placing a management activity within the landscape can be seen Blair 1981 Black and white or preferably colour photographs of the project area are projected and PLATE 4 22 Visual impacts of cuts fills and alignment can be simulated by computer graphics if digital terrain data is available 65 enlarged on a screen The proposed development can then be drawn onto the enlarged screen or photo graphic format or another photograph of the proposal superimposed on the area photo In large areas contrast ratings coupled with simulation and computer graphic displays can be very effective determinants of probable impact levels The use of visual simulation methods in British Columbia has been minimal due largely to the lack of a digitized contour data base and limited technical experience with the system Figure 4 13 illustrates the recent use 1979 of Preview for simulation of a proposed ski develop ment In a more re
47. specific terms are used to define these positions 1 observer inferior below 2 observer normal same level 3 observer superior above Orogeny the process of forming mountains by folding and faulting Panoramic an unobstructed or complete view of a region in every direction hence a complete and comprehensive view Pattern Conformity the degree to which the line form colour texture and scale of the devel opment or management activity agrees with rather than contrasts against the basic visual pattern of the landscape setting related to its vividness See Contrast Rating Perception man s impression of an object or space based on past and or anticipated experiences making oneself aware of all conditions and applicable factors comprehension to become aware of and grasp mentally through sight but also through hearing touch taste and smell Photomontage a composite picture or edited film in which contrasting shots or sequences are placed side by side or blended for the purpose of suggesting a total idea or impression Physiographic Region an extensive portion of the landscape normally encompassing many hundreds of square miles which protrays similar qualities of landform and geomorphic origin Portal where the skyline dips to provide a threshold for drainage access or outward views useful in projects involving topographic extremes Rehabilitation a short term management alterna tive used to return exis
48. the B C Forest Service has recognized the importance of visual analysis by assessing logging impacts on the visual resource Until 1981 this was done largely in a sporadic manner with limited personnel and funding for the number of impacts generated Although no concise records are available covering visual studies carried out by the private sector in British Columbia since 1974 they increased following publication of the Guidelines for Linear Development ELUC 1977 and Guidelines for Coal Development ELUC 1976 These documents set forth generalized provincial government approval requirements for protection of the visual resource in project proposals related to linear development e g pipelines utility transmission corridors and roads related to coal exploration and extraction Recent examples include visual impact assessments of the proposed Site C and Stikine impoundments 1982 and continuing where simulation techniques see Chapter IV have been employed Spa l umcheen Cranbrook Urban Suitability Gulf Islands Folio Adams River 7 Northeast Coal 8 South Arm Kootenay Lake Northeast Coa Extension Slocan Valley Windermere Inyermere 1 2 3 4 5 FIGURE 1 1 Visual Resource Assessments Ministry of Environment 1974 82 a However the above studies lacked a concise British Columbia s visual resource base in a systematic Toward this end the B C Forest Service took the initiative and in May 1981 published
49. tions especially those which are distinctly focal enclosed or feature oriented are more vulnerable to modifi A m a Wy 7 f hy N Feature oo f cations than others depending upon how strongly the spatial configuration draws the eye to certain locations Spatial Position the elevation and location hi oh N LZ z Ridge Top N Variable Effects Valley of objects in the landscape relative to Observer Position the position of the topography affect their prominence high observer relative to the landscape may be and exposed positions are more prominent described as inferior normal and than low obscured positions el a Domi nance Objects which occupy vulnerable positions within spatial compositions which are high in the landscape and or which are seen against the sky dominate in the scene 18 A change in position can affect the observer s perceptions of degree of enclosure and an object s degree of spatial dominance Inferior positions may increase both apparent degree of enclosure and spatial dominance Distance the observer s proximity to elements will affect perception of their spatial importance Longer viewing distances tend to reduce the impression of spatial enclosure and dominance 2 4 VISUAL IMPACT SEVERITY The severity of visual impact of a management activity depends upon PLATE 2 8 Strong vi
50. to more specific descriptions of boundaries and edges landforms vegetation etc as noted above PLATE 3 11 A general description of the Fraser Plateau Biotic Region would emphasize its rolling park like quality B C Ministry of Environment photo It is essential that the visual analyst incorporate such regional imagery and symbolism in the inventory evaluation Any visual impacts strongly out of context with the established natural cultural regional pattern could seriously discolour and weaken that image one that the observer may even cherish as their own 3 8 2 BOUNDARIES AND ENGES Boundaries and edges are extremely important delineators of change or alteration between one type of landscape and another Edges can be defined as the linear boundaries between various types of landscape elements and occur where physical character of the land form changes U of Michigan 1967 Edge enclosure can be topo Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Boundaries and major changes eee errr in edges Abrupt Rises Steep landform OTT Rolling landform Flat or Sloping landform FIGURE 3 9 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Boundaries and Edges graphic or vegetative It can be regular irregular and partially or totally enclosed Enclosures may be single sided such as an abrupt rise flanking a flat plain or irregular exempli
51. units can gener ally be identified These are basic mapping units commonly defined as areas or volumes of distinct character Although they usually fall within the VRMA they may in some instances embrace more than the VRMA e g the Rocky Mountain Trench which extends through three VRMAs in Biotic Region 16 or the Great Plains Physiographic Region where landscape units cover large areas having indistinct boundaries PLATE 3 6 This landscape unit in Northeastern B C is a visually distinct area with strong topographic definition Climate can also be a factor in landscape unit definition by virtue of its effect upon vegetation changes The landscape unit can be thought of as an outdoor room with floor and walls It involves Spatial Constriction Land Cover Grass Grass Grass Town Lake Forest D Landforms Flat FIGURE 3 4 The Landscape Unit After Jones and Jones 1977 LK boundary definitions some of which may not be topographic but could possibly be farmland edges fire breaks reservoir draw down lines and other separations between altered and unaltered land scapes conditions However the landscape unit is mainly identified by its distinctiveness regard less of mapping scale See Tetlow and Sheppard 1977 for landscape unit assessments in undeveloped areas with extreme topography and Jones and Jones 1977 for examples in more subdued and urbanized environments See also
52. 8 66 FIGURE 4 14 Simulation Technique An Example of Application in British Columbia Original Drawings by Rina Pita 4 7 5 SUMMARY Although the four methods of determining visual impact predictions appear to be fragmented and somewhat complex they are not unrelated Basically the Contrast Rating System can be given greater objectivity by supplementing assigned and weighted values with the other three methods depending upon the nature scale and intent of the 67 proposed activity and its consequent impact Developing rating skills in contrast estimation is the key to conducting effective visual impact predictions This skill can only be gained by actual on the ground applications of methodologies outlined ei ogi if eters Man survives by taking in four kinds of nourish ment food water air and impressions of his environment Ouspensky 1968 Chapter Separator Photo PLATE 5 1 Early morning mists rise over fenced meadows in this rural B C scene B C Ministry of Environment photo D MANAGEMENT OPTIONS In the final analysis decisions to allow or disallow development in visually sensitive areas are essentially political but hased on economic factors as well This may and often does present problems where aesthetics are not given sufficient consideration Thus it is of great importance that descriptive inventory and subsequent visual evalua tions portray the consequence s of any devel
53. B C Ministry of Environment The author is for the criticism and support given this assignment by W A grateful continued Benson Director and Norm Assistant Director Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch Ministry of Environment Sprout Report review and criticism was carried out during the project writing stages by the following Editorial Committee members Jon Secter Manager Planning and Assessment Branch Ministry of Environment Chairman W H Van Heek Landscape Manager Recreation Management Branch Ministry of Forests Ismet Olcay Design Section Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division Ministry of Lands Parks and Housing Vold Branch Ministry of Environment Terje Surveys and Resource Mapping Loyd Houston Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch Ministry of Environment Landscape architects familiar with analysis who volunteered their professional time and criticisms at the technical level include Pat Mooney Lombard North Group Victoria David Reid Pacific Landplan Nanaimo 8 C Bill Blair Jones and Jones Seattle S R J Steven University of California at visual Sheppard Berkeley Doug Paterson Chairman University of British Columbia School Landscape of Landscape Architecture Coordinator B C Forest Service and Mike Bocking Gordon McGlothen and John Block all with Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division The User Guide drew upon visual resource management systems current
54. Design Approach to Recreation Development Prepared for USDI Forest Service Washington D C Unwin K I 1975 The Relationship of Observer in Landscape Evaluation In Transactions of Institute of British Geographers 66 130 134 USDA Forest Service 1974 National Forest Landscape Management Vol 1 U S Sup t of Documents Washington D C 76 pp 1972 U S Forest Service Handbook 64 pp __ 1978 Manual Transmitted Sheets Visual Contrast Ratings Form 1221 2 ____1979 Our National Landscape A Conference on Applied Techniques for Analysis and Manage ment of the Visual Resource Gen Tech Report PSW 35 752 pp U S D I Bureau of Land Management 1980 Visual Resource Management Program 39 pp 1980 Visual Simulation Techniques 38 pp Yeomans W C 1977 Proceedings Visual Analysis Workshop Parksville 8 C Resource Analysis Branch Ministry of Environment British Columbia 50 pp _____1977 Spallmacheen The Visual Environment B C Land Comm 88 pp A Proposed Biophysical Approach to Visual Absorption Capability In Proce Our National Landscape USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Report PSW 35 pp 172 182 1979 Yeomans W C Editor 1978 Adams River A Resource Analysis with supplement Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch Ministry of Environment British Columbia 83 pp Young G G 1978 The Application of Digital Terrain Simulators to the Planning of Forest Operations In Proc INTERFOR
55. Figure 3 4 3 5 THE VIEWSHED Within the VRMA and or landscape unit and at a more detailed level viewsheds often occur as visual corridors and can be identified as such A viewshed is comprised of all surface areas visible from an observers viewpoint and or surface area or from which a critical object or viewpoint can be seen i e a seen or visible area Jones and Jones 1977 The viewshed thus becomes 23 VIEWSHED FOR SINGLE VIEWPOINT Lackground tiddlegraniad Foreground auddlagrecirid v3 background FIGURE 3 5 Viewshed Mapping 1977 Jones and Jones a means of identifying views or key observation points KOP affected by any specific project If RT PLATE 3 7 The Summit Lake viewshed north of Slocan Lake is a well defined visual corridor 24 PLATE 3 8 alternate project Chapter V may have Blair Canada 1980 This scenic assessment unit is characterized by homogenous natural elements effective to combine the viewshed where this occurs naturally see Ontario Ministry of Forests locations are called for see Management Options each alternative its own viewshed It can be useful and landscape unit and Any number of viewsheds can occur in a landscape unit When these overlap they are called composite viewsheds For viewshed corridor examples in 1977 and 3 6 THE SCENIC ASSESSMENT UNIT SAU Graphically illustrating scenic quality with
56. Middleground see Distance Zones Mitigation Measures methods or procedures designed to reduce or lessen the impacts caused by development in visual activities on the environment Modification to reduce in degree or diminish in harshness the degree of visual contrast of a cultural intrusion or improvement Mystery in the landscape relates to the observer s desire to obtain new information in the environment created by variations of an ephemeral nature e g a forest with interest ing edges and open spaces alterations in cloud cover and light intensity variable shoreline configurations and other abrupt changes in the physical environment Multidisciplinary Team a group of individuals with different training assembled to solve a problem where each specialist works on a portion of the problem which is then discussed and analyzed after the team reassembles to propose final solutions Nodes the intensive foci to and from which one travels may be primarily junctions places of a break in transportation a crossing or convergence of paths moments of shift from one structure to another or simply concentra tions which gain their importance from being the condensation of some use or physical character 82 Observer Position a term employed to describe the observer s relationship between himself and the landscape he sees used to indicate if he the observer is below at the same level or above the visual objective Three
57. NTS Continued Page 3 8 3 Landform and Topography ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccsnsceseessssscessccescccesesssssessees 29 3 8 4 Vegetation rcccccccccccccncrecesccssencssesssccescccscccssesscsensesscsesessesssesesesecces LI 3 8 5 Water and River Drainage Systems wcscssccccccccssscccscccccscvccncccssssccscesscscscssssssses JO 3 8 6 Focal Attractions Local Features and Key Observation Points KOP sscccsccccsccscsecseoes 33 3 8 7 Land Use and Man made Elements ccccuccccccccsccccccccccccccscccasescccsecscesssccecsesesess 34 3 8 8 Biophysical CharacteristicS rccsccccccccccccccccccccscssecesssssssceccescscsscecvcvesssssess 35 3 9 An Inventory Procedural Checklist ccccccccccccccccccccccnccsccnscsscccsssssscssssssccscessseccess 30 CHAPTER 4 VISUAL ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES J cccccccccccccccccccccccssvecescccesesscccsecccece EEE EA ayo AE Basic ASSumptionS s cie6c oi5 6 5 0 5 06 oii 0 6 ore 01010 Erena e EN E a a a 0 00 OO da2 Scenic Quality cesiscssc oses a eiece aiae n a a a a a a a a a a aa a a AO 4 3 Establishing Visual Sensitivity Levels sssssssssosssesoesoooooosessososooseesccoessesesoesoee AB 4 4 Key Observation Points KOP and Distance Zones sscssccccccccccncccccccscccccsscssssensccccssece 46 4 5 Visual Resource Management ClaSSeS cccccccccccccccscccccccseccecccvccsccccccccesccccvccsvesesses Al 456 Visual Absorption Capability cccciccccvecveeciescesesectscescecceseesececeseeescsceeeeseeseecescees D4 4 6 1 Recommended Procedures for A
58. Regions of Rritish Columbia ssssesseseseceecssecosososeocoscececeoeeceeeeresee 19 3 2 The Riotic Regions of British Columbia ccccvcccccecccccsccccccccccscrssscnvscccssccresensssaes 20 3 3 Slocan Valley in Relation to Biotic Region 14 sseesecsoeeccoecoosocsoesocoecocecocecsooeceeeoe 21 3 4 The Landscape Unit ssessssesosesessoosoooceseocososooeseceoosooosooosecsoecoeceeesooosooeoee 23 3 5 Viewshed Mapping ceccccccccscccvscccccsccscecenessenesssssessscssesssssssvscsccsccsreessessseeees 23 3 6 Hierarchy of Working Scales for Visual Resource Mapping s e seseesseeoesocceoocosoceosoceeooceceoos 24 3 7 Slocan Valley Scenic Assessment Units SAU cccccccccccccccvccnccvccscccscssscscscescccessoesnes 25 3 8 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit rcccccccccccccccccsccnsccnsccccvesevessssssescessosssessssseeserees 26 3 9 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Roundaries and Edges sscccecccccceeecvsceccscscccecesesesesscnes 28 3 10 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Vegetation Patterns e seeseseosesooooooesocceoeosooecooeceosocooo 30 3 11 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Major Lakes and Streams sccccccccccccccccvccccceccccsesccsscavncs 31 3 12 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Focal Attractions and Key Observation Points KOP wesccssesccceee 33 3 13 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Landscape Unit Transportation and Utility ServiCeS wescceececeee 34 3 14 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Riophysical CharacteristicsS scccccccceceneccvcsecesccsscccerses 36 4 1 Slocan Valley Landscape
