Planning road networks considering visual quality in protected areas

In this study, it was focused on what should be considered in terms of visual quality in the planning, construction and usage stages of the protected areas and the road networks, that are planned to be built around them. In this context, determining the route of the road network taking into account the visual quality during the planning phase, the issues to be considered for minimizing the negative impact of road construction on the visual quality in the protected areas, and also it is emphasized that the visitors were lived the most appropriate experience by determining the road network with maximum visual quality. Within the scope of the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) based Multi-Criteria Decision Support System (MCDSS) method, the road network route determination application that maximizes the visual quality for the protected areas and their surroundings during the planning phase was implemented. In addition, the most cost-effective routes were determined by network analysis, and the route planning of the road network with maximum visual quality was made in order to provide access to the positive cardinal points convey/attract that visitors to the area should see and the existing view points for two seasons. On the other hand, it is necessary to pay attention to the issues such as construction machinery, geotextile materials, hydraulic and ecological art structures, vegetation of slopes, fences that increase visual quality and working schedule, which are applied and used during the construction of road network in protected areas and their surroundings. Based on a relevant literature review with this subject, the issues to be considered during the construction of road networks are discussed with an overview based on conceptual indicators. As a result, the continuity of the conceptual indicators of the issues that need to be considered during the construction and maintenance of the protected areas and their surrounding road networks will contribute to the significant increase in the protection functionality of the area. In addition, road networks based on visual quality were designed by using computer-aided GIS-based MCDSS methods in road network planning in protected areas. Especially in terms of visual quality in protected areas, a new modeling technique has been introduced using the most cost-effective linked routes and network analysis in new road network planning. This modeling technique has been developed for use as a base in the process of sustainable management and developing effective plans in order to reach and conserve resources with high visual quality in protected areas.