2016 Volume 72 Issue 5 Pages I_559-I_570
The many overhead power lines and poles along roads in Japan adversely affect tourism by detracting from scenic beauty. Furthermore, to meet the increased demand for telecommunications in recent years, the number of telecommunication lines is increasing. Newly installed electric poles have resulted in further deterioration of landscapes. Power and telecommunications lines and poles have a particularly adverse influence in natural and pastoral areas, where the roadscapes are open. However, there are very few projects for burying electric lines underground in suburban or rural areas, because such projects are very expensive. Burying telecommunication lines is affordable relative to the costs for burying overhead electric wires. In addition to the low cost of burying telecommunications lines, it is not necessary to install equipment at ground level.
This paper examines the influence of telecommunication lines, which have been increasing recently, on landscapes and the effectiveness of a public project for burying only communication lines in rural areas in terms of improving economic, aesthetic and technical aspects. The examination shows that burying only communication lines has a certain degree of effectiveness in improving landscapes, and that it would be possible to greatly reduce construction costs. This study further shows a procedure for selecting effective locations for such projects.
