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A method for assessing the visual impact on landscape
character of proposed construction, activities or
changes in land use
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A METHOD FOR
ASSESSING THE VISUAL IMPACT
ON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION, ACTIVITIES
OR CHANGES IN LAND USE
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
Prague 2006
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
2
A method for assessing the visual impact on landscape character
of proposed construction, activities or changes in land use
(a method for spatial and character differentiation of an area)
in the sense of §12 of Nature and Landscape Preservation Act no. 114/1992 of the
Czech Republic
Authors:
Doc. Ing. arch. Ivan Vorel, CSc. – Czech Technical Univ., Faculty of Architecture
Roman Bukáček – CENIA, Czech Environmental Information Agency, Prague
Petr Matějka – Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection CR
RNDr. Martin Culek, Ph.D. – Masaryk Univ. in Brno, Faculty of Science
Doc. Ing. Petr Sklenička, CSc. – Univ. of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of
Forestry and Environ. Sciences
Corresponding author: Petr Sklenička (sklenicka@fle.czu.cz)
English text: Ing. Vojtěch Novotný, Ing. Kristina Molnárová, Robin Healey, Petr
Sklenička
The authors thank Doc. Ing. arch. Jiří Löw for his valuable comments on the
proposed methodology.
ISBN 80-903206-8-6
Published by Centrum pro krajinu, s.r.o., Prague, 2006
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
3
Contents
A. GENERAL ISSUES
A.1. Introduction, goals of landscape character assessment
A.2. Current Czech legislation on landscape character protection
A.3. Definitions of terms
A.4. Goals of the landscape character impact assessment method
A.5. Assessment outputs
A.6. Uses of the method
B. THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS
AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER IMPACT EVALUATION
B.1. Assessment principles
B.1.1. Landscape character protection
B.1.2. Methodological principles
B.2. Assessment procedure
B.2.1. Specification of proposed constructures or land-use changes
B.2.2. Delineation of the affected landscape area
B.2.3. Delineation of landscape character zones and unit spaces
B.2.4. Identification and classification of landscape character attributes
B.2.5. Evaluation of the impact of an intention on landscape character
B.2.6. Conclusions and objectivization of the results
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
4
A. GENERAL ISSUES
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
5
A.1. Introduction, goals of landscape character
assessment
(A.1.1.) Landscape character is an important quality of natural and cultural
environments, and is therefore protected against deterioration. Landscape
character is determined by specific attributes and features that imply its nature - its
uniqueness and distinctiveness. Landscape character is indicated not only by the
presence of positive features but also by its cultural and spiritual qualities.
Landscape character is an expression of the interrelationships between natural and
socio-economic settings and the cultural-historical merit of a specific landscape.
(A.1.2.) In order to preserve the character of a landscape, it is necessary to have a
description and an evaluation of the attributes and qualities that form the
character of that landscape. Then we need to describe and assess the impacts
of submitted actions on those elements and values, e. g., impacts on the
landscape character, or to make an evaluation of the landscape character of a
particular area in order to specify landscape character preservation measures.
(A.1.3.) When interpreting Act no. 114/1992 (hereafter, the Act) and the reading of §
12 of the Act, it is necessary to evaluate landscape character in such a way that the
conclusion can serve as grounds for one of the two possible forms of
landscape character protection:
(A.1.3.1.) Preventive landscape character protection – which involves describing
the landscape character of an area and defining a set of measures to protect it, or,
as the case may be, delineating areas of different intensity of public interest in
landscape character protection within the given territory and putting forward a
proposal to eliminate undesirable objects.
(A.1.3.2.) Case specific (causal) landscape character protection – involves an
assessment of the impact of a specific submitted action on the landscape
character of a given territory (impact of constructures, engineering facilities,
activities or land-use changes), which involves assessing an intervention into the
landscape character. This method deals with case-specific landscape character
protection.
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
6
A.2. Current Czech legislation in landscape character
protection
§12, 114/1992 Nature and Landscape Preservation Act (the Act)
(1) Landscape character, which is a natural, cultural and historical characteristic of
a place or a territory, is protected against activities which would deteriorate its
aesthetic and natural qualities. Interventions into landscape character, especially
construction placement and building permission, may be carried out only if it takes
into account preservation of significant landscape elements, particularly protected
areas and cultural dominants (landmarks), a harmonic scale, and relationships
within the landscape.
