Visual assessment and environmental impact reporting: A study of methods and application : [dissertation] submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Landscape Architecture, Lincoln College

Abstract

The following investigation has been instigated to provide a critical insight into present, and potential, visual assessment techniques and approaches, within the framework of New Zealand's environment impact reporting process.

In order to appreciate the method for establishing such a platform of knowledge and interpretation, it is first necessary to understand the more specific objectives of this study. These can be briefly summarised as being:

i) Coming to an understanding of past and present, local appraisal methods, through description and evaluation of a sampling of EIRs and audits.This involves attendant definition of areas of technical, and process, strength and weakness - including reference to political implications. ii) To then look at general spheres of potential development and progress, specifically utilising examples of visual assessment application and research from outside New Zealand. iii) Finally, to amalgamate the first two objectives through a case study - combining the present state of local assessment, with mechanisms and approaches which may offer improvement to the function, and enhance the end product.