Visualising Landscape Dynamics

sustainability Editorial Visualising Landscape Dynamics Amedeo Ganciu * , Enrico Cicalò, Michele Valentino and Mara Balestrieri Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, 07041 Alghero, Italy; encic@uniss.it (E.C.); mvalentino@uniss.it (M.V.); marabls3@gmail.com (M.B.) * Correspondence: aganciu@uniss.it 1. A Synthesis of the Special Issue Citation: Ganciu, A.; Cicalò, E.; Valentino, M.; Balestrieri, M. Visualising Landscape Dynamics. Sustainability 2024, 16, 527. https:// doi.org/10.3390/su16020527 Received: 31 December 2023 Accepted: 4 January 2024 Published: 8 January 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). A landscape is a complex and dynamic system composed of tangible and intangible, natural and artificial, economic and social, technological, and socio-historical values. In this scenario, human action could be equated with that of a director who organizes, uses, and coordinates all the elements available at a territorial stage. However, the concept of landscape can no longer be limited to a simplistic cataloguing of its components, but rather, as enshrined in the European Landscape Convention [1], research is increasingly directed toward understanding the relationships among landscape components, i.e., those that Romani [2] refers to as landscape matrices. Due to the heterogeneity, high complexity, and volumes of landscape data, their analysis and especially the interpretation of results are complex and often require human perception and visualization. Scientific research is therefore increasingly focused on developing or refining data and information visualization methodologies and technologies that enable more accurate analysis and interpretation of landscape matrices. The various methodologies currently available, while inherently different from each other in terms of procedure and purpose, can nevertheless all be traced back to the field of visual analytics, which combines methods and technologies that harness the potential of human interpretation with the increased capabilities of electronic data processing for an adequate understanding of the research scope [3,4]. The research in the literature falls into two main categories of visual analytics: the first considers methodologies oriented toward data exploration and interpretation of forms, and the second considers methodologies for the development of more effective machine learning or data mining processes that underlie a kind of artificial intelligence. Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of visual analytics in research on both spatial and landscape scales, many aspects still need to be explored and fully understood. For example, what is the fundamental importance of visualization in the era of digitizing spatial and landscape data? Or what are the most representative or effective visual models in the discipline of spatial planning sciences? Finally, how can visualization methodologies be combined with automated data mining or machine learning approaches, and how should a visual analytics system work on the landscape–territory scale? The graphic sciences have a long history of design communication, especially on the architectural scale, ever since the three-dimensional physical models of the Renaissance period. At the same time, landscape visualization in the past was mainly based on freehand sketches and, since the last century, on photomontages, possibly enriched by diagrams, infographics, maps, and sections. These processes have evolved remarkable throughout the end of the past century through the extensive use of digital techniques for landscape visualization [5,6], which was further made possible by the increased compatibility between CAD, BIM, and GIS software and digital platforms for landscape visualization. At present, usually, the methodological process consists of an initial phase of information harvesting and its subsequent organization within geo-referenced spatial models within geodatabases; then, data processing is carried out to generate outputs of different types, such as maps, rendered images, animated sequences, and real-time models, in which Sustainability 2024, 16, 527. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020527 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Sustainability 2024, 16, 527 2 of 5 the user can navigate freely with increased interaction capabilities [7]. Indeed, it should be noted that the development of landscape visualization technologies facilitates planning processes by providing a more precise view, even to a non-specialized audience [8]. For example, digital 3D modelling technologies have been widely applied in the field of architectural and urban cultural heritage because they are an excellent means of providing access to cultural content and gathering information [9–11]. However, it is also good to point out that even though new communication technologies now pervade every aspect of everyday life, large segments of the population still lack basic digital knowledge or the ability to read or correctly interpret maps, referred to as Graphicacy [12,13]. In fact, usually, images are produced regardless of the cultural level of the user, making it more difficult for the user to be effectively involved in the decision-making process. Therefore, methodologies and technologies for landscape visualization need to be further refined in order to make information more accessible to an increasingly broad and heterogeneous audience in terms of digital capabilities. This may involve