Visual Preferences for Edge Environment Themes

Edge, the visual boundary between landscape elements such as forest and meadow, has been recognized as an important factor influencing visual perception of landscape. Yet it was not known if visitors to a state park would systematically perceive different edge environments. This study was proposed to determine those patterns or themes of edge environments viewed as important by park visitors and to determine which would be the most visually preferred. One hundred sixty visitors to the Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Tennessee, were asked to rate for preference 32 black and white photographs of edge environments using a photo questionnaire survey instrument. Sampling took place during the months of July and August of 1982. Data were factor analyzed using principal factoring with iteration and varimax rotation. Criteria for the factor analysis yielded five edge environment themes. Themes were named Managed Enclosure, Natural Enclosure, Refuge Dominant, Rough, Ill-Defined and Prospect Dominant. Preference ranking for factors were made using T-tests. It was concluded that visitors systematically perceived edge environment themes and had preferences for those themes. Edge was found to be a landscape theme that can be used in design and management efforts to enhance the visual resource.