59. ST 78 Munich Zube Irvin H 1974 Intermode Agreement in the Description and Cross disciplinary and Evaluation of Landscape Resources ment and Behavior 6 69 89 Environ Zube Brush and Fabos 1975 Landscape Assess ment Values Perceptions and Resources Dowden Hutchinson and Ross Stroudsburg Pa 367 pp Chapter Separator Photo PLATE A 1 Marsh grass and mountains meet in this B C interior lake reflection pattern B C Ministry of Environment photo 77 APPENDICES APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS Adverse Visual Impact any impact on the land or waterform vegetation or any introduction of a structure which negatively changes or interrrupts the visual character of the landscape and disrupts the harmony of the natural elements Aesthetic s a Generally the study science or philoso phy dealing with beauty and with judge ments concerning beauty b Giving visual pleasure c The theory of perception or of suscepti bility d The quality of being esthetic is not the opposite of the qualities of practical ity or reality but rather another aspect or way of experiencing the same real world phenomena Thus blue skies uncontaminated water and uncluttered urban landscapes all have aesthetic value because they imply health pleasure and security e In terms of visual assessment aesthetics can be thought of in three primary aspects 1 internal 2 relational and 3 extended
60. Sees SFE Re Cw Ree Visual Impact Severity cc s csers eee cte6 5 6 somonni aeaa a a 419 4 6 ODE 9 Sis eo 0 6856 a aie eine erelere alot MG Cognitive PROCESS 6 s aia eco ee 0 0 3 0 0 trs aian Ea aT a s Wise EEE A bls niece Bie Sas CHAPTER 3 1 DESCRIPTIVE INVENTORY ESTABLISHING A REGIONAL FRAMEWORK ccccccccccccccccscvccceccsves 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 6 3 7 3 8 Holland s Physiographic Regions secsecccccccvcccvcccsvcvscvccscsccssscccccccscensccescescsvevenee The Biotic Regions of British Columbia cccccccccccccnvcvcncccccceseescenceesccssssesevsenseees The Visual Resource Management Area VRMA cscccssccsccccccccccccrccccccccvceccnecesceecsescesees The Lanscape Unit ccccccecceccccces PETE T EERE LET TEPER CET EERE ELE ET PE ETE EA The Viewshed SOHHSHH HHH ESE EHO EEE TEESE SEES EHE EEE SEE OOS EEE HEHEHE HEE EE EES EOE EEE HEHEHE ESOS The Scenic Assessment Unit SAU essessessoesssoesesooosossoececosevececssosoeossssosooeoese Slocan Valley A Mapping Example cccccccccccccccncccecccccecsccccesctesescerscverencoesesees Areas of Investigation Within the Inventory wrcccccccccccccccvcccnccccecscccesceesecsesessecsescs 36861 General Description 6 ace tecewwne cocoa iao Uses ce bb ele bake viele isa Wi dacs des de deebeeeuneeceseueees 3 8 2 Boundaries ANd EdGeS cscececevvccevcvccscccsccsccsesseesevesseeseessesseeeesseeseesessssssece wo N Re e 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 27 28 vi TABLE OF CONTE
61. Unit Scenic Quality cesssececrcvccccccrccsecssvsvcsrocerececcsssesscnes 42 4 2 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit User VOTUME eccecccrvesercccvcccccccesevssecnscsessceserssseerees 45 4 3 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit User Attitudes cevecsecccccccccccccccvencvscccscccsesccssssseseres 45 4 4 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Sensitivity LevelS ccccsccccccccccecccvcuevecsccccccrrcesesaseces 46 4 5 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Distance ZONES ececcecccacsccvccccevesssseccsessssccesccsessssees 47 4 6 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Management Classes Relative to KAPS cccccccesccereccccvccsecvecs 48 4 7 Assumed Key Ahservation Points ccccccccvccccccccccccvccccccvcsescsssssssseceeverssesasssosesees 52 4 8 a Slocan Valley VAC Slope Class AnalysSiS sescccsscceccccccccccccccessscescccsncsessssccessaseeses 56 4 8 b Slocan Valley VAC Productivity and Vegetation Regeneration eececeeccscecccccccrervsccesssssces 56 4 8 c Slocan Valley VAC Vegetation Pattern Niversity cecccececceccencsscvcsccccscccccecnsssraceserccs 57 4 8 d Slocan Valley VAC Composite VAC Values csecccccccccccccvcssscvvccsccccvacsccsssseresscccsserres 57 4 9 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Management Class Structure A Summary Map sccccncccccsccccceseves O2 4 10 Landscape Control POINtsS ccccceccccccsesscccnvsscsccsccvessscusssesssncssceseransarssssscceseee 63 4 11 Viewit An Example of Application ccccccccccevccccccccccscccsecevsssessccsvevcsosssassscencens 64 4 12 Perspective Plot An Example of App
62. activities introduce or modify one or more of the above landscape components 2 3 VISUAL ELEMENTS Any landscape or component of the landscape has the following visual characteristics or basic elements colour form line texture scale spatial character The following concepts are important in describing any of the visual elements a Visual Compatibility source of visual compability in the landscape creating the patterns that we see An The visual elements are the object may differ from its setting or other objects in one or more element 2 A portion of the land the eye can see in one glance See Glossary Pattern consists of an arrangement of parts that suggest a design or distinct distribution The pattern of any element may be described in terms of its complexity the intricacy or simplicity of arrangement of parts diversity the number and variety of parts making up the pattern b Visual Dominance The visual elements also help determine the degree of visual dominance of an object over its setting or other objects Where there is significant contrast in one or more of the elements one object may dominate other parts of the landscape e g form over colour line over texture etc c Relative Importance of Visual Elements In any landscape one or more of the visual elements may be more important than the others in a scene are those which contribute most to its character du
63. al Boundary Subregional Boundary VRMA ALBERTA PLATEAU ec NA 4 S COLUMBIA x NN MOUNTAINS S NN AND iehLanos NA THOMPSON PLATEAU SO N Buk ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRENCH 5 o ee First Approximation December 1981 Source Dennis Demarchi Ministry of Environment Victoria British Columbia 1983 FIGURE 3 2 The Biotic Regions of British Columbia PLATE 3 3 The Georgia Depression Biotic Region is rich in imagery and visual variety a for establishing a recommended system of visual resource management areas eS PLATE 3 4 The Northern Rocky Mountains Biotic Region is characterized by dramatic vistas and deeply forested valleys LT 3 3 THE VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AREA VRMA A system of classifying visual resource values is needed on all Crown Land in British Columbia that will allow systematic visual resource mapping of the entire land base regardless of ownership or administration much as soils terrain climate and other biophysical mapping is now carried out in 21 Prince George Biotic Region T Biotic Sub region Visual Resource Management 14b Area VRMA Slocan Valley Landscape Unit FIGURE 3 3 Slocan Valley in Relation to Biotic Region 14 22 the U S and Canada trators of Crown Lands regional planners concerned Thus in addition to adminis with urban fringe areas agricultural lands private lands and institutional properties
64. and sensitive to development 33 3 17 Painted Canyon along the Murray River cescceccccccvccescevcsecsccscccsvssveseresscsssssccesevens 34 3 18 Urbanization within a highly natural Setting ccccceccevccvevnccevevcssssecsecesesesessssesessces 35 3 19 This trail on Valdez Island holds local interest crccecccccscccccccccccccccveccccrssssssnerssesees 35 3 20 Agricultural land use patterns often enhance their surroundings visually wsceccscccccceccccseveres 35 3 21 Exposed and unstable slopes above a gravel pit near Shuswap Lake esccccccccccccccccvcesscssceccce 35 4 1 Of f loading coal at Roberts Rank wecvecccccccccccscccccncasccccsececscvssnsesesssesesseseseseesecses CS 4 2 This grain storage elevator is a highly visible element rcccvevccecenvscvsccesccvcccvssscsceseces 39 4 3 Visual assessment of this Slocan River viewpoint would recognize riparian vegetation eeseseeeso 39 4 4 Kalamalka Lake and surroundings could be rated Class A in scenic quality esesesesseeacesooeo 40 4 5 This view of Kootenay Lake would quality for a Class B scenic quality rating e esesessosessseso 42 LIST OF PLATES Continued Plate Page 4 6 Uniform tree stands and low topographic relief reduce scenic quality in this area to Class C 43 4 7 Visual sensitivity levels are high in this Kootenay River SCENE ccccccscccccccncccccccccceceseses 44 4 8 Creston Flats an area holding moderate SENSTEAVICY sissors eaaa a a aaea a ia 44 4 9 Development activities co
65. angle of viewing known as perspective effects Two dimensional forms become foreshortened from lower observer positions and oblique viewing angles Three dimensional forms appear to diminish towards the horizon especially with oblique viewing angles Lighting frontlighting and backlighting tend to flatten three dimensional forms Backlighting may emphasize two dimen sional silhouettes Sidelighting enhances three dimensional effect Movement the eye is attracted to movement in the landscape e g changing forms such as waterfalls or smoke plumes 2 3 3 LINE Definition See 2 1 Types Edge the boundary along which two contrast ing areas are related and joined together the outline of a 2 dimensional shape on the land surface Band contrasting linear form with 2 roughly parallel edges bisecting an area Silhouette line the outline of a mass seen against a backdrop silhouette line of the land against the sky The skyline is the Sub Elements Boldness the visual strength of a line Smooth long and sweeping lines are stronger than lines formed by the over Boijidness lapping of numerous forms such as treetops Edges between strongly contrasting colours skylines for Dominant Skyline Silhouette Edge example are bolder than those between similar colours Complexity the degree of simplicity or intricacy of a line determined by the
66. anning and allocation Public preference factors should be tested wherever possible by such methods as nominal grouping of original and final preferences by means of workshop sessions by estimation of scenic beauty preferences through photographic testing and similar systems currently in practice Shafer et al 1973 Blair 1981 VIEWER SENSITIVITY Viewer sensitivity refers to the observer s variable receptivity to elements being viewed This receptivity is conditioned by the following factors the extent to which view elements have attracted or otherwise affected him in current and past visual experiences 2 the degree to which he is affected by elements of the view or by his own expectations 3 the degree to which he is affected by his own expectations 4 his viewing position in the landscape i e observer above below and normal l very often original preferences stem from preconceived attitudes which through workshops with others may change if their biases are disclosed 88 see Section A Concepts 5 preconceptions of what the landscape will might or should look like after modification 6 the sense of an area such as a coastal forest marine landscape or an urban rural transition zone Other examples include such combinations as managed forest or agricultural landscapes with mountainous backdrops See Glossary of Terms Legibility for further clarifica tion of t
67. areas or modified by specific design guidelines to reduce visual impacts Visual impact predic tions are important at this point to determine if a development should occur and where Visual impact predictions are based on the compatibility or misfit between development alter natives and the landscape s visual quality i e its relative sensitivity to alteration of its inherent visual characterics by management activity However if descriptive inventory and assessment factors have not been pre determined visual impact predictions will be difficult to carry out There are four basic procedures for conducting visual impact predictions 1 Contrast Ratings as modified from BLM 2 Establishing landscape control points 3 Computer graphics 4 Simulation These procedures are discussed at some length in the following section 4 7 1 CONTRAST RATINGS Contrast ratings based on previous scenic quality evaluations reveal existing features and 59 their respective elements that will be subject to the greatest visual impact The degree of contrast with basic landscape patterns brought about by a specific development is the primary criterion for determining suitability or adaptability of such a proposal within each designated VR Management Class Contrast ratings should be made from key observation points KOP or points that will be commonly used by observers The following factors are to be considered Distance Foreground si
68. assive in Valhalla ranges Spatial Complexity Largely panoramic with some enclosure along river Valley floor accents this Portal at south end of lake is a prominent There is considerable intrinsic value to portals or edges between landscape units Tetlow and Sheppard 1977 A change of character creates interest in these zones Where units are small with common edges aesthetic values are high where large the viewer is less aware at the center even though the unit holds high overall scenic value 27 spatial feature Texture Basically coarse textured forested ridges and mountains dense to medium and patchy in foothills and sparse along valley floor Some internal deciduous elements contrast with evergreen canopy Fine textured grasslands flank Slocan River and upper reaches of Little Slocan River also area north of New Denver The Slocan Valley landscape unit is high in imageability and symbolism See Glossary primarily within the dramatic Valhalla ranges and throughout its main river valley system where edge contrasts and agricultural pastoral patterns predominate A historic theme prevails in the vicinity of New Denver and Sandon where early mining took place Remnants of this activity remain rich in visual symbolism The regional theme of this landscape unit is similar to that of the VRMA at large i e valley mountain lake but at a more personally comprehensive scale than that generally found elsewhere in the
69. ative purposes only Legend Major Highway 2s ee 2 a Secoundary Highway ENUSENGODUDEGUDDAANDOE Railway tt ttt Major Powerline Corridor FIGURE 3 13 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Transportations and Utility Services PLATE 3 18 Urbanization within a highly natural setting as in this case can be a visually dominant element PLATE 3 19 This trail on Valdez Island holds local interest and should be a part of the descriptive inventory pollution should be documented The landscape inventory should also identify and graphically indicate historical and archeological site PLATE 3 21 PLATE 3 20 Agricultural land use patterns often enhance their surroundings visually locations of regional provincial and national significance 3 8 8 BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Where required the descriptive inventory may a aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalai iiiiaaaaiiiiiie aee Exposed and unstable slopes above this gravel pit near Shuswap Lake dominate an enclosed highway view el call for documentation of specific biophysical data which are visually significant such as 35 36 Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Soil Stability Good Soil Stability Moderate Soil Stability Poor Wildlife Capability Elk x Deer Bear J Sport Fish A High Precipitation HIGH Moderate Precipitation MODERATE continued Low Precivitation LOW Prevailing Winds See
70. be required by user groups involved in the assessment process Their preferences value systems and place in the visual environment as clients must now be considered as noted in Appendix B se RRR EERE Rn a SRN EEE eS EOI AA oem o te pr Quality evaluations of the visual resources of different landscape units must be based on their inherent capacity to evoke perceptional response rather than on the subjective preference of the investigator or even the public at large Scheele and Johnson 1979 Chapter Separator Photo PLATE 4 1 Off loading coal at Roberts Bank B C Ministry of Environment photo 39 4 VISUAL ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES 4 1 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS The ultimate goal of landscape analy tical procedures and management strate gies is to maintain the integrity of the landscape It would be a most serious mistake to give the highest protection to the more scenic parts of the landscape while the whole surroundings perhaps being distinguished less visually were given short shrift relative to their particular characteristics Jewels of the landscape lose quality if they are Tsplayed against a tattered and degrade surrounding and landscape quality ceases to be R urton Litton in a personal communication to the author in 1976 Author s emphasis underlined There is an implied assumption in Litton s comments that i
71. cal capacity of a landscape to screen proposed development and still maintain its inherent visual character Two major factors affecting the absorption capability of a landscape are 1 the degree of visual penetration and 2 the complexity of the landscape The degree of visual penetration i e the distance into the landcape that you can see from a vantage point is affected both by vegetation and topography The higher the visual pene tration the lower the ability of the land scape to visually absorb development and still maintain its existing visual character the higher the visual complexity within a land scape the greater the visual absorption Visual Alteration the degree of change in visual resources imposed by development activity assessed without regard to viewer response Visual Assessment Units VAU scenic assessment units SAU synonymous with Visual Compatibility the degree to which any development with specific visual characteris tics is visually unified with its setting can be evaluated with reference to pattern conformity and character blend Visual Corridor a continuous succession of visually and spatially distinct experiences series of consecutive or composite viewsheds See viewsheds Visual Impact expression experienced by the observer of the visual landscape which may be strong and overpowering or indistinct and weak the degree of change in visual resources and viewer response to those
