Field Application of A Forest Landscape Zoning Method

The objective of this study is to develop a forest landscape zoning method using the geographical information system (GIS). The method consists of landscape resources assessment procedures which include the inventory process for identifying landscape resources and the evaluation process for analyzing detailed landscape attributes. This method was applied to a case study of a forest scenery management project in the area of Mt. Sambong in South Korea. Initially, the natural and artificial landscape resources were identified and mapped using GIS. Next, the landscape sensitivity was measured in terms of visibility and visual absorption capability (VAC) using GIS to quantify the relative importance of the features identified in a landscape inventory. Then, the scenic attractiveness of the landscape unit was analyzed to estimate the landscape value. The landscape value was estimated as the function of the quality and quantity of various landscape resources as well as the intrinsic beauty of the scenery as influenced by historical and cultural features. Based on the landscape sensitivity and value obtained, the zoning of the mountain forest for landscape management was done.