An Analysis of the Characteristics of Landscape Evaluation in a Forest Trail Using a Panel Survey Approach

Abstract

In order to understand the characteristics of landscape experience in a forest trail, we need to compare the differences between on-site and photograph based (photo-base) landscape evaluation. The forest trail in the Asiu Experimental Forest, Kyoto University, was selected for this study. Sign Sampling Method was used as the method for on-site landscape evaluation. 10 viewing points were selected to evaluate landscape preferences. A photo-based landscape evaluation panel survey, consisting of 17 points, was conducted using a questionnaire sent by mail to participants who had completed the on-site survey several weeks earlier. An identical questionnaire was administered one year later. The results are follows that some of the landscape types offer different landscape evaluation indices between on-site and photo-based. The sequential factor of the trail influenced these differences. For instance, the landscape evaluation of plantations or picturesque views did not tend to be influenced by the on-site factor. On the other hand, in the case of natural forests or huge trees, on-site factor was important. The reliability, representativity, and validity of photo-based survey were also discussed. As a result, it was found that a photo-based evaluation has high reliability. However, the correlations among on-site and photo-based ratings show us the low relationship among them. This means that the validity of photo-based approach was suspected of representing original landscapes.