Landscape Value Methods

Methods

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Paper GIS: Mapping Places with Stickers or Markers

		This method of mapping provides participants with a map of the study area and sticker dots (or markers) to identify landscape values, special places, development preferences, activities, or any spatial attribute of research interest. Key considerations for mapping success include map quality and map scale, easy to place markers, and clear and understandable instructions. The image on the left shows 4 unweighted sticker dots representing 13 values. Other studies have also used weighted sticker dots where each landscape value is given an importance rating or weight such as 50, 25, 10, or 5.

Flash-based and Google Maps/Earth Internet-based Mapping

Image of Internet Application

Internet-based mapping uses a web interface that records landscape values or other important attributes (e.g., activities, experiences, threats, facilities needs) on a displayed map image. The point locations of the values are recorded in a database. The first internet-based landscape values mapping application was developed by Dr. Jen Beverly and colleagues at the Canadian Forest Service to inform fire policy for Crown lands in Canada. The application used Adobe "Flash" and PHP/mySQL software. Additional internet applications using the same method were completed on three national forests in the U.S.--the Coconino National Forest (use access code 101-0101), the Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests (use access code 101-0101), and the Mt. Hood National Forest (use access code 101-0101). The Parks Victoria (Australia) Alpine Region study (use access code 101-0101) also used a Flash-based PPGIS system. An alternative method, developed by Dr. Norm McIntyre and colleagues at Lakehead University in Canada uses ArcIMS software and allows participants to draw points, polygons, or lines on the displayed map of the study area. An example of this method can be viewed here.

Google Maps and Google Earth PPGIS applications represent the 2nd generation of internet-based PPGIS systems. These PPGIS applications use the Google Maps/Earth application programming interface (API) and offer the advantage of public familiarity, more flexible map navigation (zoom, pan), and multiple map views (e.g., map, satellite, terrain). The first Google Maps PPGIS application (use access code 101-0101) asked residents of Grand County, Colorado, to identify ecosystem services. A second Google Maps PPGIS application (101-0101) was developed collaboratively with The Nature Conservancy and asked Wyoming residents in 3 rural counties to identify different landscape values and attributes.

Informant Interview Polygon Mapping

		This method asks participants to draw polygons on maps to indicate landscape values and special places. The drawing of participant polygons is usually (and best) done under the supervision of a trained researcher conducting an interview with the participant about the qualities of the study region and the participant's identification and attachment to the region. Researchers at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, including Anne Black, have successfully used this method to map values related to wildfire policy. Polygon mapping can also be done with conventional mail survey techniques using a polygon map legend that color-codes the various landscape values. The map image to the left shows a respondent map using this method where the respondent was provided with a set of colored pencils to draw the polygons. Research is needed to determine the consistency in responses between point and polygon mapping methods.

Workshop Mapping

		This method involves inviting participants to a workshop where participants complete a mapping exercise by following instructions provided by the workshop facilitator. This method can use any of the methods described above--paper or computer-based GIS. Chris Raymond, a former social science researcher with the South Australian government, now Ph.D. student at the University of South Australia, has used the workshop method to have participants map both landscape values and potential landscape changes due to climate change in South Australia.