(2) For construction placement and building permission, and also for other activities
that might deteriorate or change the landscape character, approval of the nature
preservation authority must be obtained. Details of landscape character protection
can be specified by a legal norm promulgated by the Ministry of the Environment.
(3) The nature preservation authority has the right to establish a Nature Park by
promulgating a mandatory statute in order to protect the landscape character of
significant aesthetic and cultural qualities that are not specifically protected
according to the third part of this Act (as a specially protected area) and to regulate
types of land use that would lead to destruction, deterioration or disturbance of the
character of a given area.
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
7
A.3. Definitions of terms
The landscape character impact assessment methodology operates (only) with
terms listed in § 12 of the Act.
Activities that damage aesthetic
and natural qualities are activities that disturb specific attributes and qualities of an area
to an extent that would lead to a change in the value and/or
significance of the impacted characteristics.
The aesthetic quality of a
landscape is an expression of both natural and cultural qualities, a harmonic
scale and the relationships within a landscape. The prerequisites
for the emergence of aesthetic qualities are: the subjective abilities
and preferences of the viewer, the actual circumstances during the
perception process and the actual characteristics of the given
landscape (forms and spatial composition of the spaces and the
way that they are organised, the configuration of the elements, the
pattern of the components).
The harmonic scale
of a landscape expresses a structuring of a landscape that produces a
harmonious relationship between human activities and natural
settings. This is expressed by harmony between the scale of the
whole and the scales of the individual elements in the physical
appearance of the landscape.
Harmonic relationships
within a landscape express harmony in human activities and natural settings (the
absence of any disturbances), sustainability of current use of the
landscape, harmony among individual elements of the landscape
scene.
The historical attribute of
the landscape character is a special aspect of its cultural value, arising from contiguity
between the cultural and natural settings of an area or a place.
Historical attributes are the key for understanding the logic of the
relationship among the natural settings in the landscape, its uses
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
8
and therefore its sustainability. Historical attributes may also be
traced back to historical events or persons.
A landscape is a part of the surface of the earth with a typical relief, made up of
a complex of functionally interconnected ecosystems and cultural
elements. (the Act, §3)
The landscape character emerges from the natural, cultural and historical character of a
place or region (the Act, §12), more precisely from the perceptible
attributes and qualities of these aspects.
The cultural attribute of
the landscape character derives from the way in which human beings make use of the
natural resources and the traces that they have left on the
landscape.
A dominant cultural feature
in a landscape is a landscape element, a component or a relic of landscape
cultivation that is of indisputable significance to some historical,
architectural or other field of human activity, and has a prevailing
influence on the attributes of the landscape.
A landscape character
unit space (LCUS) is a relatively homogeneous part of a landscape, in terms of
natural, cultural and historical attributes, where we can observe
certain aesthetic and natural qualities that distinguish an LCUS
from other landscape characters. An LCUS is the smallest area
under assessment. It is either an easily definable landscape that is
visually continuous from most observation points, or an area
typified by the strong distinctiveness of its character.
A landscape character
zone (LCZ) is a landscape unit of similar natural, cultural and historical
attributes mirrored in a set of typical attributes that differs strongly
from the set of attributes of another landscape unit in one or all of
its landscape character features, and which includes several
landscape character spaces. A landscape character zone is
delineated by a border formed either by natural elements or by
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
9
man-made elements, or by a transition of some other changing
feature.
An affected landscape
area (ALA) is an area where the visual (acoustic, olfactory) impact of an
intended constructure or a land-use change is relevant to
landscape character protection.
The natural quality of a
landscape derives from the sustainability of the qualitative parameters of the
ecosystems of the landscape; the representativeness of their
current attributes with regard to the natural conditions; spatial
parameters; harmonic relationships between ecosystems and
significant natural dominant features of the landscape.
A natural landscape
character attribute derives as a result of long-lasting natural conditions, such as the
geological, geo-morphological, climatic and biogeographical
setting, and the current ecosystem pattern.
A significant landscape
element (SLA) is a landscape element with valuable natural or aesthetic
attributes, of less importance for protection purposes than a
particularly protected area (§ 3 of the Act).
