The Numerical Rating System
Sample Visual Evaluation Form
The Numerical Rating System
Numerical values have been incorporated into the rating system. The numerical value for the "distinctive" category is three (3); the "noteworthy", two (2); and the "common", one (1).
Evaluation of scenic significance is a two step process. First, the individual landscape elements in each subunit are evaluated and rated as either distinctive, noteworthy or common; and the numerical ratings of the elements are totaled. In subunits where the landscape's geographical and cultural elements have earned a cumulative score 55% or greater of the possible total, the second step in the evaluation process is undertaken. The aesthetic significance of the subunit's landscape composition, the degree of public accessibility to the subunit and the public recognition regarding its scenic quality are evaluated and rated. The corresponding numerical ratings are then added to the initial total. The resulting overall score indicates whether the subunit's landscape is of distinctive, noteworthy or common scenic quality.
In the Hudson River region, the threshold for a distinctive subunit is a score of 50. On average, each of the 24 components on the Regional Table of Scenic Components must be rated at least 2 (noteworthy) and two of the components must earn 3 (distinctive) to reach the threshold of 50 (2 x 24 + 2 = 50). The threshold for a noteworthy landscape is 40. In order for a subunit to merit a noteworthy score of 40, a range of between one-third of the components having a value of 3 (distinctive) to two-thirds of the components having a value of 2 (noteworthy) must be reached. Subunits scoring less than 40 are classified as common.
Consistency of Results
Examination of subunit ratings in the Hudson River region indicates that those with similar landscape elements earn similar ratings under the various scenic components. For example, subunits which contain large estates rank distinctive under uniqueness; quaint village settings surrounded by rural landscapes gain distinctive ratings under cultural character and public recognition; subunits with distinctive topography and/or vegetation receive distinctive ratings under physical character.
The noteworthy subunits have characteristics similar to those of the distinctive subunits but either lack elements of outstanding quality or contain some discordant features which detract from the scenic quality, but not significantly. Subunits ranked as common generally lack components of uncommon or outstanding scenic quality, contain discordant features which dominate the landscape, and/or are marred by land uses considered to be unattractive.
