Research on cognitive evaluation of forest color based on visual behavior experiments and landscape preference

Abstract

Forest colors are important elements for public enjoying the scenery. So increasing attention has been acquired on forest color cognition. However researches on relationship between forest colors and public response are still insufficient, which cannot provide sufficient theoretical basis for the regulation of forest landscape in color. Therefore, We seek to examine the relationship between forest color and visual behavior based on eye tracking technology, and further interpret the visual indicators through the value of scenic beauty. This study researched Jiaozi Mountain in China by selecting 29 sampling points, counting up 116 photographs in 4 seasons by a mountainous region. On this basis, Matlab was performed to quantitatively extract color elements, while ArcGIS and Fragstats were applied to extract the spatial index of color patches. A total of 10 indicators were obtained to explain the color characteristics of each forest image. Through both visual behavior experiment and landscape preference evaluation, the results showed that people tend to have different visual behaviors and preference cognition when observing forest colors of different seasonal types. Based on the study of forest landscape color in all seasons, the subjects tend to judge the image in comparison to other seasonal forest landscape color photos to identify it more easily. For a single-season forest colors, diversified color information and abundant visual attention are important factors influencing the correlation between visual behavior, landscape preference, and forest color characteristics. This study aims to further reveal people’s perceptions and psychological preference to forest colors, contribute to the establishment of a more quantitative and scientific scenery evaluation system, and provide a scientific basis for forest color planning and design.

Combined Effects of the Visual–Acoustic Environment on Public Response in Urban Forests

“…Evaluating landscape quality is a multidimensional process involving multiple constituent indicators. In the field of research on the evaluation of landscape quality based on visual landscape elements, scholars propose four categories of key elements [10]: landscape spatial scale elements [11], physical landscape elements [12], color elements [13], and comprehensive elements [14]. Furthermore, drawing on research related to mountain parks [15], this study further identifies vegetation elements, water body elements, spatial elements, and construction elements as the main factors affecting the landscape quality of mountain forests.…”

Exploring the impact of autumn color and bare tree landscapes in virtual environments on human well-being and therapeutic effects across different sensory modalities

“…Within the color evaluation of autumn landscapes, factors like the primary autumn color, color saturation, and brightness play essential roles. The primary autumn color significantly impacts visual preferences, while color saturation and brightness factors also contribute significantly to visual evaluations [ 44 ]. These findings are highly beneficial for better landscape design and management, improving the public’s perception and satisfaction with landscapes.…”

“…Studies suggest that natural environments like urban areas, forests, and campuses that support human mental recovery require diverse landscape types, and barren tree landscapes can serve as an integral part of seasonal dynamic changes, enhancing their effectiveness [ 44 ]. Barren tree landscapes in nature can be seen as "natural barriers," aiding people in better focusing on their sensations and emotional experiences, thereby alleviating anxiety and stress [ 46 ].…”

Positive or Negative Viewpoint Determines the Overall Scenic Beauty of a Scene: A Landscape Perception Evaluation Based on a Panoramic View

“…Brighter, moderately saturated, and color-coordinated scenes tend to be more popular. Therefore, the presence of C2 can enhance the observer's beauty experience of the panorama [49,[64][65][66][67]. Moreover, the presentation of C3 has a significant positive impact on the beauty evaluation.…”