Spatially assessing unpleasant places with hard- and soft-GIS methods: A river landscape application

This paper explores the visual, acoustic and olfactory impairments to landscape aesthetic quality in a river landscape case study, using hard- and soft-GIS approaches. The research objectives are (1) to develop a model that localizes the spatial distribution of areas likely perceived as unpleasant and assesses the intensity of visual, acoustic and olfactory impairments in those areas by using a hard-GIS method, and (2) to test the statistical validity of the model based on results gained from a soft GIS method. The case study area is the Lahn river landscape, Germany. Results show a substantial share of the study area affected by modelled impairments, especially areas close to urban environments and along rivers. The area affected by impairments is highest for visual (91%), followed by acoustic (84%) and olfactory factors (54%). However, impairment intensities are greatest for acoustics (30% of study area) and visual (18%). Soft-GIS data tests revealed statistical defensibility of modeled impaired areas. The results highlight the importance of disaggregate analyses of impairments and can provide information on suitable locations for interventions to minimize impairments. Combining hard-GIS with soft-GIS methods may contribute to the credibility, relevance and legitimacy of scientific findings for planning processes and decision-making.