Identify and Protect Critical Visual Resources
In many parts of the country, scenic resources draw visitors and add to the quality of life for residents. Particularly in rural areas, the connection between natural setting and economic vitality is undeniable. The problem that many communities face is determining how to identify and protect their visual resources while respecting private property rights and accomodating reasonable development.
We've worked with numerous communities to help with visual resource identification and protection. While there is certainly a subjective, aesthetic component to visual resource protection, we've focussed instead on quantifiable aspects. Toward this end, we've developed software and methodologies geared specifically toward protection of critical viewsheds, skyline views and views to distinctive landforms. Our projects section describes work we've done with communities to help preserve their scenic setting, including the Smart Growth award-winning "Douglas County Environmental and Visual Analysis."
If you would like to see examples of mapping visual resources, visit our mapping visual resources portfolio!