72. cent example the B C Parks and Qutdoor Recreation Division employed photo graphy sketches and balloon assisted simulation to graphically depict the visual effect a proposed Power transmission line would have within an existing park area Figure 4 14 top is a sketch of the area as it presently exists Figure 4 14 bottom is a simulation of the same area as it would likely appear after clearing grading and installation of power poles Clearing widths and pole locations were obtained from Provincial highway and B C Hydro engineers and located in the field Actual pole heights were then simulated by the use of balloons which were released at each pole location then allowed to rise to the actual pole height Photographs were taken of the simula tion and later translated to sketch form as noted The above system is less costly than computer assisted methods but limited to projects where digital information is either unavailable inappro Its main value lies in depicting above ground vegetation and structures priate or unnecessary with scale and perspective accuracy beyond that of such systems as Perspective Plot and Preview which depict trees rocks and objects in symbolic form only More specific current and past project information may be obtained from the B C Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division the British Columbia Institute of Technology Angelo 1979 and the School of Forestry University of British Columbia Young 197
73. could profit from visual resources inventories that would lead to management decisions reflecting aesthetic as well as economic and social factors In order to accomplish the above objective a system of sub regional mapping is needed that will not only reflect indigenous regional characteris tics but also relate to physiographic regions to the Province as a whole and even to contiguous provinces and states in the U S These units will be referred to in the User Guide as Visual Resource Management Areas VRMA sn a PLATE 3 5 Whycliffe Prairie is a central part of VRMA 15 A Southern Rocky Mountain Trench Biotic Sub region The VRMA is defined as a management unit within which visual resources can be mapped in terms of landform and landcover vegetation water and land use in the degree to which these factors relate to scenic quality visual sensitivity to development and subsequently to visual resource management classes Chapter IV The four mapping sub units within the Columbia Mountains and Highlands Biotic Region Figure 3 3 14 reflect subtle but importnt differences in precipitation temperature climatic processes topography and vegetation These become significant parameters for defining visual values within each sub region or VRMA This principle would apply to all other sub regions or Visual Resource Management Areas throughout the Province 3 4 THE LANDSCAPE UNIT Within each VRMA landscape
74. d headland characteristics British Columbia contains approximately 27 000 km of marine coastal shoreline with a commensurately extensive acreage in estuaries intertidal and sub tidal lands Secter 1979 31 Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Major Lakes lt E Major Streams tT eT Minor Streams Aene a FIGURE 3 11 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Major Lakes and Streams 32 a aaaaaaaauauaaaaaaaaaauaaaaaaalauauullMlMl TABLE 3 1 Seascape Visual Assessment Adapted from Mills 1979 DEFINE MARINE PLANNING AREA AND OBJECTIVES VISUAL CHARACTER CLASSIFICATION Define types of seascapes existing form relief scale line etc VIEWSHED ANALYSIS NATURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY CULTURAL RESOURCES Selection of typical viewsheds Bottom types biology geology Recreational use patterns fishing mining oi drilling vistapoints scenic landmarks i i urrel x sedimentation nts water recreational use transportation conditions climate surface land use linkage routes water quality and clarity inventory Evaluation VISUAL CHARACTER AREAS Define identify classify describe SCENIC QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT BY CHARACTER AREAS USER DERIVED ASSESSMENT BY VISUAL CHARACTER TYPES Seascape dimentions clarity topography color water depth marine life historic values water depth Photo Preference Testi
75. dges of development walls lateral references rather than coordinate axes may be barriers more or less penetrable which close one region off from another or seams or lines along which two regions are related and joined together These edge elements although probably not as dominant as paths are for many observers important organizing features in their visual reaction to the landscape Enhancement visual the creation of additional visual interest through conscious design efforts or by alteration of existing site conditions Environmental Design Arts art of design planning or management of the land and the arrangement of natural and man made elements through application of cultural and scientific knowledge with concern for resource conserva tion and stewardship to the end that the resultant environment serves useful and enjoyable purposes Focal drawing attention to a central item of interest Foreground see Distance Zones 80 Forest Landscape a landscape in which the forest is the most dominant component Form the mass or shape of an object or objects which appear unified such as in the shape of the land surface or patterns placed on the landscape Front Lighting see Lighting Harmony the combination of parts into a pleasing or orderly whole congruity a state of agreement or proportionate arrangement of form line colour texture and scale Imageability that quality in a physical object or
76. e t TEXTURE stern convergence Codominance Enframement SCALE VARIABLES WITHIN THE VISUAL EXPERIENCE Motion Distance and conditioned by Eight Atmosheric Conditions Seasons Observer Position Scale Time FIGURE 2 1 The Cognitive Process Landscapes provide a record of the earth s history that is important to a geologist or geomorpholo gist but the same record may be read by an observant traveler If he so wishes his enjoyment of scenery and of general travel may be consider ably enhanced through an understanding of the Teeth and development of landforms Holland 1 Chapter Separator Photo PLATE 3 1 Abundant water in British Columbia offers visual diversity throughout the seasons 19 3 DESCRIPTIVE INVENTORY Establishing a Regional Framework 3 1 HOLLAND S PHYSTOGRAPHIC REGIONS A descriptive inventory of visual resources is necessary to document landscape components land water vegetation and structures for subsequent assessment as outlined in Chapter Four The descriptive inventory is a rational documentation of observed landscapes Litton 1979 and should be kept as objective as possible In order to bring British Columbia s regional landscape into visual perspective for inventory purposes Landforms of British Columbia Holland 1964 has been adopted as a basic framework Figure 3 1 Phystog
77. e other basic visual elements inherent in the characteristic landscape Visual impact of a proposed modificataion should not exceed Strong with a total score of 36 471 and the degree of contrast or dominance in any element may be High or dominant but should not exceed an element score of 12 for elements other than scale Class V Existing contrasts are inharmonious with the characteristic landscape or the landscape has potential for enhancement or rehabilitation to acceptable visual variety The visual impact of existing modification may be Severe with a score of 46 60 and the degree of contrast or dominance in any one element may be High or dominant with an element score of 12 or above l Contrast scores as proposed have not been adequately tested in the field and may require further modification through application to specific projects in British Columbia See Table 4 8 for Contrast Rating Criteria 4 6 VISUAL ABSORPTION CAPABILITY While visual assessment procedures as outlined may give a realistic picture of sensitivities involved they do not always realistically indicate biophysical capacity of the land to sustain a proposed development Thus even though a project may meet a management class standard visually it may not do so in accordance with land capability In this instance an assessment of visual absorption capabilty can prove of value Visual absorption capability VAC is defined as the biophysica
78. e the land and water form or vegetation or places structures on the landscape Landscape Types A unique segment of the environ ment or portion which can be separated from other segments on the basis of the landcover and the landform Landscape Unit an area or volume of distinct landscape character which forms a unit spatially enclosed or part enclosed at ground level the extent of a landscape type which forms the dominant character of an area of landscape which is not spatiallly enclosed Legibility visual see Imageability Line the path real or imagined that the eye follows when perceiving abrupt differences in form colour or texture may be found as ridges skylines structures changes in vegetative types or individual trees and branches Lighting Back Lighting a situation where the light source is coming from behind the object being viewed objects are generally in shadow with highlighted edge Front Lighting a situation where the light source is coming from behind the observer and falling directly upon the area being viewed Side Lighting a situation where the light source is coming from one side of a scene 81 or object being viewed usually the most critical for displaying contrast Management Activity an activity of man placed or undertaken on the landscape for the purpose of harvesting traversing transporting protecting changing replenishing or other wise using natural resources
79. e to either 1 high The most important elements contrast or 2 extent and uniformity of expression in the scene Colour scale and spatial character are frequently the most important elements in setting the character of landscapes or dictating the compatibiltiy of landscape modifications However different elements tend to be important in different regional landscapes and in different viewing conditions 2 3 1 COLOUR Definition See 2 1 Sub elements COLOUR lt So lt p eX gt So 10 Hue the aspect of colour which we know by become a visual focal point particular names e g red blue orange and which forms the visible Variable Effects spectrum A given hue or colour tint is caused by a particular wavelength Distance As viewing distance increases Value the degree of lightness or darkness atmospheric perspective due to scatter caused by the intensity of light being ing of light by dust particles makes reflected ranging from black to white Chroma the degree of colour saturation or brilliance determined by the mixture of light rays It is the degree of grayness in a colour ranging from pure high chroma to dull low chroma Distance Nomi nance colours become paler lower in chroma and bluer High value colours tend to With other things equal light warm bright remain most recognizable over great colours in a scene will advance and tend to distances
80. each element form line color texture and scale are based on its significance in the landscape as determined by scenic quality levels sensitivity levels and distance zones For example in this case the sewage treatment plant contrasted moderately 2 with the surrounding landforms 4 for a rating of 2 x 4 or 8 while it contrasted strongly 3 in texture 2 with the surrounding vegetation for a rating of 2 x 3 or 6 Table 4 5 Example not a pian for illustrative purposes only Legend SCENIC QUALITY RATING A high B moderate C low SENSITIVITY LEVEL H high M moderate L low DISTANCE ZONES form KOP s fg foregound mg middleground bg background ss seldom seen SCENIC ASSESSMENT UNIT VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CLASS I to X high to low XR rehabilitate IZ E enhance FIGURE 4 9 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Management Class Structure A Summary Map A composite elements score of contrasts with all indicated the degree of magnitude of impact occasioned by the proposed development Contrast rating scores as outlined can be related to VR Management Classes by assigning maximum and minimum allowable rating scores within each class Table 4 6 VR Management Class Requirements is used for this purpose If the composite visual impact rating score tabulated summary on Field Form 2 as a sum of overall element ratings and scale dominance factors is t
81. ed upon a combination of landform water and road and rail alignments 3 7 THE SLOCAN VALLEY A MAPPING EXAMPLE Inventory varies in intensity within each of the mapping units outlined above For example the VRMA would be dealt with in broad terms usually at the reconnaissance level while the landscape unit and or viewshed call for more detailed investigations description and evaluation since they become mapping sectors where point view and area visual impacts are most likely to occur PLATE 3 9 The Slocan Valley landscape unit looking south toward Frog Peak rr For purposes of illustration the Slocan Valley landscape unit Figure 3 8 has been high 25 Exampie not a plan for illustrative purposes only OONO A WH Legend Lower Slocan Valley Lower Slocan West Perry Ridge Little Slocan Valley East Perry Ridge Slocan Village to Community of Hills including Sandon Corridor Valhalla Ranges West Slocan Valley Drainage East Slocan Valley Drainage Community of Hills north to Summit Lake Wilson Creek Drainage FIGURE 3 7 Slocan Valley Scenic Assessment Units SAU 26 lighted to serve as a mapping example of recom mended inventory and assessment methodologies outlined in the balance of this Chapter and throughout Chapter IV The Slocan Valley landscape unit falls within VRMA 14 8 The unit consists of approximately 314 000 hectares 1 212 sq mi of which 298 000 hectares 1 150 sq mi or
82. een area Landform a term used to decribe the many types of land surfaces which exist as the result of geologic activity and weathering e g plateaus mountains plains and valleys Landcover Units geographically located areas of 1 water 2 vegetation or 3 man made development each having a complete and consistent form pattern and edge distinct from surrounding areas sizes may vary i e lake forest village Landscape landform and landcover forming a distinct visual pattern portion of land that the eye can see in one glance Landscape Character the arrangement of a particu lar landscape as formed by the variety and intensity of the landscape features and the four basic elements of form line colour and texture These factors give the area a distinctive quality which distinguishes it from its immediate surroundings Landscape Control Points a network of permanently established observation sites which provide the means of studying the visual impact of alterations to the landscape similar terms are Obervation Points Observer Viewpoints Landscape Features the land and water form vegetation and structures which compose the characteristic landscape Landscape Inventory a record of visible land scapes landscape features and an estimate of landscape sensitivity Landscape Management the assessment evaluation design and manipulation of a landscape Landscape Modifying Activities actions which chang
83. effort toward rehabilitation or 2 altered through design application to conform to a higher sensitiv ity class standard Lands in this class may have potential to increase their visual absorption capability through revegetation screening soil reclamation etc leading to a subsequent higher Management Class It should therefore be considered an interim class 52 and indication given of short and long term objec tives in terms of to Class V E enhancement or Class V R rehabilitation Chapter V Manage ment Options deals with these factors in more detail PLATE 4 17 This Class V VR Management Area would require rehabilitation before qualify ing for a higher Class rating B C Ministry of Environment photo Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Example KOP s from Table 4 4 lt gt Approximate cone of vision Refer to Table 4 4 Determining Visual Resource Management Classes from Assumed Key Observation Points FIGURE 4 7 Assumed Key Observation Points 53 TABLE 4 4 DETERMINING VR MANAGEMENT CLASSES FROM ASSUMED KEY OBSERVATION POINTS KOP SCENIC QUALITY From Table 4 1 Landform Vegetation Water Colour Adjacent Scenery Scarcity Cultural Modifications TOTALS Scenic Value From Table 4 1 VISUAL SENSITIVITY LEVEL From Table 4 2 User Attitude User Volume Sensitivity Rating VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CLASSES From Table 4 3
84. efined scape oppose or compete for interest and scale some incongruities exist between the with each other and or the characteristic o elements of the characteristic land design elements of the characteristic landscape scape or cultural modifications are landscape and cultural modifications e a high degree of usual conflict between singularly dominant and congruent features eclectic or chaotic o overall sense of simplicity and order rr LT A AESTHETIC RESOURCE that quality of the environment perceived through visual as well as other sensory experiences i e hearing and smell B SCENIC RESOURCE that quality of the environment perceived through the visual sense only C COMPONENTS OF THE COASTAL LANDSCAPE for the purposes of the acenic resource rating the landscape had been divided into four components landform vegetation water s edge and offshore and cultural modifications D PHYSICAL INVENTORY those features present within the viewshed from a given viewpoint 97