A particularly protected
area (PPA) is a highly valuable landscape element due to its natural or
aesthetic attributes (§ 3 of the Act)
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
10
A.4. Goals of the landscape character impact assessment
methodology
(A.4.1.) Decision making in the administrative procedures originating from §12 of
the Act is a common duty for officers of the nature protection authority. Landscape
character impact assessment is a standard assignment that the authorities are in
most cases called on to execute themselves. This methodology presents a casespecific
assessment procedure that can be applied in most ordinary cases.
Procedures for preventive landscape character assessment do not form part of this
methodology.
(A.4.2.) Landscape character assessment makes use of inexact concepts and
barely quantifiable qualities. A range of perspectives can be applied, but this limits
the objectivity of the assessment. The methodology therefore makes use of
procedures employed in architectural and landscape composition, standardized
steps in the assessment process, and draws objectified, generally-accepted
conclusions. An expert review of the assessment helps to objectify the final
conclusions.
(A.4.3.) Goal of the methodology is to unify the procedures of case-specific
landscape character impact assessment, and to create a single procedure
that is as standardized as possible.
A.5. Assessment outputs
(A.5.1.) The assessment takes the form of a written document that may if necessary
be combined with graphics (map schemes, cartograms, documentation of historical
conditions, documentation of identified qualities). The comprehensiveness of the
documentation derives from the nature of the submitted intended project, and from
the extent to which it may impact the landscape (the impacted area, and the extent
to which the significant landscape character attributes will be affected).
(A.5.2.) An important basis for the assessment is a visualization of the submitted
intended project on to panoramic prints of the landscape (if the intended project is a
viewable structure). The visualization should be done on prints of entire panoramas
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
11
as they are perceived from node positions in the landscape, and coupled with
visualizations on prints of minor scenes observed at shorter distances from the
relevant landscape character unit spaces. The investor usually adds these
visualizations as an appendix, together with the documentation for the submitted
intended project. The authority and the investor should come to an agreement on
the locations for which the visualizations should be done. Construction visibility
modeling on 3D landscape models is a powerful tool for the assessment process.
(A.5.3.) The output of the assessment is a statement of the extent to which the
submitted intended project interferes with the landscape character. The
landscape character derives from:
natural, cultural or historical attributes
natural and aesthetic qualities
significant landscape elements (SLE)
particularly protected areas (PLA)
dominant cultural features
a harmonic scale and harmonic relationships
The intensity of the interference with attributes and qualities of the landscape
character determines how serious the impacts are.
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
12
A.6. Uses of the method
(A.6.1.) The method can be used for making a unified and standardized landscape
character impact assessment of a submitted intended project. An assessment
elaborated with this methodology provides case-specific, objectivised grounds for
decision-making in accordance with §12 of the Act.
A case specific assessment (of an impact on the landscape character) can form:
part of the preparatory documentation for an intended project as a basis
for consultations or for an approval statement from the relevant authority
part of the design documentation presented for a planning inquiry or for a
building control
an appendix to documentation for landscape character impact
assessment according to §12 of the Act
part of, or an appendix to, or documentation for an environmental impact
assessment according to act no. 100/2001
(A.6.2.) The conclusions of a case-specific assessment offer a sound basis for
conceptual work in landscape character protection or decision-making in specific
cases. The authority can (but does not have to) identify with the argumentation
used in the assessment, and can use it in justifying its decision and also as an
argumentation deriving other expert sources. The conclusions of the assessment
are not binding on either party, and proposals for regulation and protective
measures are not legally binding.
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
13
B. THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER IMPACT
ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
IMPACT EVALUATION
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
14
B.1. Assessment principles
B.1.1. Principles of landscape character protection
(B.1.1.1.) The method for assessing the landscape character impact of a particular
intended project is based on protection of the attributes and qualities of the
landscape character of a given landscape, and also on eliminating the
impacts that reduce these values. Last but not least, it emerges from the
principles of landscape ecology, which take landscape as a part of the surface of
the earth, with a characteristic relief composed of functionally interconnected
ecosystems; a landscape pattern is therefore understood as the spatial distribution
of landscape components and the relationships among them.