favoring more ductile and explicit forms of expression, such as virtual reality [14], or perhaps even taking inspiration from the digital simulations present in gaming environments to create friendly interfaces that allow even non-experts to enter and take advantage of environments with a high complexity of data and analysis [15]. Another equally important issue is the visualization and communication around landscape perceptions, which is also typical of the disciplinary fields of architecture and planning [16,17]. This issue is based on American studies by Lynch [18] and Cullen [19] exploring the perception of the environment and cities, as well as studies by De Veer and Burrough [20] on the perception of the urban environment in Europe. Visualization methodologies and the representation of landscape perception are widely applicable, especially in the field of communication within environmental impact assessments, furthering the involvement of local people in decisions regarding landscape transformations or in communications around environmental changes [21]. 2. Special Issue Papers This Special Issue, Visualizing Landscape Dynamics, has the merit of having collected a considerable number of contributions, which, while heterogeneous with each other in terms of specific research objectives and methodologies, are nevertheless all oriented toward deepening the applications and contributions that the graphic sciences can make in understanding the evolutionary phenomena of landscapes. Although all the topics proposed for this Special Issue have been explored in depth, some attracted more interest than others, for example, the visualization and communication of landscapes in their intangible and tangible forms (Table 1 and Figure 1). In this direction, Salerno deepens and investigates the modes and forms of representation for a novel and sustainable approach to landscape/heritage, focusing particular attention on “tangible and intangible landscapes”, also called “emerging heritage landscapes”. Thus, Belardi et al. explore the issue of representing the rich cultural heritage of the Lake Trasimeno landscape for tourism purposes. Through experimenting with which tools best represent the case study, a series of mapping solutions for social, cultural, and economic characteristics that are fundamental to identifying sustainable design strategies are identified. Finally, again for “tangible/intangible” topics, one must consider the innovative research by Bartolomei et al. regarding the role of Miyazaki’s works and his approach to creating representations of natural elements by combining them within his various films, indirectly stimulating environmental awareness and fascination with nature in its various forms. This significantly contributes to the development of a critical approach based on qualitative image research rather than a quantitative approach related to mathematical and computer sciences. Its contribution to raising awareness of environmental sustainability issues through the languages of animation is unique compared to the quantitative tradition of landscape analysis, providing a diverse and comprehensive view of different ways of perceiving landscape and different languages of representation and visualization. ff ff Sustainability 2024, 16, 527 3 of 5 Table 1. Disciplinary orientation of publications concerning proposed special issue topics. Topics Special Issue Frequency Landscape dynamics representation and visualization. Landscape dynamics modelling and simulation. Landscape dynamics survey, maps, and visual data mapping. Tangible and intangible landscapes visualization and communication. Landscape dynamics perception and communication: research and applications of tools and methodologies for designing and visualizing cognitive landscape maps. Virtual landscape and augmented landscape: the application and development of digital twins for the design and management of contemporary landscapes; the use of technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to enhance landscape immersion and knowledge. ff Landscape network: tools to analyze different kinds of landscape networks (citizen, economic, food, energy, social) and methodologies for their visualization with innovative infographics. Governance’s landscape design process: applications of digital tools for recognizing and representing social dynamics, such as webGIS, PPGIS, and others. A B C D 3 2 3 4 E 2 F 3 G 1 H 1 Figure 1. Disciplinary orientation of publications concerning proposed Special Issue topics. Another point of interest within the scientific community is the development of digital applications and complex simulation environments, such as digital twins, for landscape visualization and management, including through devices that support virtual or augmented tt reality. To this end, Ugliotti et al. have experimented with a scalable methodology capable of integrating different sources and datafftypes for hydraulic risk analysis and presenting the results through both qualitative and quantitative outputs. Furthermore, Chioni et al. developed a low-cost approach, complementary to traditional methods, for the 3D virtual reconstruction of urban forests to support information management activities and, thus, eventually, landscape architecture applications. Equally, Cicalò et al. illustrate different methodologies for the visual communication of the Asinara Island National Park plan, capable of fostering landscape conservation, both from the point of view of management and citizen involvement in