85. ele Robert and Gary Johnson 1979 The Mt Mitchell Scenery Assessment In Proc Our National Landscape USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Report PSWW 35 pp 124 135 Secter Jon 1979 Shore Policy for British Columbia Unpublished white paper prepared for the B C Ministry of Environment Assess ment and Planning Division Shafer E L and Michael Tooby 1973 Landscape Preferences an International Replication Journal of Leisure Research 5 3 60 65 Sheppard S R J and S Newman 1979 Phototype Visual Assessment Manual Department of Landscape Architecture University of California and School of Landscape Architecture College of Environmental Science and Forestry State University of New York Syracuse New York 84 p Stone Edward 1978 Visual Resource Management L A Technical Series American Society of Landscape Architects Washington D C 76 Tetlow Robert and Steven S R J Sheppard 1977 Visual Resources of the Northeast Coal Area Resource Analysis Branch Ministry of Environ ment British Columbia 104 pp Travis M R Gary Elsner W Iverson and C G Johnson 1975 Viewit Computation of Seen Areas Slope and Aspect for Land Use Planning USDA Forest Service General Tech Report PSW 11 70 pp Twito Roger H 1978 Landscape of Clearcuts USDA Forest Service General Tech Report PNW 71 26 pp Perspectives Plotting University of Michigan School of Natural Resources 1967 Mannistee A
86. ent each SAU is evaluated for seven key factors 1 landform 2 vegetation 3 water 4 colour 5 influence of adjacent scenery 6 scarcity and 7 cultural modifications Criteria governing these measure ments although somewhat subjective are noted in Table 4 1 out the descriptive inventory scenic quality relationships should be readily seen If the evaluator has properly carried As noted in Chapter Three scenic quality levels may in addition to lying within the SAU be directly applied to a single landscape unit or VRMA where little differentiation in landform vegeta tion and water may exist within an extensive geographic area having little topographic variation In any case three levels of scenic quality are determined for areas other than Coastal Marine VRMAs see below Class A or high quality Class B moderate and Class C low to non existent Criteria governing these determinations must be applied on a regional basis rather than strictly within the mapping unit This allows for consider ation of adjacent scenery and scarcity Table 4 1 PLATE 4 4 Kalamalka Lake and surroundings could be rated Class A in scenic quality ee UT EEEEIEInAa IEEE Scenic quality levels are assigned to each of the seven key factors listed in Table 4 1 on the basis of an equal ranking of 1 to 5 except for cultural modifications which would generally rate no higher than 1 if they added to the area s scenic 1 All
87. essment of the visual impacts of proposed transportation development in the Northeast Coal study area with recommen dations for visual resource management in the area This report was prepared under contract to R Tetlow and S R J Sheppard 1977 4 A visual resource assessment of the North east Coal Extension Area Horner 1982 This report utilizes a system of visual units based on the work of Tetlow and Sheppard but modified to accommodate terrain units as outlined in the document Terrain Classification System Resource Analysis Branch 1977 Additional Ministry of Environment visual studies include a recreational visual input to the East Kootenay Windermere Invermere Resource folio 1981 a visual analysis chapter in the Bowen Island Study Block 1978 a visual analysis of the Gulf Islands resource folio 1981 a visual quality analysis of the South Arm Kootenay Lake 1982 visual sensitivity studies as part of the Slocan Valley Planning Project and a visual vulner ability assessment for the Cranbrook urban suitability study The B C Parks Branch has also been involved in visual impact evaluation and routinely subjects all proposed park developments to visual analysis These studies have included Kalamalka Lake Princess Louisa Inlet Tribune Bay Hornby Island and most recently 1982 visual impact studies related to the proposed expansions of Western Mines in Strathcona Park During the period covered above
88. fferentiate between what the landscape tells him his knowledge and how his own feelings enter into the process This is further complicated by adoption of an advocacy role if in addition to holding his own personal biases he also represents a land management agency Thus he can profit well by exposing his technical knowledge and judgement to public review Current techniques do not yet tell landscape managers enough about ordinary people s understanding about their own understanding of people s landscape preference and about the reasonableness of effectively combining these attitudes and aptitudes into the management plan Andrews 1979 THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROCESS Public involvement is an essential ingredient in determining user preference factors and public reaction to design proposals Nowhere in the resource allocation and management process is this more the case than in visual assessment which is largely subjective These subjective elements must be identified by both the visual resource analyst and concerned public on an interactive basis This process can and should be initiated very early in the study program once terms of reference for the project have been clarified and the inventory and narrative development proposal with alternatives has been prepared The material can then more clearly be reviewed at workshops or scheduled public hearings Public involvement in the assessment process must take place before not
89. gathering was the first of its kind in British Columbia The working group concluded that there was a need to communicate and exchange information between practitioners in visual management that a central repository of visual systems and projects should be housed in an appropriate Provincial Government agency and finally that a continuing effort be made by those involved in visual management studies to coordinate their efforts toward improvements in application of evaluation techniques Visual resource assessments prior to the Parksville session and in the years following have drawn upon a variety of methodologies available at the time through U S Canadian and European proto types Among such studies carried out by the Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch Figure 1 1 were the following 1 A visual sensitivity analysis of the Municipality of Spallumcheen B C Initiated by the B C Land Commission this document portrayed visual sensitivi ties inherent in the Spallumcheen area and recommended means to maintain their essen tial quality Yeomans 1977 2 A resource analysis of the Adams River in south central British Columbia prepared for the B C Parks Branch included an extensive section on visual The report resources and became the basis for a major recreation plan for the Adams River salmon lNow the Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch B C Ministry of Environment viewing area Yeomans et al 1978 3 An ass
90. general methodology application but be flexible enough to accommodate projects of varying scale and magnitude requiring their own particular design solutions 1 2 2 USE OF THE GUIDE AS AN ADJUNCT TO PROVINCIAL GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT The User Gide is intended to supplement Provincial assessment guidelines particularly Section 1 2 of the Guidelines for Linear Develop ment which deals with aesthetics and visual quality requirements in very generalized terms ELUC 1977 It identifies the following major concerns where proponents of development must include these requirements in their design staging distribution of scenic values and landscape quality e ability of landscapes to absorb visual impacts Magnitude and importance of visual impact of proposed developments identification of visually sensitive locations prediction of adverse visual impacts possible mitigation measures to enhance quality rehabilitation measures necessary to restore visual quality in the landscape existing and potential viewing possibilities and opportunities for view enhancement 1 2 3 USE OF THE GUIDE AS A REFERENCE DOCUMENT The Appendices to this document are designed to stimulate further investigations of visual assessment techniques in use elsewhere in Canada and abroad while the Glossary has been expanded to include visual assessment terminology beyond that necessarily contained in the working document 1 2 4 USE OF
91. gh contrast a a amaaa a aaa RELIEF e high steep rugged deeply dia o moderate relief and slopes low relief flat and gentle sected some complexity and contrasts slopes subdued forms SRYLINE bold dramatic skyline e varied skyline uninteresting skyline LANDFORM ENCLOSURE strong varied enclosure moderate enclosure e little or no marked enclosure FEATURES unusual rock forms and colors some contrasting features but no significant contrasting peaks gorges e g mountains ravines races sculptural rock forms not dominating views a valleys terraces low cliffs bluffs dunes features g coastal plaine AII eaea e ai PATTERNS striking vegetation patterns of high contrast open or forested SPECIMENS unusual or dramatic plants or VEGETATION amp FEATURES groups forms orests coasta cyprees forms etrong con trast in meadow and bishop pine forest windpruned bay forest some contrast and interest in patterns of texture and colors species mix varied plant form and group ing but not dramatic e g scattered openings Douglas Fir forest mixed woodland oak bay saltmarsh n subdued variation or uniform ity in vegetation types and appearance no contrasting patterns or plant forms commonplace forms colors textures size distributions e g uniform chapparal coastal plain vegetation dense Doug
92. h are visible beyond approximately 24 km from those positions Shape spatial form often two dimensional as differentiated from three dimensional form Side Lighting see Lighting Sightline the unobstructed line of sight between an observer and a viewed object as used in the Landscape Control Point System Simulation the realistic visual portrayal which demonstrates the perceivable changes in the landscape features of a proposed management activity through the use of photography artwork computer graphics and other such techniques Spatial Values three dimensional qualities of space within which an object occurs or manage ment activity takes place Areas high in spatial quality such as dramatic basins cirques valleys and enclosures hold visual value for the observer who can identify with such places and spaces see legibility Symboli sms images of people places and events which combine to form regional symbolism relates directly to imageability since each landscape represents a symbol or combination of symbols either natural or man made Regional symbolisms is a strong visual value determinant e g in British Columbia old split rail fences and rolling grass covered hills symbolize the Caribou Chilcotin area while forested valleys meeting the sea symbolize British Columbia s coastal marine environment Uniqueness a resource oriented criterion a visual resource visual character or visual quality
93. his variable CULTURAL FACTORS Values of the visual resource relate directly to educational and cultural elements in the land scape Parks historic sites and especially designated reserves may hold regional or national values as unique visual experiences attracting a number of different viewer groups The values of the landscape as a whole or of each visual resource are stated not only as expressed individual prefer ences but also as cultural norms Andrews 1979 LOCAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Visual features in the landscape not readily observable in the field may and often do determine the attraction of a view or scenic area These may not be apparent or meaningful to outsiders but are highly valued by residents within the area An example would be a site holding local historical or botanical interest such as a small community park a canyon trail or local swimming hole These features often translate themselves into local goals and objectives for designation and protection and can usually be identified only by personal contact in the field or by mailed questionnaire surveys THE EVALUATOR SUBJECTIVE FACTORS Not to be overlooked during the landscape preference stage of assessment is the danger that the manager s subjective feelings expectations and attitudes toward the landscape under study may well prejudice his findings and preclude the acceptance of differing public attitudes At times it can be difficult for him to di
94. ify as a Class I VR Management Area Class I SZ Special Zone This class refers to areas lands holding high scenic values of concern because of their relative scarcity in a regional provincial or national context As with Class I any modification of the natural environment must not be evident in foreground middleground or background distances It is applied to designated greenbelts or scenic corridors unusual viewpoint areas or zones inland water and coastal marine shorelines of outstandilng scenic content and similar special areas within the Province It does not apply to moderate and low sensitivity areas see Matrix Table 4 3 PLATE 4 13 The Rocky Mountain escarpment forms a dramatic backdrop for this example of a highly scenic Class I SZ corridor PLATE 4 14 Development is minimal but blends well with the natural environment in this Kootenay Lake example of a Class II VR Management Area Class II In this class contrasts with any of the basic pattern elements of form line colour texture and scale caused by management activity should indirectly reflect the area s dominant landscape pattern Introduction of permanent elements or installations such as roads and utility lines are to be avoided particularly within foreground fg distances Adjacent areas of visual influence are rated in consideration of the primary zone rating Contrasts created by management activities should not be evident in foregr
95. in FIGURE 3 6 Hierarchy of Working Scales for Visual Resource Mapping Hierarchy of Working Scales for Visual Resource Mapping Scale Ratio RRS GASSER OM WY NAAN LS f Small AREA ra vA A A Z Canada A _ 7 A Western Cordillera AA n A Physiographic Region fos oN A ae i A Biotic Regions Biotic Subregions Visual Resource Management Areas VRMA Landscape Unit Viewsheds Scenic Assessment Units MAPPING SCALE Varied 1 2 000 000 1 1 000 000 1 500 000 1 500 000 1 250 000 1 250 000 1 125 000 1 125 000 1 50 000 1 50 000 to 1 20 000 Varied depending on landform Vp NOTE Scales will vary as one approaches the area under study depending upon intended level of inventory intensity the landscape unit generally requires a discrete mapping subdivision This is called a Scenic Assessment Unit or SAU The SAU can be estab lished within boundaries determined by a single natural element or more often by a combination of natural and man made components within the land scape In flat to rolling terrain where landscape unit boundaries may be indistinct such as within the Alberta Plateau Biotic Region the SAU may comprise the entire visual unit or even the VRMA itself The primary criterion for defining a scenic assessment unit is its homogeneity of landform vegetation and water Figure 3 7 is an example of SAU definition bas
96. int on an access route through the area In this case the more restrictive foreground classification will be used since the closer the subject is to the viewer the more direct and detailed is his observation However middle ground and background vistas although far from the observer can hold high scenic value as panoramic landscapes Judgement will be required in evaluat ing these factors Seldom Seen ss se AT z paar iamen Background bg mg to horizon ndg Middleground mg fg to 5 8 km Foreground fg 0 0 6 km PLATE 4 11 Distance zones are clearly defined in this mountain valley panorama but may not always be so in flatter terrain EEE TEEETE ENDER SENET Establishing distance zones based upon travel routes and pre determined KOPs is essential to the determination of visual resource management classes 4 5 VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CLASSES VRMC In order to provide a consistent provincial data base for conducting visual assessment a system of defining visual quality standards is required This involves the delineation of Visual Resource Management Classes VRMC Five in number they are derived by combining overlays of scenic quality visual sensitivity and distance zones within the landscape unit or VRMA VR Management Classes become the basic tool for guiding mana e ment of the landscape unit and VRMA collectively since they immediately indicate the landscapes 47 Example no
97. l capacity of the landscape to screen proposed development and still maintain its inherent character Anderson et al 1979 Yeomans 1979 Biophysical factors include Slope angle and stability The steeper the slope the lower the VAC Soil and rock colour contrast Vegetation pattern diversity and colour contrasts Vegetation screening ability Site recoverability Soil erodability stability Landform diversity Waterform diversity PLATE 4 18 High soil stability and vegetation diversity around this Gulf Islands homesite give this site a high VAC rating Visual absorption capability varies with the visual characteristics of the proposed landscape alternatives brought about by such activities as trail or road construction clearcutting or strip mining Generally as the size of the activity increases the project area s VAC decreases As the duration increases VAC decreases Proposed activity and perceptual factors interact with biophysical parameters to determine probable visual impacts PLATE 4 19 In this scene the valley has a moderate VAC value but VAC is low in the surrounding foothills re ENE EEE EEE tne One of the main advantages of a VAC analysis lies in its direct and simple application of existing biophysical data which is usually available from any base line inventory in British Columbia to the area under visual analysis