(B.1.1.2.) As § 12 is included in the second part of the Act under the title “Overall
Nature Protection”, landscape protection according to § 12 is applied over the
whole territory of the Czech Republic. This correlates with the definition of a
“landscape” for the purposes of the Act. This means that there are natural or
harmonic (cultural) landscapes, on the one hand, and urban or urbanized
landscapes, on the other. The landscape character of undeveloped landscapes,
which are unique for their natural and aesthetic qualities, historical traces of
their settlement and cultivation and a strong harmony of scale and
relationships in the landscape, is in most cases protected.
(B.1.1.3.) The landscape/cityscape character of urban areas, where it represents a
significant quality, should also be protected. This refers not only to particularly
protected areas or natural parks but also to other elements in the system of the
natural part of the environment of a city – natural complexes along river corridors,
undeveloped elevated areas and forest patches, large recreational forest areas and
agricultural land; and also parts of urbanized areas where the character of the
spatial setting is strongly influenced by landscape structure elements (e.g. relief
horizons, plantations, planted slopes, rocks and other relief features).
(B.1.1.4.) Landscape character is defined by the natural, cultural and historical
aspect of a place or a region. This means that the character of a certain
landscape segment is the result of the interplay of natural attributes
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
15
(especially morphology, water bodies, character of vegetation), cultural attributes
(land use, form and structure of built-up areas, individual buildings and their
relationship with the surrounding landscape, the cultural value of the place) and
historical attributes (the presence of elements and textures that bear witness to
the historical development of a landscape and its continuity). Landscape character
can involve either the physical presence of certain elements (e.g. localities of high
natural value, traces of landscape cultivation and transformation, historical entities)
or a display (generally visual) in the landscape structure and therefore in the
landscape setting, or both.
Landscape character (LC) is expressed by:
the presence of natural, cultural and historical attributes
a sensual (generally visual) display of the attributes of particular elements
in a landscape
in a landscape structure (interrelations in the landscape, according to §12) in
LCUS and LCZ
in configurations of elements within partial landscape settings
(B.1.1.5.) Any constructure or radical change in land use may have (and usually
has) an impact on the landscape character. This might mean that any intended
project referred for landscape character protection is liable to be rejected.
According to §12, landscape character is protected with a view to protecting
significant landscape elements (SLE), particularly protected areas (PPA), dominant
cultural landscape features, a harmonic landscape scale and relationships, and the
natural and aesthetic qualities of a landscape are protected against deterioration.
Not all parts of a landscape that are influenced by a given intended project display
the attributes and qualities mentioned above. Some landscape segments are of
indistinguished or indifferent landscape character, with no pronounced and positive
attributes (the landscape has no specific character).
Landscape character protection must focus on
protection of the typical attributes (natural, cultural and historical) of a given
region that constitute qualities of landscape character in accordance with §12
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
16
protection of the natural and aesthetic qualities that are protected against
deterioration in accordance with §12
preservation of SLE, PPA, dominant cultural landscape features, harmonic
landscape scale and relationships, in accordance with paragraph (1) of §12
of the Act
B.1.2. Methodological principles
(B.1.2.1.) The principle is methodologically based on dividing the assessment
process into several separate stages. The separate stages, which all include a
transparent statement of results, lead to considerable elimination of subjectivity
in the assessment process, and provide some space for discussion. Uncertainties
and divergences resulting from more or less subjective reasoning can therefore be
set aside.
(B.1.2.2.) The basic principle of the method is spatial and character
differentiation of a landscape – delineation of distinct landscape parts, each
homogeneous in character. Landscape character zones and unit spaces are
differentiated with regard to natural conditions (morphology, land-cover type,
climate), structure and land-use pattern (character of colonisation and other traces
of landscape cultivation) in their historical context. When delineating the unit spaces
of landscape character, it is above all spatial factors and landscape scene
uniformity that are taken into account.
(B.1.2.3.) The process consists of three stages:
a. Delineation of the assessment area (ALA)
That is, delineation of the affected landscape area based on the character of the
assessed intended project (constructures, land-use changes).
b. An evaluation of the landscape character of the area
The purpose of this evaluation is to list and describe the attributes of the landscape
character of the affected landscape area.
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
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c. Landscape character impact assessment
This assessment evaluates the extent to which the intended project can impact the
landscape character of the given area, and considers the acceptability of the
changes.
