T
T
T
Treesearch

A computerized system for portrayal of landscape alterations

Informally Refereed
Download (PDF 1.26 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/27572.pdf

Abstract

The growing public awareness of and participation in the visual resource decision process has stimulated interest to find improved means of accurately and realistically displaying proposed alterations. The traditional artist renderings often lack the accuracy and objectivity needed for critical decisions. One approach, using computer graphics, led to the MOSAIC system which is a special adaptation of photomontage techniques capable of meeting most of the requirements for realism, accuracy and cost. This paper briefly covers some of the early development and explains some of the more innovative concepts of the system. The development and demonstration phases were conducted using actual landscape alteration problems. Key steps involved in field measurement, photography, computer input and output, artist enhancement, documentation and training materials are described. Finally, capabilities and limitations are discussed in terms of the applications of the system. Specific issues will include costs, data requirements, ranges and scales, terrain characteristics and skill needs.

Parent Publication

Citation

Stevenson, A. E.; Conley, J. A.; Carey, J. B. 1979. A computerized system for portrayal of landscape alterations. In: Elsner, Gary H., and Richard C. Smardon, technical coordinators. 1979. Proceedings of our national landscape: a conference on applied techniques for analysis and management of the visual resource [Incline Village, Nev., April 23-25, 1979]. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-35. Berkeley, CA. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Exp. Stn., Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: p. 151-156