98. las Fir forest SO a a as SHORELINE unusual boldness shape or com plexity of shoreline high color and fora contrast WATER S COASTAL steep high dissected dramatic EDGE amp RELIEF islands with bold forma sea OFFSHORE FEATURES acks rocky coves waterfalls eteepsided inlets e g islands dramatic lagoons and spite o distinct and well demarcated some contrast in colors or materiala moderate relief variety in slope and evaluation e some features evident but not dominating e g reefs wave action e g estuaries river mouths varied beaches indistinct shoreline undif ferentiated extensive and subdued forms low contrast low lying or flat no strong features con tributing to the unit e g straight beach i ener ren STRUCTURAL dramatic or symbolic atructures high contrast in scale form or unique assemblage of structures CULTURAL NON striking patterns in scale MODIFICATION STRUCTURAL form or color e g landmarks lighthouses prominant clearcuts his e varied some contrast in design elements or struc turea but not dominant or very distinguished moderate contrast and in terest in patterns e g cultivated fields varied housing urban undistinguished monotonous subdued commonplace low contrast in scale form color and texture e g minor roads sprawl unused fill extensive toric structures his centers monoculture repe
99. levator is a highly visible element within the community of Wynndel Visual assessment of this Slocan River viewpoint would recognize riparian vegetation as a strong edge factor 40 regional and strategic planning linear developments e g transmission lines pipelines highways etc and scenic corridor assessments The above levels of application should be made following the assembly of mapped baseline inventory data since the latter reveal background information in terms of landform vegetation water and man made elements that are essential to the visual assessment Procedure The Descriptive Inventory outlined in Chapter Three constitutes a land base framework for assess ment of visual quality Chapter Four identifies specific procedures for establishing scenic quality visual sensitivity distance zones determination of VRM Classes and means for estab lishing visual impact predictions The following assessment methodologies have drawn extensively upon work in the U S of the Bureau of Land Management Jones and Jones Litton and in British Columbia that of Paterson Reid and Yeomans 4 2 SCENIC QUALITY Scenic quality is the overall impression retained after driving through walking through or flying over an area of land U S Bureau of Land Management 1980 A mapping unit for scenic quality the scenic assessment unit SAU was described in Chapter Three Section 3 7 In the Scenic quality assessm
100. lication seesesecessesoecsececcecoosoocococcococesesoseeeoee 64 4 13 Preview An Example of Application in British Columbia cecccccccecccvcccrseveveseccesvececves 65 4 14 Simulation Technique An Example of Application in British Columbia eessesoeseesocesoeesesooe 66 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 3 1 Seascape Visual Assessment 2 0 0 cece e cece cee ce ee eee eee eee e nee cuneeveeeenseteneeeneeveetens 32 4 1 Criteria Governing Scenic Quality Rating Procedures cece cece cece cee cceeeeerceeeeuneaas 41 4 2 Visual Sensitivity Level Matrix oo ccc ccc cece cece ccc cece cece nese ee eeeeeeenctnesrncucencnncenes 44 4 3 Matrix for Determining VR Management Classes cece cece cece eee eee cceceuseneteseeseunenns 49 4 4 Determining VR Management Classes from Key Observation Points ccceececcccccucecceatenacucs 53 4 5 Visual Resource Management Class Requirements cececce cece cence cee cuceaeeuseeercuctnenees 54 4 6 Relative Importance of VAC Factors cc cece cece cece cece cence eects ee eeeceeeaeeeuseeueeevnsengus 58 4 7 Proposed Form for Assigning Visual Contrast RatingS cccceec cece eee ec eeeeeceeceuseueeneeuns 60 4 8 Establishing Contrast Rating Scores for Project Visual Impacts cece esc ceccececceeceenucs 61 ix LIST OF PLATES Plate Page 1 1 High visual quality is essential to the enjoyment of R C s inland water bodies sarnase cosas COVER 1 2 Fog lifts to reveal sharp edge
101. ly in use in the U S the U S Peter Rennie Kamloops Canada and elsewhere In this regard Bureau of Land Management was particularly cooperative and supportive in the development of the chapters dealing with concepts and methodology Typing services were provided by Joanne Mills Marilyn Fowles Christine Lee and Heather Rose Pete Zimmerman was graphics responsible for design and as well as layout through to ready Valerie Hignett conducted the document s technical review scheduling the document s stage final its camera Finally grateful acknowledgement is extended to Jean Hnytka for her time and skill in serving as editorial consultant and English editor throughout all writing stages TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE sccncccccvccccecccsccccccesceesssee ese cere ee eee esse eee e erence nesses senate eens ees eeeeneseensees ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS eeescesoeesoesecoeocesesosesosoooococsoecsooosoososececoocecooesesooeosesessoseeoserees Page iii iv TABLE OF CONTENTS eeseeesosososeooscooccesooesecoecoescooesesesososecesosoeoooseeceecoeceseoesosooceoeos V LIST OF FIGURES a LIST OF TABLES oesie irasan i ana E a EE EEE ERE ee E EE D EAR E ane BNE LIST OF PLATES 1 ccc cece cece cc ccc cc ccc EA EE EEE TEETAR E A E E O EE E OE E CHAPTER 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 CHAPTER 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 1 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 4 2 3 5 2 3 6 2 4 2 5 INTRODUCTION eessscesoseocosooososocsoocssosecosososeoc
102. mple not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Features lakes major streams Key Observation Points KOP Man made Cultural Developments Parks Activity Nodes FIGURE 3 12 Slocan Valley Lanscape Unit Focal Attractions and Key Observation Points KOP 34 ecological value interest are generally known to residents of the area under Local features of visual study but may not have a high profile from a regional perspective These may include walking trails swimming holes landmark rock outcrops and local historical markers An inventory of local features can usually be obtained through a survey questionnaire or by canvassing special interest groups natural history societies hiking clubs historical societies etc PLATE 3 17 Painted Canyon along the Murray River is an unusual rock formation of high focal interest Key observation points KOP are identified on the basis of their command of vistas axial termin ations and critical points of interest They usually exist on major access routes or trails see Figure 3 12 3 8 7 LAND USE AND MAN MADE ELEMENTS Land use impacts on the visual environment include urbanization impoundments agricultural use road and rail lines banks and nature trails mining dredging Jogging harbours industrial Operations and other management activities When possible visual evidence of air water or land Example not a plan for illustr
103. mportant to get on the ground for sketching and photography or for ground checking special features Although vehicular coverage tends to be discontinuous and fragmented depending on existing access to the project area it does allow on the ground documentation of vegetation water forms land cover and man made and cultural components of the landscape Where costs are a limiting factor or the project is site specific the inventory may well involve a brief but intensive overview by either air or ground reconnaissance 38 Biophysical Map Review Subsequent to initial field work biophysical mapping should be reviewed and pertinent informa tion extracted in overlay form Such overlays can then be directly related to the landscape inventory base map Additional field work may be required to verify this information as it may or may not relate to visual resources For example slope stability based on terrain maps and soil characteristics such as colour and texture soils maps and reports reveal visual vulnerability potential if a road or utility corridor is proposed where soils would be exposed and highly visible Biophysical data will also be required in determi n ing visual absorption capability VAC as outlined in Chapter IV Section 4 6 Delineate Inventory For Presentation The landscape inventory map s and narrative should now be in preliminary form and ready for delineation Interpretation of map and narrative will
104. ms mapping units suitable for documentation of landform vegetation water focal attractions and cultural modifica tions Mapping examples are provided to illustrate each phase of the inventory and a checklist is given covering recommended inventory procedures to be followed Chapter Four Visual Assessment Procedures is the basic procedural core of the User Guide It utilizes concepts outlined in Chapter Two builds upon the descriptive inventory in Chapter Three and outlines a recommended methodology for determing scenic quality sensitivity levels and distance zones within any inventories area These assessments lead to the establishment of Visual Resource Management Classes VRMC which can become tools for quantifying visual quality ratings and guiding managers in their determination of land a i ee a VISUAL RESOURCES VIEWERS VISUAL CHARACTER VISUAL QUALITY EXPOSURE SENSITIVITY Form line color texture Aesthetic quality Duration distance Preferences scale Spatial quality Imageability Edge observer position predictive modeling Descriptive regional quality etc inventory and definition of scenic distinction landscape units SYNTHESIS SYNTHESIS Systematic mapping of regional INTERACTION Viewer Response qualityl management class Resource analysis and community involvement Structure a matrix for specific design team public hearings workshops and general evaluations special committees etc N SYNTHESIS
105. n the natural landscape the most natural condition is preferable The second assumption is that although areas of high scenic quality have highest priority for protection even moderate quality areas must be protected so that the characteristic visual quality of the region remains intact The implication for contrast rating is that the development which most often repeats the form line colour texture and scale is the most of the characteristic landscape preferred The User Guide is in support of these assump tions which become the basis for assessment procedures outlined in this Chapter and will be applied at the following levels 1 Element oriented assessments which define visual quality as the presence of preferred visual elements and the absence of disliked elements 1977 case of Jones and Jones Such applications are made in the cooling towers wheat storage basins dam structures imposing buildings or bridges etc 2 View oriented assessments which appraise visual relationships between the elements of individual scenes Applications include mining extractions industrial or PLATE 4 2 PLATE 4 3 hydro site development installations new town developments views from and logging operations Area oriented evaluations which assess the visual quality of distinct places in the landscape as the summation of a number of views Examples include broad level This grain storage e
106. ng mists rise over fenced meadows in this R C scene cee m eee ceeecnrcccccreceeseceseseee CS 5 2 Structural harmony and carefully textured surfaces combine to mitigate this industrial complex 69 5 3 The southern approach to Cranbrook could be enhanced by vegetation screening cccccceccesccceees 69 5 4 This R C storage reservoir site is in need of rehabilitation occ e cee cc cere vecscesecscceessvvecees 10 5 5 Urban expansion threatens farm land edge quality near Armstrong B C ccccccccccecscccccccccecee 70 5 6 Each alternative should undergo descriptive inventory and visual assessment procedures eseeeee 71 A l Marsh grass and mountains meet CO Visual resource Management has been defined as the management of the seen aspect of both land and the activities which occur on it the administration of the land s scenic or aesthetic attributes Stone 1978 Chapter Separator Photo PLATE 1 2 Fog lifts to reveal sharp edge contrasts in the early morning light B C Ministry of Environment photo INTRODUCTION 1 1 STATE OF THE ART IN BRITISH COLUMBIA In April 1977 the Resource Analysis Branch B C Ministry of Environment sponsored a two day workshop in Parksville B C designed to bring together individuals from both the private and public sectors dealing with problems related to visual analysis Proceedings of that conference were subsequently published by the Branch Yeomans 1977 The Parksville
107. ng using Q Sort of User Sample Multiple Regression analysis of Preference ANALYSIS rating using seascape dimensions ANALYSIS VISUAL QUALITY RECOMMENDATIONS MANAGEMENT STUDIES Edge features are dramatic in this environment where bluffs boulders rock outcrops fjords tombolos pocket beaches caves spits and bars become a foil for the seascape beyond These areas and zones are extremely sensitive to urbanization industrialization transportation and recreation uses LS PLATE 3 16 Most of the B C coastal zone is dramatic visually complex and sensitive to development Table 3 1 illustrates a hypothetical model for inventorying and evaluating coastal marine environ ments that could be applied in British Columbia Appendix 0 3 deals more explicitly with aesthetic factors involved in conducting visual quality assessments in the marine coastal environment See also Bauer 1974 and Howes and Owens 1982 3 8 6 FOCAL ATTRACTIONS LOCAL FEATURES AND KEY OBSERVATION POINTS KOP The visual inventory should identify and graphically document focal attractions both natural and man made These would include interesting and or unusual land or rock formations plant associations volcanic plugs waterfalls thermal springs and similar phenomena of specific visual interest Block and Hignett 1982 Features due to their interest values become focal points of recreational scientific and 33 Exa
108. nified often defined by edge outline and surrounding space 2 Line the path the eye follows when perceiving abrupt differences in form colour or texture In the landscape ridges skylines structure changes in vegetation or individual trees and branches may be perceived as line 3 Colour the property of reflecting light of a particular intensity and wavelength that enables the eye to differentiate otherwise indistinguishable objects 4 Texture the visual manifestation of the interplay of light and shadow created PLATE 2 2 An illustration of basic visual design terminology in graphic terms as outlined in Section 2 1 of the text 5 7 10 ll 12 13 2 2 its by variations in the surface of an object Scale the proportionate size relationship between an object and the surroundings in which it is placed l Space the three dimensional surroundings in which it is placed Harmony the combination of parts into a pleasing or orderly whole congruity a state of agreement or proportionate arrangement of form line color and texture Cultural any man made change in land waterform Mo di fi cation or vegetation roads bridges buildings fences the addition of a structure which creates a visual contrast to the natural character of a landscape A negative cultural modification is disharmonious with the existing scenery A positive cultural modification can actually complement
109. nious with the existing scenery a positive cultural modification which can actually complement and improve a particular scene by adding variety and harmony Cultural Significance specific landscape settings may be significant because of cultural values The setting must be at least briefly examined in its regional and national contexts to determine if it is culturally significant Three general criteria are uniqueness commemoration and designation landscapes and special districts formally or informally recognized for their historic educational scientific recrea tional or aesthetic value Designation may affect viewer expectations about these areas Design a deliberate plan or scheme to arrange elements in such a manner that a desired pattern results Deviation alteration of the characteristic landscape by a management activity Devia tions can be both positive adding to visual interest and negative detracting from visual quality Distance Zones three conventional terms in painting foreground middieground back ground which can be helpful in describing distance relationships In landscape terms they are a Foreground 0 to 1 2 1 km That area which can be designated with clarity and simplicity not possible in middle and background because the observer is a direct participant of immediate details bark pattern boulder forms or degraded parts a zone of important linkage where intensity of col
110. nstances have no effect whatsoever Angle of Observation the vertical angle between a viewer s line of sight and the slope or object being viewed Background picture etc surroundings especially those behind something and providing harmony or the distant part of a landscape contrast surrounding area or surface an area located from 5 8 km to infinity from the viewer See Distance Zones Back Lighting See Lighting Basic Elements the four major elements form line colour and texture which determine how the character of a landscape is perceived Two additional elements are postulated Smardon et al 1982 in the User Guide 78 scale and spatial quality Characteristic Landscape the established landscape within an area being viewed not necessarily naturalistic in character could refer to a farming community an urban landscape a primarily natural environment or other landscape which has an identifiable character Colour the property of reflecting light of a Commemoration particular wavelength that enables the eye to differentiate objects otherwise unidentifiable landscapes and special districts formally or informally recognized for their connection with past events the visual quality character or information of these settings may have acquired cultural value beyond that revealed in an assessment based strictly on visual resources Complexity Visual complexity is a product