(B.1.2.4.) Stage procedures:
ad a) The delineation of an assessment area consists of the following steps:
A description of the intended project (construction or land-use
change) – an analysis of the potential of the intended project to affect the
landscape character physically and/or visually.
Delineation of the affected landscape area (ALA) by analysing the
ring of potential visibility and visual barriers.
ad b) The evaluation consists of the following steps:
Delineation of LCZ and LCUS – a general description of the landscape
character of a larger area (LCZ) and its role in the landscape context
(biogeography, geomorphology, land cover, settlement, culture, history),
and delineation of LCUS. LCUS are delineated only in the ALA.
Identification of natural, cultural and historical attributes of the
landscape character, and a classification of these attrributes. The
attributes should be identified and evaluated separately for each LCUS.
ad c) The impact assessment comprises the following processes:
An evaluation of the extent of the impacts of the intended project on
the identified attributes and qualities.
An assessment of the acceptability of the impact from the viewpoint
of landscape character preservation (deriving from the uniqueness of the
landscape character of the area or region).
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
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B.2. Assessment procedure
GENERAL SCHEME FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT
OF AN INTENDED CONSTRUCTURE OR LAND-USE CHANGE
ON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
ASSESSMENT
PROCEDURE STEPS
EXPLANATION BASIS
STAGE a. DELINEATION OF AN ASSESSMENT AREA
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE
INTENDED
CONSTRUCTURE OR
LAND-USE CHANGE,
DEFFINITION OF
GOALS AND BASIC
QUESTIONS
A description of the potential of the
intended constructure or land-use
change to affect the landscape
character; a description of possible
conflicts between the intended
object and landscape character
preservation. A definition of the goal
and of basic assessment issues
based on a general description of
the affected area and the
anticipated influence of the intended
structures or land use on the
landscape character.
Blueprints of the intended
constructures, land use
planning documentation (e.g.
land use plan or urban
study).
2. DELINEATION OF THE
AFFECTED
LANDSCAPE AREA
(ALA)
Delineation of the ALA (space or
group of spaces of landscape
character) that is definitely or
potentially affected by the intended
constructures or change in land use.
Barriers to visibility (horizons, forest
edges, plantations outside a forest
area, built-up areas) and circles
showing the coverage of sensual
effects (visual, acoustic, etc.) due to
the intended project.
A field survey, a topographic
map, an analysis of
panoramic landscape
photos, terrain sections,
visibility diagrams.
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
19
STAGE b. AN EVALUATION OF THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF
AN AREA
3. DELINEATION OF LCZ
AND LCUS
A general description of a larger
area (LCZ) in the landscape context
(biogeography, geomorphology,
vegetation cover, settlement,
culture, history); a list of places of
landscape character within the ALA.
In the simpliest case, the whole ALA
is a single unit of landscape
character.
Land survey, aerial
photography, biogeorgaphic
mapping, water bodies,
previous landscape
assessment documentation,
geological maps, geobotanic
maps, information on
settlement, history, etc.
4. IDENTIFICATION AND
CLASSIFICATION OF
LANDSCAPE
CHARACTER
ATTRIBUTES
Identification of attributes and traits
of the aspects of landscape
character within ALA, for LCUS –
natural, cultural and historical
attributes; presence of aesthetic
qualities, harmonic scale and
relationships. The attributes should
be classified according to their
importance for the character of each
LCUS.
Land survey, aerial
photography, borders of
PPA, SLE, biogeographic
zoning, a list of cultural
heritage entities, borders of
historic preservation zones,
historical maps and
documents, historical
photographs, etc.
STAGE c. AN IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5. EVALUATION OF THE
IMPACT ON
IDENTIFIED
ATTRIBUTES
An evaluation of the extent to which
the intended constructures or landuse
changes influence the identified
landscape character attributes of
ALA.
Conclusions from the
previous analyses.
6. AN ASSESSMENT OF
THE ACCEPTABILITY
OF THE IMPACT,
BASED ON ITS
SEVERITY;
CONCLUSIONS
A summary of the above
assessment stages; a specification
of the acceptable extent of the
impact on each recognised attribute,
an evaluation of the impression,
importance and rareness of each
attribute (positive, neutral, negative;
fundamental, significant, marginal;
unique, rare, common), and the
formulation of a conclusion
(acceptable, unacceptable, highly
unacceptable), and, in some cases,
recommendations for minimising the
impact on landscape character.
