Visualization in forest landscape preference research: a Finnish perspective

Knowledge on human reactions to visualizations and knowledge on the suitability of these visualizations to landscape preference studies is limited. This article aims at filling out some of this gap of information by presenting criteria for evaluating the suitability of visualization methods for forest landscape preference research purposes and by comparing the benefits and disadvantages of different means of visualization: on-site visits, original and manipulated photographs, and virtual landscape simulators. The focus of the article is on virtual landscape simulators that are totally or partly developed in Finland. Today digital image editing and virtual landscape simulators offer the most sophisticated means of visualization for forest landscape preference research. With the aid of these methods it is possible to control the variables that are not in the focus of the study. Landscape simulators are less labor-intensive than image editing and offer flexible movement between different viewpoints. Simulators are not restricted to represent limited areas in the manner of photographs. They are also able to link images with forest inventory data and planning systems. However, for preference research purposes these illustrations may correspond inadequately to the real world whereas digital image editing produces images corresponding to the realistic qualities of the original photos. In future, virtual landscape simulators will be the easiest and the most flexible means of visualization in forest landscape preference research given that the development of simulators will take into account the needs of preference research. Research purposes may require relatively high levels of realism in illustrations, which sets a need for large photographic databases, as well as integration with different sources of spatial data. In addition, the use of mixed techniques offers possibilities for efficient and accurate visualizations. More empirical research is needed in order to evaluate and compare the usability of visualization media in forest landscape preference research.