Zoning methodology for protecting viewshed

Sinclair, Kirk

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Kent, Connecticut, worked with Housatonic Valley Association, a nonprofit conservation organization, to develop a GIS-based methodology for protecting the town's scenic vistas. The challenge was to identify zones, both beyond and before horizon lines, where structures block sight lines and detract from the view. the focus of delineation was the horizon line rather than the ridgeline. Zones beyond and before horizon lines where structures would rise about the sight line were delineated (horizon belts). Four major criteria need to be defined for the delineation of horizon belts: vistas, ridges, obtrusiveness, constraints. Data on roads, lakes, streams, and subbasins was used, along with digital topographic belts. Viewpoints were converted to a 3D file. Viewwshed analysis used the TIN model to calculate areas of the landscape where a 35 foot structure would be visible from a viewpoint. A grid was generated and scored by visibility to a viewpoint.

Zoning methodology for protecting viewshed

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