Conclusions from the
previous analyses.
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
20
B.2.1. Specification of a proposed constructure or land-use
change
(B.2.1.1.) The assessment is based on the information in the documentation of the
intended project. The extent of the project, the potential physical, visual, acoustic
and olfactory impacts on the landscape character, and also other direct, related or
incidental impacts on a given landscape are to be taken into consideration. The first
step in a proper assessment is to specify the potential impact of the intended
project on the landschape character. This description therefore indicates what the
assessor is basing his assessment on, what data he can use, and which features of
the intended project he is focusing on.
(B.2.1.2.) When assessing an intended project, other intended projects or plans
prepared in the neighbouring area need to be taken in account, especially finalised
structure placement findings and intended projects in approved urban development
plans. The timing for the realization of the intended projects in the area needs to be
taken into account.
B.2.2. Delineation of the affected landscape area (ALA)
(B.2.2.1.) Any intended project has an impact on the landscape character of a
limited area only. This is the space that is influenced by the direct physical or
sensual (visual, acoustic or olfactory) characteristics of the intended project. This
limited part of the landscape is referred to as the affected landscape area (ALA).
(B.2.2.2.) The following ways can be used to delineate an affected landscape area:
delineation of ALA using the visual barrier method – horizons of
geomorphology, forest stands or built-up areas
delineation of the potential visibility radius – this is empirically
delineated in two ranges: the radius of strong visibility and the radius of
clear visibility
or, in some cases, outlining the ranges of non-visual sensual
impacts (acoustic, olfactory)
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
21
ALA is almost always delineated by visual barriers, but where there are vistas from
the locality of the intended project, it is necessary to use the potential visibility
radius method. If the acoustic or other impact of the intended project spatially
exceeds the range of the visual impact, it becomes decisive for delineating ALA.
B.2.3. Delineation of landscape character zones and unit
spaces
(B.2.3.1.) Landscape character unit spaces can be delineated, if it is purposeful
and practical to do so from the point of view of landscape character assessment
within ALA. When delineating these spaces, it is necessary to keep in mind that the
borders of landscape character areas can be different of those of ALA. The next
step in the methodology is to make a general description of a wider area, to
delineate the landscape character unit space/spaces, and to make a description of
the characteristic attributes of the unit spaces. The impact of the intended project
under asessment can affect more than one landscape character space.
(B.2.3.2.) The borders of LCUSs can be formed by morphological horizons, by
natural and man-made structures or by transition zones with changing landscape
character qualities (natural, cultural or historical), which always play a role in the
character of a landscape. These characteristics can be the shape and configuration
of the relief of the landscape, the species composition of its vegetation cover, or the
importance and quality of the history of the water bodies in the area (periods of
substantial changes in the landscape character of the area), and current land use.
A combination of all these features, or the feature that is most important, can
identify the border of the LCUS. When delineating the LCUS, two approaches are
important:
Inside the space – a visual display of the spatial composition and
configuration of the elements that create the spatial characteristics
Outside the space – vistas into neighbouring areas, openness and
demarcation by visual horizons
(B.2.3.3.) A general description of LCUS is used as the basis for an analysis of the
context of the intended project under assessment, and also for identifying the
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
22
general attributes of the landscape character of the space. The output of this
analysis is a written document divided into chapters on Natural Characteristics,
Cultural and Historic Characteristics, and a comprehensive chapter on the Main
Landscape Character Attributes. These chapters summarize the most significant
attributes of the intended project. The list of characteristics is not provided with a
commentary.
(B.2.3.4.) Within the affected landscape area (ALA) delineated in the previous step,
the character of the LCUS is defined. This shows the visually delimited landscape
spaces that are visually continuous from most viewpoints within the space, that are
perceivable from places outside the space, or places that are perceived as distinct
due to their special character. Landscape character spaces are distinguished not
only by their visual limits and the specific qualities of their settings, but also by their
specific natural, cultural and historical characteristics. ALA can in some cases be
identical with an LCUS.