111. oecoscecosoesovoescsecooseosoos 21 3 4 The Northern Rocky Mountains Riotic Region is characterized by dramatic VistaS sccccceeeececeees 21 3 5 Whycliffe Prairie is a central part of VRMA 15 A sssesesseoeeocoecocccooosooovosecoeoosoeconooeo 22 3 6 This landscape unit in Northeastern B C is a visually distinct area wevccccecccccvcsecvavcccooces 22 3 7 The Summit Lake viewshed north of Slocan Lake sceccccsececcccccccccvcccvecesesecessssesceressesses 23 3 8 This scenic assessment unit is characterized by homogenous natural elementsS ccccesececesvecesece 24 3 9 The Slocan Valley landscape unit looking south s sseesessssooooecocosocoosossosocoeesoosoooooees 25 3 10 The Slocan Valley landscape unit looking north essseseseseesscosososoooeoocsoosocscosoosoooocooeoos 27 3 11 A general description of the Fraser Plateau Riotic Region would emphasize its rolling park like quality sessesesocoesosovoceccecececoescesoooeoscoevocoecoosososooosecooeocccesosecooeseeseseseoe 28 3 12 Scenic water land edges can be particularly vulnerable to visual deterioration sessessessoceeeoe 29 3 13 Landform and topography within the Slocan Valley landscape unit esssesessooceseseceecsseeeoceee 29 3 14 Evergreen and deciduous textural patterns blend together in this high mountain lake reflection 30 3 15 A storm over Kootenay Lake dramatically highlights the scale of this inland water body sesesseeee 31 3 16 Most of the B C coastal zone is dramatic visually complex
112. of landscape diversity and viewer experience Most observers seek a degree of complexity that stimulates interest pleasure and possible excitement but is neither too corplex nor too monotonous Edge complexity is an extremely important visual attraction and sustains high interest Complexity can also be disruptive within the transition area between urban and rural ares where elements introduced by man can have little regard for blending with the surrounding landscape Computer Graphics Visual displays of information Contrast produced by an electronic computer which includes both hard copy and cathode ray tube diversity of adjacent parts as in colour tone or emotions the closer the juxtaposition of two dissimilar perceptions in time or space the more powerful the appeal Contrast Rating Cultural Modification Designation to the attention a method of determining the extent of visual impact for an existing or proposed activity that will modify any landscape feature land and water form vegetation and structures Critical Viewpoint the point s commonly in use or potentially in use where the view of a Management activity is the most disclosing See Key Observation Point any man made change in land waterform or vegetation roads bridges buildings fences the addition of a structure which creates a visual contrast to the natural character of a landscape a negative cultural modification disharmo
113. onse a measurement of viewer response to change in visual resources including viewer exposure viewer sensitivity cultural 84 significance and local values Viewer Sensitivity the viewer s variable receptivity to the elements within the environment he is viewing affected by viewer activity and awareness i e he cannot readily notice every object and all the attributes of the objects that compose the total visual environment Viewshed all the surface areas visible from an observer s viewpoint or from which a critical object or viewpoint is seen Existing and Topographic Viewsheds a Existing Viewshed the area normal ly visible from an observer s viewpoint including the screening effects of intermediate vegetation and structures b Topographic Viewshed the area visible from a viewpoint based on landform alone without the screening effect of vegetation and structures Composite Viewsheds Definition a composite of overlapping areas visible from a continuous sequence of viewpoints along a road or a network of viewpoints surrounding a road or object or visual corridor where each limited viewshed is a visually and Spatially distinct experience Vista a confined view especially one seen through a long passage as between rows of houses or trees often oriented toward or focusing upon a specific feature in the landscape can be natural or created by man through design Visual Absorption Capability VAC the physi
114. oo high to be accomodated in the Management Class the project must be modified by design re located in a lower VR Management Class area or disallowed In the example shown severity was judged moderate with a total impact score of 33 Since Management Class 111 requirements range from 24 to 35 the project is acceptable It is important to note that visual contrast rating assignments as outlined above will vary within each VRMA and cannot be categorically specified for the province at large until adequately field tested under actual conditions 4 7 2 LANDSCAPE CONTROL POINTS One effective system for office and field checking probable impacts of development on the visual resource is by establishing landscape control points Litton 1973 In this method a set viewpoint from which the landscape would normally be seen is established and mapped Drawings from this point can be made and used to predict changes Basically the method involves setting up cross sectional diagrams from a point or points of observation to the determine seen and unseen areas subject area to As with contrast ratings it is essential in KOPs which the proposed development would be seen by the greatest number of people for the greatest period of time Lines are then drawn on the map from one KOP s Figure 4 10 to ridgelines or this system to establish or points from or several 63 Sightline S amp S SSNS l
115. opment as they will affect visual quality in economic as well as aesthetic terms Management must then exercise options for its placement in the land scape In some cases for example a transmission line right of way or coal extraction operation places little demand upon a landscape rarely seen or one sufficiently diverse to carry the operation with little visual impact At other times various Management options will need to be reviewed These fall into the following general categories mitigation enhancement rehabilitation alternate site locations or disallowance of the project In all instances it should be the aim of the visual analyst to work toward accommodation of development in the landscape with as little disturbance as possible to its natural qualities and in accordance with provincial and regional requirements since such development may well be necessary and desirable for our economic and social well being 5 1 MITIGATION This option can usually be carried out by means of project design A harsh exterior can be softened by wood or masonry reflecting the colour hue and intensity of the surrounding landscape Storage tanks can be painted utility towers modified vertical buildings reduced in scale Architectural engineering and landscape architec tural treatments may often be the only requirements needed to bring the proposed development up to acceptance within the specified minimal management class requirement Cost fact
116. or designated areas e g parks ecological reserves natural areas etc as established through Provincial legislation or policy Management Class V does not appear in the matrix This Class applies only to areas identified in the scenic quality inventory where the quality class has been reduced because of unacceptable cultural modifications or areas that have the potential for enhancement or rehabilitation Indicate the latter as V E or V R where appropriate Each Management Class describes a different degree of modification allowed in the basic elements of the landscape The primary character of the landscape should be retained regardless of the degree of modification allowed modified from BLM VRM Manual 1980 49 Visual management requirements inherent within the five classes follow Class I This class is applied to designated ecological reserves parks wilderness areas nature conservancy areas and other similar designations where management activities are to be restricted in view of the area s high visual vulnerability and limited capability to sustain development Any visual deterioration of the landscape would be unacceptable in this class Any modification of the natural environment must not be evident in foreground middleground or background distances Any visual deterioration of the landscape would be unacceptable in this class PLATE 4 12 Tacheeda Lakes in Northeastern British Columbia would qual
117. ors may preclude such treatment in which case compensation will be See B C Committee 1980 and B C Mines and Petroleum Resources 1982 for clarifica required Environment and Land Use Ministry of Energy 69 tion of energy and linear development application procedures in British Columbia PLATE 5 2 Structural harmony and carefully textured surfaces combine to mitigate the visual impact of this industrial complex B C Ministry of Environment photo LE ED PLATE 5 3 The southern approach to Cranbrook could be greatly enhanced by the introduction of vegetation screening and ground cover 5 2 ENHANCEMENT Another option is enhancement of visual attributes of a project or project area by design 70 or improvement of existing site conditions For example additional visual interest can be created by introducing vegetation to soften harsh edges removing it at critical viewpoints and in some cases hy screening Highway access routes can be visually enhanced with native plantations along median strips by blending cut banks with adjacent landforms and through design of alignments to create variety and interest Alberta Transporta tion 1980 5 3 REHABILITATION Rehabilitation differs from enhancement since it is directed toward site recovery rather than being additive For example where surface mining disturbs the visual quality of an area rehabilita tion to a point approximating original site or a
118. ound and middleground distances but may be so in background and seldom seen distances Class III In this class an introduced activity or development may be evident in the foreground middleground background and seldom seen areas but should remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape and repeat dominance factors of its pattern elements Contrasts created by management activities should not be evident in foreground but may be evident in middleground and background distances PLATE 4 15 An example of a Class III VR Management Area where introduced activities would remain subordinate to the natural landscape SUEEEESReeemnn 51 Class IV In this class an introduced activity or development may be evident in foreground middle ground background and seldom seen areas but should repeat dominance factors of pattern elements found within the characteristic landscape Contrasts created by management activities may be evident within this class but should remain capable of mitigation or enhancement to conform where possible with the characteristic landscape PLATE 4 16 A Class IV WR Management Area The structure s horizontal alignment repeats pattern elements in the natural landscape Class V Class V E and Class V R This Class refers to areas where maximum or severe modification has taken place to the detri ment of the original natural landscape and may 1 either be accommodated with little or no
119. our and its value will be at a maximum level lacking the effect of colour diminution due to atmospheric scattering of light rays b Middleground 1 2 1 km to 5 8 km a critical area for two reasons 1 this is where the parts of the landscape can be seen to join together where hills become a range or trees make a forest and 2 also where man made changes may be revealed as sitting comfortably upon the landscape or where conflicts of form colour shape or scale show up where colours will be unmistakable but more blue and softer than those in the foreground where the sharpness of value contrasts will be reduced c Background 5 8 km to infinity that area where distance effects are primarily explained by aerial perspective where surfaces of land forms will lose detail distinctions and emphasis will be on outline or edge where silhouettes and ridges of one land mass against another 79 are the conspicuous visual parts of the background with skyline the strongest line of all Distinctive clearly marking a landscape or landscape feature as different from others Dominant Elements the basic elements form line colour scale and texture in a particular landscape which exert the greatest influence on the visual character of the landscape Edges linear elements not used or considered as paths by the observer the boundaries between two phases of linear breaks in continuity e g shorelines railroad cuts e
120. ow if None Contrast Moderate Moderate Moderate 1 3 components High 3x Low Low Low low with no higher He t Weighting None None None ratings Texture P e Texture High High High fone Contrast Moderate Moderate Moderate Overall None if High 2x Low Low Low all components Moderate Weighting None None None None Scale Low Scale High High High pone Contrast Moderate Moderate Moderate 3x Low Low Low Total Contrast Weighting Score Composite Visual Impact Severity Add the score from box 2 Overall Contrast Rating to the score from box 3 Scale Dominance to get the Composite Visual Impact y Severity Number Compare the CVIS Number with the accompanying Co dominate table to choose the Sensitivity Class Composite Visual Impact Severity Major object in confined setting Dominate One of several major objects or major object in an unconfined setting Significant object relative to setting Subordinate Small object relative to setting Insignificant Comments Treatment plent could be brought more Closely w line w yf Class Class Class OL yrma by additis Screening fron KOP 4 Class V and V R and V E Severe Project Name Does the project meet the Visual Resource Management Class Requirement Project Visual Impact Visual Resource Management Class Requirement maximum No C Assessor Date JQ i10 82 62 Each VR Management class describes a different degree of modification allowed in the
121. raphic regions are areas in which there are 1 similar processes of erosion and deposition 2 similarities of bedrock response to erosion and 3 similarities of orogenic history They gener ally cover too large an area to be directly perceived visually unless from a high flying aircraft or seen in a day s travel time The Coast Mountains and Islands The Interior Plateau The Columbia Mountains The Northern and Central Plateaus and Mountains The Great Plains The Rocky Mountain Area ou Pf WN PLATE 3 2 The Rocky Mountain Trench is a narrow a but well defined physiographic region FIGURE 3 1 The Physiographic Regions of British in British Columbia Columbia Source Holland 1964 i 20 3 2 THE BIOTIC REGIONS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA A more precise definition of landform and landcover within the physiographic region is required in the visual assessment process The Biotic Regions and Sub regions of British Columbia Demarchi 1983 were selected for this purpose Although the eighteen biotic regions Figure 3 2 are largely based on generalized climatic characteristics and topography the 52 sub regions more directly reflect discrete parameters in terms of elevational changes vegetation temperature and precipitation variations and wildlife habitat They therefore appear to be a suitable framework Biotic Regions of British Columbia NORTHERN PLATEAUS AND MOUNTAINS 4 KITIMAT Y RANGES Region
122. rce Contrast Ratings Proposed Field Form 1 VISUAL RESOURCE CONTRAST RATING SHEET Project Name Date Location Map Regional District Strategic Planning Area Section Range Township Longitude Latitude Sketch Map Characteristic Landscape Landform 3 D water soil pattern ee es ee Color Soil rock ice snow hue value chroma ees paras sa Pe eee ee Scale Landform water form mass and area VRMA Landscape Unit Evaluated By Checked By aasam Visual Resource Management Class Key Observation Point Element Line Form Regularity simplicity orientation Direction regularity edge character Hue value chroma Clarity grain Size area surrounding objects Regularity simplicity orientation Direction regularity continuity simplicity Reflectivity hue value chroma Texture Clarity grain Scale Size height width surrounding areas Define characteristic landscape regional setting etc General Description Expansive bounded area enclosure visual unit Spatial Composition Focal feature enclosed panoromic canopied weak to strong LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES VEGETATION LAND WATER 1 Refer to
123. re the visual assessment documents maps drawings narrative account etc which convey the project s intent to the public involved or affected by the proposed development clear and concise 2 Do such documents provide for adequate quality control and serve as suitable guides for monitoring the project s visual impact while it is in process or subsequent to completion MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES 1 In meeting Visual Management Class requirements Visual Quality Objectives which alternative i e rehabilitation re location etc will be most appropriate in view of its expected physical aerial and economic effects 2 Given the alternative is it practical in view of constraints to proceed with its delinea tion 3 Should short and long term visual quality objectives be specified under a monitoring program If so will they meet sensitivity class requirements in the final analysis PROJECT CONCLUSIONS 1 If concurrence is reached between project intent and actual visual physical social and economic values evaluation of the project may be termed complete and acceptance of the deve lopment recommended 2 If such concurrence is not achieved further actions that will lead toward completion may be necessary depending upon project priority policy inventory and evaluation for each alternative This may entail re processing APPENDIX D APPENDIX D 1 RECOMMENDED FIELD EVALUATION FORMS Assigning Visual Resou
