Assessment of landscape aesthetics—Validation of a landscape metrics-based assessment by visual estimation of the scenic beauty

摘要: Abstract The assessment of cultural ecosystem services, in our case landscape aesthetics, is the most commonly investigated but least formalized issue scope services concept. In contrast to ecological or economic aspects, aesthetics cannot easily be based on quantitative information. Therefore, two different methodological approaches that assess either from an objective a subjective point view have been established past. This article presents its first part objective, metrics-based approach. We defined naturalness and diversity as criteria selected Shannon's Diversity Index (SHDI), Shape (SHAPE) Patch Density (PD) indicators. tested approach for set nine types model region Saxony, Germany. For validating developed methodology, we carried out survey with 153 participants order investigate their preferences types. These had expressed by rating scale 1 (very ugly) 5 beautiful). study was three data sets, namely photographs types, satellite images, land cover maps. Statistical tests were applied (a) impact personal factors ratings, (b) detect whether abstraction levels are suitable preference studies, (c) compare results (landscape metrics) (visual assessment). Personal did not influence visual significantly. found highest correlation photographs. conclude metrics might monitoring aesthetics. An extended more useful further reliability findings.