B.2.4. Identification and classification of landscape
character attributes
(B.2.4.1) For each LCUS it is necessary to:
specify the attributes that are most significant for the landscape
character, which can be either the mere presence of elements and
features or the impression of their spatial and aesthetic setting
identify significant attributes of spatial relationships and scenery
identify the aesthetic qualities of an area of harmonic scale and
relationships
classify the discovered attributes according to the impression that
they make (positive, neutral, negative), their importance (fundamental,
significant, marginal) and their rareness (unique, rare, common).
(B.2.4.2.) Natural attributes can involve the presence, character, pattern and
visual impact of natural elements and phenomena such as relief, forests and forest
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
23
edges, scattered vegetation, meadows, wetlands, water bodies, lakes and riparian
zones.
(B.2.4.3.) The presence of natural values protected by law (e.g. Particularly
Protected Areas) can indicate and/or objectify the presence of positive natural
qualities within the ALA.
(B.2.4.4.) Cultural and historical attributes can involve the presence, character,
pattern and visual impact of the following attributes and phenomena: a place of
cultural, historical and/or spiritual importance, structures and sets of structures that
bear witness to historical uses and the evolution of land use, settlement structure,
urban structure and the image of settlements, the cultural and historical significance
of buildings, integration of a settlement within its natural setting.
(B.2.4.5.) The presence of architectural values and historical monuments can
indicate and/or objectify the presence of positive historical or cultural values.
(B.2.4.6.) The aesthetic value of a landscape emanates from:
spatial relationships and scenic settings (the spatial composition
and character of the spaces, the configuration and character of the
elements, distinctive features of the landscape)
harmony in relationships and scale
(B.2.4.7.) Spatial relationships and scenery setting attributes can involve the
character, structure and visual impact of the following elements and features:
landscape mosaic, patterns of patches, lines and spots within the landscape, the
color scheme of the scenery, contrasts in the transitions between landscape
elements, the geometry of the landscape elements, the horizons and the spatial
definition of the scenery.
(B.2.4.8.) The presence of positive values in the ALA can also be indicated by the
presence of some specific qualities of the spatial structure of the landscape.
(B.2.4.9.) The attributes of harmonic relationships in the landscape and a
harmonic scale can appear from harmony between human activities and natural
conditions in a landscape. In other words, means harmony among natural, cultural
and historical attributes. It also involves harmony between the scale of the whole
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
24
and the scales of the individual elements, in the forms of the spaces and the
proportion of natural and near-natural elements and components of the landscape.
(B.2.4.10.) The identified landscape character attributes and qualities of a
landscape area (ALA) are not all of equal significance. Some of them may be of
fundamental significance for the landscape structure and scenery, while others
may be less remarkable.
(B.2.4.11.) Significance is defined as a measure of the extent to which an attribute
or quality contributes to the overall character of a landscape. Three levels of
significance are differentiated: I. fundamental; II. significant; III. marginal.
A fundamental attribute is a landscape feature that is crucial for the character
of the landscape
A significant attribute is a landscape feature that contributes significantly to
the character of the landscape
A marginal attribute is a landscape feature that adds something of lesser
importance to the character of the landscape
(B.2.4.12.) It is clear that any negative impacts on positive attributes that are of
fundamental or of significant importance will be recognized as more serious than
impacts on attributes of lower importance.
(B.2.4.13.) Rareness of attributes – the identified landscape character attributes
and qualities of a given area (ALA) are not all equal in value. Some can be
classified as unique, some as rare, and some as common.
A unique attribute is a landscape feature that is unique within the relevant
area of landscape character, region or state.
A rare attribute is a landscape feature that is of infrequent occurrence
within the relevant area of landscape character, region or
state.
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
25
A common attribute is a landscape feature that is of frequent occurrence within
the relevant area of landscape character, region or state.
(B.2.4.14.) It is clear that any impacts on unique or rare attributes and qualities that
would change or degrade them will be recognized as more serious than impacts on
common attributes and qualities.
(B.2.4.15.) Classification of positive and negative impressions. Each aspect of
a landscape makes an impression, in addition to its contribution to the landscape
character. This impression can be positive, meaning that its role in the landscape
scenery is pleasant, negative or neutral. For a positive landscape character
evaluation, in accordance with the Act, sustainablility of the feature represented by
the evaluated attribute is decisive. The impression is crucial for subsequent
evaluation of the landscape character.
