In the selection and designation of scenic byways, there is a need for quantitative criteria to ensure minimum acceptable levels of scenic and historic quality. A study approach to the quantification of byway quality in the states of iowa, kansas, missouri, and nebraska is described. A system consisting of a lap-top computer and a video camera connected to a distance measuring device (dmd) is used on board a vehicle to collect information about a potential byway. A commentator (usually the driver) describes the following: the type of view (panorama, scene, or focal point); the quality of view with a numerical rating from 1 (excellent) to 5 (poor or highly detracting);and the quality of presentation based on the relative ease of seeing the various views as the road is driven. The views are given a quality of presentation rating from 1 (straight ahead) to 5 (out the side window); how long (distance) a particular view or element is observable; the types of activities along the road; and a 1 to 5 rating of the visual character of the roadway itself. The information from the commentator is stored in the computer using a specially coded and colored keyboard. Certain keystrokes poll the dmd to collect distance speed and time. The video camera is panned to record the view being described by the commentator. It captures the verbal comments aswell as the instantaneous distance, speed, and time. The quantitative approach will be used to determine potential byway rating numbersfor use in the selection and designation of scenic byways. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1291, Fifth international conference on low-volume roads, may 19-23, 1991, raleigh, north carolina, volume 1.
Abstract