communicating the historical and environmental values of a landscape. Undoubtedly, the development of new technologies could drastically change approaches to landscape study, even in their representative forms, when used strategically and interdisciplinary. For this reason, Montanari et al. delve into a combination of traditional and digital research methods for the interpretation and representation of a city, its dynamics, and the relationships between natural and built historical spaces, as in the case Sustainability 2024, 16, 527 4 of 5 of landscape governance analysis and its representation. Vernizzi et al. manifest interest in landscape perception and the visualization of mental images, showing a cross-cutting interest between the study of governance models for planning and participatory technologies such as PPGIS. More specifically, their research investigates the role of representation in urban planning, concerning the relationship between how graphic symbols relate to different planning modes in the city of Parma. The relationships between perception and visualization are also explored by Codemo et al., concerning the perceptions of local communities toward landscape transformations produced by the installation of PV fields. Specifically, their research assesses the perceived benefits of PV fields, what spatial and design features influence public opinion, and finally, the most appropriate ways of integrating public perception within the decision-making process. As mentioned in the introductory section, the conception and analysis of contemporary landscapes focus on the relationships among their components. Ganciu et al. therefore delve into the methodologies of visual analytics to understand how metropolis landscapes change. In particular, they develop and apply a combination of digital analytical processes primarily based on network theory and graphical interpretive processes through the modernization of visual expressions devised by fundamental scholars of the past. 3. Visualizing Landscape Dynamics Contemporary society faces some issues strongly related to land management and landscape transformation, such as: - Climate change and environmental risks concerning sea level rise, rising temperatures, fire risk, and hydrogeological hazards; The consumption of land and environmental resources for construction or deforestation for agricultural use; New land infrastructure in the areas of transportation, sustainable energy, and renewables, telecommunications, and digital networks; The effects of mass tourism in relation to the overloading of sensitive urban or environmental settings and the need to provide necessary services to support tourism economies. All these issues together give rise to a new research question that urges the graphic sciences to redefine their goals. Visualizing the dynamics of the landscape today means producing images that represent the landscape, which is dynamic, through zenith views, panoramic views, and from any other possible viewpoint that aims to: - Survey, document, analyze, and interpret spatial transformations and transformations of the aesthetic sensitivity of the perception of risk factors; Simulate the evolution of spatial dynamics to support decision making within landscape plans; Support land management through visual interfaces capable of facilitating actions and interventions in space; Involve citizens in collective design processes because the landscape is the result of the actions of all those who enjoy it in different possible ways; Communicate and raise awareness of environmental and cultural values and resources to protect and preserve them. From these aims emerge challenges for research on the topic of landscape visualization, challenges of a different but closely interrelated nature that define the following areas of inquiry: - - Technological, concerning the digitization of information and processes. The potential of new ICT-related technologies and strategies, such as 3D modelling, VR, AR, AI, and gaming, to achieve the objectives above has not yet been fully explored; Graphic and visual, concerning the potential of new graphic interfaces that are generalizable through new tools and procedures made possible by the new technologies indicated above; Sustainability 2024, 16, 527 5 of 5 - - Ethical, with the need to find new forms of visualization capable of supporting the transmission of information and knowledge and enhancing public awareness actions regarding landscape values, the sustainability of transformations, environmental issues, and related risks; Aesthetic, meaning the evolution of aesthetic sensitivity’s influence on landscape transformations, which is related to public recognition of values. These are the challenges this Special Issue seeks to solve through a collection of contributions, case studies, and reflections that address the issues mentioned above, focusing on some of the objectives listed above. New challenges may also emerge, as may new experimental methods which answer future research questions arising from future scenarios. Funding: This research received no external funding. Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Council of Europe. European Landscape Convention and Explanatory Report, 6th ed.; Council of Europe: Strasbourg, France, 2000. Romani, V. Il Paesaggio: Teoria e Pianificazione; Franco Angeli: Milan, Italy, 1994. Andrienko, N.; Andrienko, G. Visual analytics of movement: An overview of methods, tools and procedures. Inf. 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