124. rea conditions should be required Another example would be scarifying and re seeding or replanting old logging mining or transmission line access routes when they have ceased to be functional Filling and revegetating depleted gravel borrow pits and other by products of development are additional examples of such efforts See Environ ment and Land Use Committee B C Guidelines for Coal Development 1976 PLATE 5 4 This B C storage reservoir site is in need of rehabilitation from a Class IV to a Class III VR Management Area B C Ministry of Environment photo 5 4 ALTERNATE SITE LOCATIONS Where development places serious visual constraints on an area and is highly visible from key observation points road crossings public park and recreation lands and other heavily used areas alternate site locations must be reviewed for their suitability to accommodate the development For example in their Stage One studies for transmis ston line locations it is the policy of B C Hydro to analyze a series of alternate routings These are reviewed by concerned government agencies for their relative impacts on forestry wildlife recreation and other social and economic factors Geotechnical and physiographic limitations are incorporated in the studies as well Visual impact is one of these concerns particularly where transmission lines and access roads would have a high visual profile from road crossings and high use populated area
125. resources caused by development activity and operations Visual Information the identity of landscape elements such as mountains valleys rivers forests towns or highways the message conveyed by signs and symbols in verbal or graphic form Visual Interpretation the process of judging or evaluating the visual appearance of objects and or their setting Visual Quality can generally be grouped under four major headings vividness variety unity and uniqueness Visual Quality Objective VQO a desired level of excellence based on physical and sociological characteristics of an area refers to degree of acceptable alteration of the characteristic landscape Visual Resource Management VRM Objectives Statement of a Visual Resource Management result to be achieved specifying 1 manage ment principles 2 measure of effect 3 visual resources to be managed and 4 viewing group s for which resources are to be managed Visual Resource Management Area VRMA a recom mended geographic unit for the management of visual resources homogenous with Biotic sub region in the User Guide Visual Resources the appearance of the features that make up the visible landscape Includes the land water vegetative animal and other features that are visible on land and water 85 Visual Resource Management Class VRMC the degree of visual change acceptable within a designated portion of the characteristic landscape based upon the ph
126. rest Service Gen Tech Report PSW 35 pp 572 580 Litton R Burton Jr _____1972 Aesthetic Dimensions of the Landscape Ch VIII of Natural Environments Edited by John Kutilla Resources for the Future Washington D C ___1973 Landscape Control Points A Procedure for Predicting and Monitoring Visual Impacts USDA Forest Service Research Paper PSW 91 22 pp ___1974 Visual Vulnerability of Forest Landscapes Reprint from Journ of Forestry 72 7 July 1974 6 pp 1976 Personal Communication to the author Quoted in part 1979 Descriptive Approaches to Landscape Analysis In Proc Our National Landscape USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Report PSW 35 pp 428 438 Litton R Burton Jr and Robert Tetlow 1978 A Landscape Inventory Framework Scenic Analysis of the Northern Great Plains USDI Forest Service Research Paper PSW 135 83 pp Litton R Burton Jr Robert Tetlow Jens Sorenson and Russel A Beatty 1974 Water and Landscape an Aesthetic Overview of the Role of Water in the Landscape Water Information Centre Port Washington New York 314 pp McHarg Ian 1969 Design with Nature The Natural History Press Garden City N Y 197 pp Mills Louis V 1979 Visual Resource Management of the Sea In Proc Our National Landscape USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Report PSW 35 pp 717 723 Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources British Columbia 1982 Guide to the Energy Review Process
127. rived from high erosion hazard and or high instability hazard Moderate constraint value derived from erosion hazard and or instability hazard Low constraint value as above Low regeneration Moderate regeneration High regeneration D Vegetation diversity c Potential soil and vegetation colour contrast Non vegetated grasslands or brush cover Coniferous deciduous cultivated Diversified mixed open and woodlands High visual contrast between exposed soil and adjacent vegetation Moderate visual contrast between exposed soil and adjacent vegetation and all barren cultivated and diversified vegetation types Low visual contrast between exposed soil and adjacent vegetation 4 7 VISUAL IMPACT PREDICTIONS Where assessments of proposed project impacts are being made with a specific project in mind public awareness and sensitivity will likely be increased Public value judgements may well be coloured by the threat of development In these cases it must be made very clear whether the public or the professional involved is being asked to a assess the inherent quality of the landscape itself or b assess the sensitivity of the land scape to a specific development In answer to the above once VR Management Classes have been established hy inventory and assessment a considerable degree of guidance can be given proposed developments as they arise Thus development can be avoided in highly sensitive
128. s Final route selections may not always be optimal solutions but the process involved in their selection is valid PLATE 5 5 Urban expansion threatens farm land edge quality near Armstrong B C Alternate siting to a less sensitive area is required In any event each alternative regardless of the nature of the proposed development should undergo an inventory and evaluation process equal to that conducted during the original site proposal and assessment Visual simulation computer graphics contrast ratings and visual absorption capability studies are all valuable aides in selecting alternate sites for locating developments in visually sensitive environments 5 5 DISALLOWANCE In most cases management activities can be accommodated in the landscape through the design process or by alternate site location with little or no consequent visual impact They can in fact he positive adding to visual interest where little may have existed beforehand However where all efforts toward design enhancement rehabilitation and alternate siting fail to meet established sensitivity class standards and or where public reaction is too severe the management activity may be disallowed Either the activity must await technological means to mitigate its visual impact or a time when public and political attitudes are more amenable to its acceptance The latter is evident in situations where health hazards e g acid rain air poll
129. s Flanked by the Pacific Ocean its maze of coastal fjords channels and straits offer almost fact the province has frequently been described as the most limitless visual variety In environmentally diverse in Canada B C Parks and Qutdoor Recreation Division 1982 As British Columbia s population continues to expand industrial and commercial development pressures are being placed on this highly scenic and visually sensitive environment at an increasing level All too often such impacts tend to degrade the visual environment Meanwhile British Columbia s scenery has become a primary attraction to Canadian and foreign visitors and their expenditures provide a rapidly developing return to the Maintaining British Columbia s scenic its thus becomes significant and even imperative in economic as well source of economic Province assets visual environment as aesthetic terms Management of this environment is presently necessary and will become increasingly so Visual management should be based upon an accepted methodology system which accommo dates growth and development and is designed to minimize impacts on the natural landscape The visual environment is a resource one needful of as much recognition identification classification and management as other renewable resources It is important that that it be assessed at all planning levels to include its sensitivity possible deterioration and or its
130. s or interresting erosional patterns or variety in size and shape of landforms or detail features present and interesting though not dominant or exceptional Some variety of vegetation but only one or two major types Flowing or still but not dominant in the landscape Some intensity or variety in colours and contrast of the soil rock and vegetation but not a dominant scenic element Adjacent scenery moderately enhances overall visual quality Distinctive though somewhat similar to others within the region Scenic quality is somewhat depreciated by inharmonious intrusions but not so extensive that the scenic qualities are entirely negated or modifications add littTe or no visual vartety to the area Low rolling hills foothills or flat valley bottoms Interesting detail landscape features few or lacking Little or no variety or contrast in vegetation Absent or present but not noticeable Subtle colour variations contrast or interest generally mute tones Adjacent scenery has little or no influence on overall visual quality Interesting within its setting but fairly common within the region Modifications are so extensive that scenic qualities are for the most part nullified or substantially reduced Composite Quality Rating Scores NOTE Adjacent Land Water Where possible rate lands adjacent to or within Crown Tand administrative units to obtain proper
131. sacosopoassososecosososoesossososeon State of the Art in British Columbia wccccccsccccccccccccccccccccccvccvcccecccsesscvccenscsececes User Guidelines Applications and Objectives wesevcccccccccccccccsccccccccccvccseessssssessssseses Methodology and Chapter Summary cccccccccccccccvcccescccscccvcsccnccccscesssecssurceseesseecaces CONCEPTS lt c usse s0 avain s ele 00 6 0 01650 0 06 Sains 6 6 s wisi ele Bi eiose sre ere E wine E E ioe E bee 6 eye ie 8 Oa wale Basic TERMI NO VOGY A AEE N A wisie sie s vis oisie e s 0r4 s 0 610 Oisie A OE Se weld oss Sus So alvieie E Landscape COMPONENLES css aiccd aieve a a 0 tennein ercieiwie e 018 o sie 6 a a E a ore aie ecwie E ale Wiewibe a VU SUT a 2b E eco die 6 4 0 syeie n E TSEN E T evs 6 0 06 04 8 E O cieieisle vine E E AA COV OUP lt 5 sia ces S eos 5 by eier ore in isc ere A O E E OE Grareleisieecue wiowwlore e wiereve wie ecelee FORM 2555 s incase spece 0 5 e7e h 6 a e nisi oie oi wieieiete bie 0 die e oie o s sie ie wie we pie 0iasaie elo 01e 0 SisieleWeleiwinig eiel es eels LUNG 55705 6 8 e751 E nie 61 0 sin 6 16 0 ecbicw Wide 6 Wo T E o 6 0 0 a 005 016 Viale Wales O TENE UNE enkou aE EASE EEEREN AA 9 80 oo sib b s bie ierg Rios ow Be GRR bad 6 Deus OEE En Dobees SCAG emea eds ojsleie a 0 e0 6 6 aielelese 6 0 0 o16 e 0 0 6 600 516 10 wie ie Grae 0 60ie Bie ele 6 6 64 0 0 E E 6 4jo eas Pace soroan a ale sla bio OET 6ipyeleia 6 vie 8 bss o evele Obie oC aleids OMe ewes
132. scesosssooocsososoosoosasceccscocooeesesoccososssocesecooosoesesososscsssosssee 73 77 77 B User Preference Factors the Community Involvement Process essseseecescecescessaoessosesseeseee OF C Management Planning Considerations cccccccccccccncccccccvccccscccccccccccccsccsssnessscssssscens I D Recommended Field Evaluation FOrms ccescccccccncccvccscrcsssccscccccescvecccssescceccecessssasee 93 APPENDICES wecccccccccccccccccrvenseeerese tees ee ees seer esses eet e esses sees eessreseesserennsss ear eereeeee As GLOSSARY OF Term ssercssis ees dso 0 50 6 s 0 015 016 o esere e wie e e 0 600 015 8 adie ee 8 9 6 s e 0 6 6 s 070 0 8 8 e100 60 ase Sb aieie a aisiege D 1 Assigning Visual Resource Contrast RatingS cesccccccscccvccccsccsccscesccecceceesessssceseseses 93 N 2 Establishing Contrast Rating Scores for Project Visual Impacts crcrcreccccccvescverssvesscre G4 D 3 Coastal Marine Landscape Scenic Rating SyStem ccccscccccccccvcccsecccccescccecsscsscecscecee GD D 4 Definitions and Rating Criteria for Coastal Marine Inventories eeseeesseeeceeoeseeceeeeeeeon 96 vii LIST OF FIGURES Figures Page 1 1 Visual Resource Assessments R C Ministry of Environment 1974 82 essssseoseecesceocosecoens 2 1 2 A Model for Processing Resource Assessment and Impact StudieS sceccccesecccccecccsccsccccnrcces 4 2 1 The Cognitive Process ceccccvcsccccccccccccrecscsccccvccccsscsssscsssscsccscesesscacacvccsccesses 18 3 1 The Physiographic
133. ssigning VAC Ratings cececececccccvrccvccccrcccesccevccscccescevees 55 4 7 Visual Impact Predictions crcccececccccncccccncsenccsevccscessesveseesssecssscssseccsscsescscsees D9 4 7 1 Contrast RatingS wrcscccccccccccccvccrcsecsscececsccscccecscvcessceseveeesseseesesesessesesess 59 4 7 2 Landscape Control PointS ssssesseessooosoecosoooooosocoeoosoossoocooooocosooosooooeooseeeo S 4 7 3 Computer Assisted ProgramS e ssssesesessoesoooososososeccoseceoeecooessoseooooossoseesooesos 64 lelek SUM AETOM oo 0 s disi sa ave 9 dare onr aa o a e a a T a a a a a a a a i OD ATO S MMaA rV a uane e aE EE T E E E a ils a a a a e O CHAPTER 5 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS essesseesesscoosoeessoosssooooeecosooeveoceeeecoocoesosesseeesoassseeeee OF Bak Mitigation sorse sssso oures soetan easa 810616066 6 0 6 are aae a Sie GK bod 0 eaea a a aa 09 5 2 Enhancement s sssssescesoeseossocoossoseeccsososososessoccosoososcsososcocosscosseceoosecessoo 69 65 3 Rehabilitati n cssisoccssd teresse Sie 6810 10 W006 6 56 00 S58 En CNS aN E E E aS ee ieee 70 5 4 Alternate Site Locations wrcceccccccccscccccvccccesssccssesssecccssccscccevcenevssscsescssevesees 70 Bed Disallowance S 5 lt e 5 ciei0seie sia ders 0 5 010 01e 0 180 6 06 6 8 b ece ie bole ie leib e610 0 a a a ecele s be o G b bs Sele 6 gidelote a a eee FL 560 SUIMMALY ire iceia sic ss0 00ib ee 0 68 66 0 66 854 00 00 es 6800 sie 662 Vole a see ee sarees erececioncecedeeeeeeeess TL REFERENCES esesossoooooo
134. sual contrasts in form line colour and texture are provided by this roadside advertising billboard The scale of the billboard dominates its surroundings a factor highlighted by its location in an enclosed landscape where automobile wreckage and debris draw attention to the billboard and increase its visual impact severity meee eaaa e 1 visual contrast of its especially in colour form line and elements sometimes texture 2 visual dominance of its elements especially in scale and spatial position 3 relative importance of its elements Severe impacts may occur where important elements are altered or where a new impor tant element is added 2 5 THE COGNITIVE PROCESS Figure 2 1 illustrates the inter relationships existing between principles and concepts outlined in this chapter It is designed to aid the visual analyses in applying visual element terminology form line colour texture and scale to descrip tive inventory and visual assessment procedures as prescribed in Chapters Three and Four See also Appendix B User Reference Factors mene PATTERN CHARACTER Dominance combine to create Visual Diversity Continuity Positive and Negative Deviations COMPOSITIONAL TYPES Panoramic Landscapes are understood by visual FORM Enclosed Landscapes ortentation in terms of Focal Landscapes Feature LINE Canopied RECOGNITION FACTORS COLOR Visual Elements Contrast Axis are experienced y Sequenc
135. t SSSE ES SS S Computer Derived Viewshed Boundary WAN LET NNN ANS Scale 1 40 000 FIGURE 4 10 Landscape Control Points Adapted From B C Forest Service Landscape Handbook 1982 points of highest elevation within the line of vision A vertical scale is then made of points of intersection with contours plotted This should reveal in section areas seen and not seen from each KOP at a topographical level Tree heights must then be estimated to give a more precise definition of seen or unseen areas This informa tion can be gained from forest cover maps obtainable from the B C Ministry of Forests The main difficulty with the landscape control point system lies in the time required for 1 Synonymous with Key Observation Points KOP as outlined in the User Guide 64 drawings both in the field and office However until more areas in British Columbia are digitized for computer entry the Landscape Control Point System remains a viable method for assessing visual impact predictions in conjunction with field contrast ratings and VAC studies For a more detailed outline of the system see Litton 1973 4 7 3 COMPUTER ASSISTED PROGRAMS Computer graphic systems now available for illustrating viewed areas times seen and impact frequencies include the following Preview Perspective Plot and Mosaic Viewit Viewit is capable of delineating terrain visible from both single and multiple observer
136. t a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen FIGURE 4 5 Stocan Valley Landscape Unit Distance Zones 48 Example not a pian for illustrative purposes only Isz an n Legend Designated wilderness areas parks ecological zones very sensitive no development evident in FG MG and BG Special zones or areas holding high scenic and recreation values but not formally designated as such no development evident in FG MG and BG Modification should not be evident in FG and MG but may be so in BG and SS Modification should not be evident in FG but may be so in MG and BG Modification in FG MG BG and SS but in accordance with character Modified in need of enhancement or rehabilatation V E Enhancement recommended V R Rehabilitation recommended x lt 02 Assumed Key Observation Points PROCEDURE Combine overlays of scenic quality sensitivity levels and distance zones Refer to Management Class Rating Structure Table for criteria Designate management classes Note special areas or sites with cultural modifications in need of enhancement or rehabilitation FIGURE 4 6 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Management Classes sensitivity to modification and or development Table 4 3 Each VRMC is intended as a guide to management and development of the area under assessment in consort with the quantification of other recognized reso
