Visual preference of the public for vegetation groups in Israel

This study describes a method for classifying and evaluating the visual qualities of selected native and planned forests and other vegetation groups in Israel, and for identifying the degree of visual preference by selected groups of users. Forty-four vegetation groups were selected. Sets of four coloured photographs of each vegetation group were presented to 150 individuals at formal interviews in their homes. Statistical analysis of the answers led to three main conclusions: (1) the existing botanical-ecological classification of vegetation groups used in the study was found to be suitable for the evaluation of its visual qualities; (2) levels of public preference varied and depended on the types of vegetation group; and (3) visual preference for vegetation types could be derived from the individual plants' physical properties and the latter could be used to forecast the level of public visual preference for a proposed vegetation plan. This study, therefore, suggests a workable evaluation method that could be used for identifying and evaluating public preference for vegetation groups. The findings regarding public preference provide an empirically tested basis for policy planning and the management of other vegetation resources in Israel. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.