Can visitors visually distinguish successive coastal landscapes? A case study from the Curonian Spit (Lithuania)

Key Aesthetic Appeal Concepts of Coastal Dunes and Forests on the Example of the Curonian Spit (Lithuania)

“…A pre-test of the survey instrument was conducted using a Chi squared-test to identify whether the difference among different landscape type images and the equivalence of the three different images representing the same landscape type was statistically significant. As the main result of the pre-testing, we proved (p < 0.00001) that lay visitors of the Curonian Spit indeed distinguish different landscapes and their combinations portrayed in monochrome photographs [19]. Therefore, the 135 images representing 45 forest and dune landscapes of the Curonian Spit as well as their intermediate succession and management stages served as visual stimuli for the main paired comparison study.…”

“…This limitation rendered it possible to use only monochrome photographs in our survey. We relied on the argument that monochrome photography supposedly captures both the historical ambience and the closeness of tourists to the "other" nature, landscape, heritage, or local culture [19,70]. This argument is coherent with the psychophysical approach on which our study relied.…”

“…On each presentation, the observer would indicate which scene is perceived to be more attractive regarding scenery. The advantage of this method is that it presents a relatively simple task for the respondent [19].…”

“…The final set comprised monochromatic double photos representing all dune landscape types and land features on the Curonian Spit from different viewing positions. As the visual conditions are quite diverse, and the level of patchiness of the landscapes is quite high in the dunes, we used three photographs for every analyzed landscape type [19].…”

“…It is difficult because, very often, matching the ecosystem services, the conservation regulations, and the landscape perceptions by the visitors can be problematic [18]. It is necessary because recreation demands must be balanced with conservation needs for natural resources and ecosystem services [19].…”