137. te locations hold highest impact potentials Angle of observation As the angle nears 90 degrees it is most critical Length of time during which proposed project will be viewed There may be a need for short and long term objectives since some projects are self mitigating e g dam construction and strip mining Relative size or scale created by projects Season of year indicating heaviest use Lighting Sidelighting is best for accurate contrast evaluation PLATE 4 21 This sewage treatment plant within VRMA 14 B meets Class III VR Management requirements B C Ministry of Environment photo See page 62 60 a TABLE 4 7 Proposed Field Form 1 Assigning Visual Contrast Ratings Modified from USDI Bureau of Land Management 1980 and Sheppard et al 1979 VISUAL RESOURCE CONTRAST RATING SHEET Project Name Sewage Treatment Plast Location Map NTS F2EF SE seale I 50 0o99 Regional District Central Kao tensy Strategic Planning Area Konteney Seca Section Range Township Longitude uT 20 Latitude 49 340 Empe ONLY Crreodesd area Sketch Map wa 3 Columb MHs Landscape Unit Cst legov Evaluated By uy Checked By Fz Visual Resource Management Class U Key Observation Point iof 2 Characteristic Landscape Element Descriptors Comments ET emn BUG k steep
138. the Forest Landscape Handbook As a field manual this document clearly advocated the initiation of visual management by government in British Columbia guideline framework for assessing manner Procedures contained in this User Guide are no intended to duplicate those outlined in the Hand book although similar concepts are discussed in Chapter Two The two documents should be complementary the handbook dealing with a specific agency mandate to manage forest harvesting with full consideration of its visual impact and the User Guide being concerned with impacts resulting from linear developments urbanization and in general the maintenance of visual quality throughout the province with particular emphasis on Crown lands 1 2 USER GUIDE APPLICATIONS AND OBJECTIVES The User Guide can be applied in four basic ways as a working methodology as an adjunct to the provincial Guidelines to Linear Development ELUC 1977 as a reference docunent and lastly as a stimulus to standardization of basic visual resource assessment terminology 1 2 1 USE OF THE GUIDE AS A WORKING METHODOLOGY While individuals or agencies are encouraged to follow the assessment sequence outlined in the User Guide applications may vary with each specific project For example public involvement may be minimal in park site visual assessments but of particular importance in utility corridor selec tions The User Guide should serve as a matrix for
139. the visual resource may often be unseen by the potential public observer or user the visual assessment process could be easily over looked For this reason landscape preference guidelines are essential Current techniques for measuring such preferences are still in their early development USER GROUPS The term user groups refers to various groups of users who may be affected by any proposed development affecting the landscape visually Most users prefer one type of landscape over another depending upon their social and cultural values For example what an Albertan might find scenically beautiful in rolling prairie vistas might bore the mountain oriented British Columbian and vice versa yet both have the right to hold these views and are 87 correct in doing so However generalized preferences for variety unity dominance and harmony in the landscape can be seen to follow an observable pattern of concensus with users regard less of origin Such preferences can and do change in time as cultural attitudes opportunities for experiencing the visual environment and scarcity of quality visual resources are affected This factor should be carefully noted in any user preference assessment Thus it is most important to weigh public preference factors with other considerations such for example as the necessity to establish wilder ness and ecological reserves for all time weighing social and economic variations in land pl
140. ting visual impacts in the natural landscape to a desired visual quality Scale the proportionate size relationship between an object and the surroundings in which the object is placed Scarcity of scenic quality values a scenic resource which is very rare or unique within a region or may be somewhat more common but because of its outstanding characteristics is unusually memorable Scenic Area an area whose landscape character exhibits a high degree of variety harmony and contrast among the basic visual elements which results in a pleasant landscape to view Scenic Assessment Unit SAU a mapping unit useful in delineating scenic attributes being a combination of natural and man made boundaries Scenic Quality the degree of harmony contrast and variety within a landscape the overall impression retained after driving through walking through or flying over an area of land and or water Scenic Quality Class the value assigned a scenic quality rating unit by applying specific assessment criteria indicating the relative visual importance of the unit to the other units within the physiographic region in which it is located Seen Area that portion of the landscape which can be viewed from one or more observer positions normally limited by land form vegetation or distance Seldom Seen portions of the landscape which are generally not visible from high and medium visual sensitivity level observer positions and whic
141. titive toric settlements power tract housing plants eee VARIETY A measure of the difference among and between design elements form line color textures in space errr eee eee HIGH MEDIUM Low e er eer a diverse representation of design elements lasting interest in the design ele ments present and their interre lationshipe e a high degree of alternation of views accentuating usual sequence a number of focal landmarks present within segment or landscape unit _ aaa a a UO a notable difference in variation within one or two basic design elements however others are generally uniforme some differences in views with their sequence comprehensible and memorable e cultural modifications noticeable and at times distinctive but generally com patible with the characteristic landscape regularity in and between design ele ments homogeneity is the dominant trait throughout the entire unit a minimum of visual sequence monotonous with a little or no variation of views DEFINITIONS AND RATING CRITERIA 3 concluded aeaee e HARMONY A measure of the agreement of elemente brought together within the vieual landscape a pleasing congruent arrangement of the par es e aa BRIGH MEDIUM LOW e a aa aaeeea e an obvious similarity and high degree e cultural modifications are intermittent cultural modifications within the land of unity in the basic design elements but are reasonably ordered and d
142. trinsic surface Hd ff Wg LGLS ZZ AM ENG BM LALA 3 colour contrasts of very small scale in relation to the perceived mass may be due i coarse textures e g coniferous forest to hue chroma or value alone or in i to small grain fine texture e g combination grasslands Light and Shade the colour contrast F fact 9 s s Density the spacing of surface variations particularly in value created by differ ences in lighting on a varied surface or by repeated forms Texture is the result of the repetition of a lit side a shaded side and shadow cast by the element Sub Elements a Density Grain the relative dimensions of the surface variations ranging from large grain or creating the texture Dense Coarse Textured Distant Texture is not evident Abrupt Edge Constrast Fine Textured Mottied Concrete Structure PLATE 2 6 A variety of textures in this B C pinic scene occur with little semblence of harmony The course textured dense forest cover is broken by a fine textured even ordered clear cut in the foreground The scene is somewhat redeemed by a distant panoramic view where texture is not discernable 15 Internal Contrast the degree of contrast in light intensity is strong casting colours or values creating the texture distinct dark shadows Strong side lighting increases distance range within Domi nance which textures remain visible
143. uality Five alternatives available in this direction are proposed mitigation enhance ment rehabilitation alternate site locations and finally disallowance of the project under certain circumstances What is most important about landscapes is their specialness rather than their generalized qualities something they can t experience in other places Andrews 1978 Chapter Separator Photo PLATE 2 1 Old pilings and mist enshrouded hills are softly reflected in this B C coastal scene B C Ministry of Environment photo 2 CONCEPTS An awareness of concepts principles and visual resource terminology is essential to the visual analyst if he is to make the best use of the User Guide Chapter Two deals in some detail with these factors They will be used throughout the balance of the User Guide in all inventory and assessment methodologies proposed They are also intended as a procedural framework for future visual resource mapping in British Columbia Sections 2 1 through 2 3 draw upon the BLM system with little modification 2 1 BASIC TERMINOLOGY 1 United States Dept of Interior Bureau of Land Management 1980 as modified by Smardon Sheppard et al under title of a Prototype Visual Impact Assessment Manual 1982 The following thirteen basic terms are key to an understanding of visual resource inventory and assessment 1 1 Form the mass or shape of an object which appears u
144. uld occur in this area with little effect on its visual sensitivity 44 4 10 A Slocan Lake KOP secoocecocecovosevosocoessssoooesoescoceceoooesesoosssesseocssvoosossoesesoesees 46 4 11 Distance zones are clearly defined in this mountain valley panorama sesessssossasoseseseooenoosa 47 4 12 Tacheeda Lakes in Northeastern British Columbia aA EEE EEE E E O O DU 4 13 The Rocky Mountain escarpment forms a dramatic backdrop ossee aesa gra eee oie 4 0 bc cracls aaa ea 150 4 14 Nevelopment is minimal but blends well with the natural environment in this Kootenay Lake example Teme cence rece eee eee een aeercen eee ses eee eeeeenese nse eeereseeseeeseecescescesevecececesces 50 4 15 An example of a Class III VR Management Area Coe c erence reer c nerves erccecceccesccesesesecsccevesses DL 4 16 A Class IV VR Management Area OS DI 4 17 This Class V VR Management Area would require rehabilitation cccccccccncccccccccccscenccccsesce 52 4 18 High soil stability and vegetation diversity give the site a high VAC rating cccccccccccscssece 54 4 19 In this scene the valley has a moderate VAC value oeessososecsocoosoeosesseooessoosososoesossooss 95 4 20 Wapiti Lake and surroundings are low in VAC EELEE EERE EEEE ATEI LE E E S ve sie Slee ee DD 4 21 A sewage treatment plant within VRMA 14 B ccececccccccccccccccccccucecccsscccacccsccsesvee 59 4 22 Visual impacts of cuts fills and alignment can be simulated by computer graphics cccecceseeee 65 5 1 Early morni
145. urce values 9g wildlife soils water timber etc The VRMC is not a mapping unit but rather the placement of a value judgement in symbolic form within the study area boundary and at whatever scale that particular unit requires for clarifica tion It should be emphasized that such value judgements depend for their objectivity upon the level accuracy and intensity of inventory and assessment preceding its assignment Each VRMC describes a different set of criteria governing man made modifications in the degree to which they would visually affect the characteristic or natural landscape proposed development would be Thus any referred to the Management Class assigned to a specific area to determine 1 its acceptance in the landscape or 2 the degree of modification required for its accomo dation at a level of minimal contrast with the area s form line colour texture and scale Scenic Quality TABLE 4 3 Matrix For Determining VR Management Classes Modified from USDI Bureau of Land Management 1980 Distance Zones DISTANCE ZONES wii cc cudas ce case eee aac FG foreground MG middleground BG background SS seldom seen VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CLASSES ccceeeeeeee I I SZ II III IV Notes l If the area being evaluated is adjacent to any Management Class III 2 4 or higher select Class III if lower select Class IV Class I SZ applies only to classified
146. us and straight Movement is categorized in terms of chutes cascades boils rollers and riffles Chamberlin T 1980 Various shoreline configurations define different water systems of high visual interest Example not a plan for illustrative purposes only Legend Predominately Forested Predominately Non forested Prodominately Grasslands FIGURE 3 10 Slocan Valley Landscape Unit Vegetative Patterns PLATE 3 15 A storm over Kootenay Lake dramatically highlights the scale of this inland water body Edge characteristics are of particular interest to the visual analyst They call for a fairly detailed accounting of shoreline contrast spatial extent riparian qualities and evidence of human modification Litton et al 1974 Fluctuating reservoirs should be inventoried to portray seasonal variations i e drawdown which may have pronounced visual impacts Figure 3 11 shows major lakes and streams in the Slocan Valley mapping example b Coastal Marine Environments Descriptive inventory of the B C coastal marine environment Biotic Regions 1 5 and Region 8 Figure 3 2 calls for measurement of a somewhat different set of factors than with inland water and river drainage systems Here the visual environ ment expresses itself most strongly in a linear system of geological segments within which discrete landscape units can be identified EDAW et al 1981 in basic relation to foreshore backshore an
147. ution induced by the activity e g uranium strip mining thermal coal operations are tolerated yet in visual and environmental terms the effects are unacceptable 5 6 SUMMARY Any of the above management options will be required to undergo a project review process involving evaluation of maps documents public attitudes etc prior to making recommendations to 71 the decision making body Appendix outlines a constructive approach to this process PLATE 5 6 Each alternative should undergo descriptive inventory and visual assessment procedures prior to final consideration The visual resource is but one of a number of other resources involved in that decision It is essential that it be given as full a hearing as the others This can only happen if it is documented and evaluated as thoroughly as possible at the time other resource disciplines are investigated This will insure that the visual analyst will gain a more holistic view of his concern as it relates to other social and economic studies It will also in turn acquaint other members of the study team with the degree to which visual analysis may or may not relate to their own special interests REFERENCES Ady John Brian Dray and Grant R Jones 1979 A Visual Resource Management study of Alterna tive Dams Reservoirs and Highway and Trans mission Line Corridors near Copper Creek Wash In Proc Our National Landscape USDA Forest Service Gen
148. which is rare or uncommonly found at a 83 regional or national scale a valid part of any aesthetic evaluation or visual assessment relates to the memorability aspect of vividness Unity the degree to which the visual resources of the landscape join together to form a coherent harmonious visual pattern refers to the compositional harmony or inter compatibi ity between landscape elements Use Volume the total volume of visitor use each segment of a travel route or use area receives Variables any of several nonspecific factors influencing visual perception e g distance angle of observation time size or scale season of the year light and atmospheric conditions Variety implies richness or diversity in the visual environment often involves ecological diversity as well as aesthetic content insures the maximum opportunity for visual stimulation and can become a source of mystery complexity and high imageability Variety in natural landscapes is desirable but may not always be so in some man dominated landscapes where uniformity may actually lead to greater visual compositional harmony Viewer Exposure the degree to which viewers are exposed to a view by their physical location numbers viewing and duration of view Viewer Groups classes of viewers differentiated by their visual response to the development and its setting response being affected by viewer activity awareness and values Viewer Resp
149. ysical and sociological characteristics of any given homogeneous area and serving as a management objective Visual Sensitivity Levels an index of visual sensitivity of the landscape based upon its inherent scenic attractiveness coupled with its capacity to evoke imageability in the viewer Vividness qualitative aspect s of the visual environment rendering it distinctive by creating a strong visual impression of either a single composition or series of compositions over time which may combine in striking patterns APPENDIX B USER PREFERENCE FACTORS The landscape preference stage of the visual assessment process involves the identification of value judgements and measurement of public preferences for the visual landscape In many cases public reaction to proposed developments affecting the landscape s visual quality will have been voiced prior to the initia In fact the readily apparent impacts on the visual landscape tion of visual impact assessment resulting from development are often cause for initiation of impact assessments Therefore it is important that there be early public involvement in the visual resource planning process particularly in light of subjective values involved in any landscape evaluation Public outcry is often emotional The public therefore requires the support of inventory a rational assessment of the proposed project s visual impact and potential design required to mitigate impact Since

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