Dominant attributes in the perception and evaluation of the Dutch landscape

Many years of research at SC-DLO have resulted in a set of attributes that determine landscape perception and evaluation. Investigations were carried out among the inhabitants of different regions. Despite great physical differences between the regions there was much agreement on the salient attributes. These are: unity, use, maintenance, naturalness, spaciousness, development in time, soil and water, and sensory qualities such as colour and smell. They may be considered basic qualities of the Dutch landscape. Unity and use always come first; they determine the significance of the other attributes. The attributes may be used in planning procedures, such as developing environmental impact assessments.