The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment

Coherence and scalability of interactive representations of green and blue space

This research explores enhancing Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) using high-resolution LiDAR data from RGU and Scotland-wide surveys. It evaluates the impact of data resolution on usability and assesses how visualisation platforms-immersive displays, interactive theatres, and VR headsets- affect perception and interpretation of landscape features, aiming to improve LCA tools and applications.

Award

MRes | MPhil | PhD | MSc by Research

Start Date

Usually February and October - at individual School's discretion

Research Opportunities

Summary

This research aims to identify essential concepts in landscape character assessment by leveraging high-resolution LiDAR data. Data sources include LiDAR captured by RGU and extensive Scotland-wide LiDAR data from the Scottish Government’s 2024-2025 aerial surveys. These datasets will allow detailed comparisons of 3D spatial data across varying resolutions to evaluate the impact of resolution changes on data quality and usability. This processed data will then be tested in three different visualization environments-immersive full-room displays, interactive 3D theatres, and VR headsets. The study will assess how each environment influences users' perception and interpretation of landscape features at different data resolutions.