Skill Builders: Scenic Evaluation Concepts & Methods

Because scenic quality is so subjective, it is helpful to base findings on commonly used scenic 
evaluation concepts as described here.

* Intactness
Intactness refers to the degree to which the landscape is untouched in its original form, whether 
this be natural or historic. For example, intact natural landscapes could include unspoiled wilderness 
areas; intact historic landscapes could include well-preserved historic districts or sites.

* Variety
Variety refers to the amount and diversity of differing visual features in the landscape. Normally, 
the higher the level of variety in a scene, the greater the level of interest.

* Color
Color can enhance interest in a scene. Consider the quality and intensity of color in the landscape 
as seen in rock formations, soil, water, sky, vegetation and manmade features.

* Contrast	
Contrast refers to the amount of difference in shading, color, texture or form of landscape features. 
For instance, the stark contrast of an open face of granite on a mountainside surrounded by green 
vegetation provides more interest and appeal than a mountainside completely covered with trees.

* Scale
Scale refers to the way in which the height, length, width and bulk of buildings or other manmade 
features relate to others and to the natural landscape. A tall, thin building might seem out of 
scale on a flat beachfront or on open rangeland. A large, bulky building would be out of scale 
with small summer cottages.

* Order
Order is achieved when elements appear to relate to one another; order is lost when one element is 
clearly not part of a set. For example, when a white concrete building appears in the middle of a row 
of brick townhouses, the order of the streetscape is lost. 

* Harmony
Harmony expresses the degree to which the individual features work together to create a pleasing 
whole. To the degree that each of the above visual concepts is applicable in a scene, harmony is 
achieved if they balance and complement one another.



Scenic Evaluation Methods 
Scenic evaluation systems typically score attributes or rank visual preference as a foundation for 
assessment. Adapt these two types of scenic evaluation methods for your byway.

1. Attribute-Scoring Systems
Attribute-scoring systems look at the attributes and features that make up a view or roadway segment 
and assign each element either a quantitative score or a qualitative ranking. For example, a 
quantitative system might give a particular roadway segment a score of 8 for integrity, 6 for color, 
and so on. Other systems rely on qualitative assessments, such as "distinctive," "noteworthy," and 
"commonplace." Still other systems simply call for recording whether or not a particular feature, 
such as a stone wall, occurs within a given segment of roadway. Most of these attribute-scoring systems 
also use some type of weighting system to arrive at a final determination of scenic quality.

2. Visual Preference Systems
Visual preference systems do not attempt to analyze why a view is scenic, but rather to rank many 
views based on the responses by representatives of a community or user group. Typically, people are 
shown a series of photographs of different views and score the views based on their preferences. 
Visual preference surveys are sometimes used to support an attribute-based scenic evaluation method.