B.2.5. Evaluation of the impact of the intention on the
landscape character
(B.2.5.1.) Although identifying the landscape character attributes and qualities of an
area provides a considerable amount of data, and it would be possible to include
more than the three basic (natural, cultural and historical) categories to define
landscape character, it is necessary to narrow the outputs in the sense of the
requirements of §12 of the Act. This is because in most cases an assessment in
accordance with §12 can serve as technical grounds, or expert evidence, in
administrative procedures. It is therefore practically useful when the formulation of
the conclusion corresponds with the phraseology of the Act. The output of the
process is therefore a conclusion that expresses the extent to which the intended
project impacts the
natural attributes
cultural attributes
historical attributes
natural qualities
aesthetic qualities
significant landscape elements (SLE)
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
26
particularly protected areas (PPA)
dominant natural features
dominant cultural features
harmonic scale
harmonic relationships
(B.2.5.2.) It is important to detect whether the intended project has a positive,
negative or neutral impact on the landscape character.
(B.2.5.3.) Disturbances that degrade the positive natural and aesthetic qualities of a
landscape, or that accentuate existing negative landscape attributes, are of
particular importance for landscape character protection. These are negative
impacts, the intensity of which is then evaluated. Positive impacts on landscape
character attributes are always in harmony with landscape character protection, so
there is no need to evaluate their intensity.
(B.2.5.4.) The intensity of negative impacts derives from the intensity of the conflict
between those impacts, on the one hand, and positive landscape character
attributes, landscape scenery and parts of landscape sceneries in a landscape
character zone or unit spaces that were identified during the assessment process,
on the other. The intensity of the impact is assessed empirically on the basis of on
the assessor’s expertise. Six levels of impact intensity are used: positive impact,
no impact, low impact, medium-size impact, strong impact, devastating
impact.
(B.2.5.5.) Impact intensity is not the only criterion for evaluating the impact of an
intended project. The significance and rareness of the identified landscape
character attributes are also taken into consideration.
(B.2.5.6.) The impact intensity assessment of an intended project, and also the
classification of the identified attributes can be summarized on a single summary
sheet.
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
27
SUMMARY SHEET OF
THE CLASSIFICATION
OF IDENTIFIED
ATTRIBUTES AND THE
INTENSITY OF THE
IMPACT OF THE
INTENDED PROJECT ON
THESE ATTRIBUTES
Classification of identified attributes
Intensity of the
impact of the
intended
project on the
identified
attributes
According to
attribute
impression
According to
attribute
significance
According to
attribute
rareness
Positive impact
No impact
Low impact
Medium-size
impact
Strong impact
Devastating
impact
Attributes of
landscape
character
Specifically
identified
attributes and
qualities
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Fundamental
Significant
Marginal
Unique
Rare
Common
Natural
attributes,
including
dominant
natural
features
Cultural
attributes,
including
dominant
cultural
features
Historical
attributes
Aesthetic
attributes,
including
scale and
relationships
Vorel, I., Bukáček, R., Matějka, P., Culek, M., Sklenička, P.
28
B.2.6. Conclusions and objectivization of results
(B.2.6.1.) On the basis of the steps set out here, we can evaluate the frequency of
the identified attributes and values, the impression that they will make, their
significance and rareness, and also the intensity of the impact of the intended
project. These facts provide a sufficient basis for a final statement on the
acceptability of the intended project in terms of landscape character protection.
(B.2.6.2.) The conclusions of the assessment can be objectified by instituting an
independent expert inquiry to reassess the findings. This inquiry will lead to a
document in which, based on their assessment, the experts discuss the crucial
issues of identifying and evaluating the landscape character attributes and qualities,
and also the intensity of the impacts that the intended project will have.
A Method for Assessing the Visual Impact on Landscape Character
29
Ivan Vorel
Roman Bukáček
Petr Matějka
Martin Culek
Petr Sklenička
A method for assessing the visual impact on landscape character
of proposed construction, activities or changes in land use
English text:
Vojtěch Novotný, Kristina Molnárová, Robin Healey, Petr Sklenička
Centrum pro krajinu, s.r.o.
ISBN 80-903206-8-6
Prague 2006
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