Abstract
This study proposes a new approach to assess the aesthetic quality of forest areas using false color infrared aerial photographs and image analysis techniques. The proposed approach is applied to open evergreen woodlands in Portugal, which are dominated by Q. ilex subsp. rotundifolia. Aesthetic quality is assessed using the following indicators: spatial pattern, crown condition, percent crown cover,and a tree mortality index. Results suggest a number of these indicators, including spatial patterns, crown conditions, and percent crown cover, can quickly and efficiently be assessed using readily available aerial photography databases. The proposed method is especially useful for large-scale field surveys that may precede more detailed field assessments of specific areas.
