Evaluation of visual landscape quality of Buyuk Menderes basin

The aim of this study was to adapt and evaluate visual landscape quality of Büyük Menderes Basin using the Visual Resource Management (VRM) model developed by United States Bureau Land Management considering the natural and cultural landscape features. The research was carried out in Uşak, Aydın, Afyonkarahisar, Denizli and Muğla provinces, within the borders of Büyük Menderes Basin. 42 aerial photographs taken during the field studies to assess visual landscape quality in areas with different landscape types through experts knowledge. At the second stage, remotely sensed data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to evaluate the visual landscape quality of Büyük Menderes Basin. The results of GIS evaluation and expert knowledge were compared and the reliability of the method was assessed. At the final stage of the research visual landscape quality of Büyük Menderes Basin were examined in different sub-scales.