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accounted for "by the inclusion of more types of dereliction and more sites
previously unsurveyed, rather than a real increase in the number of sites
becoming derelict.
USE OP DATA
Although the data which were derived from the survey will be used by
the planning authorities concerned it is not yet clear exactly how it
will form part of the planning process, although reclamation will
obviously be a key factor.
The data are being used at the University of Aston, however,for a
landscape quality study. A map prepared by Glamorgan County Planning
Department and showing the quality of the landscape, is being compared
for selected areas, with the spoiled landscape data. Although one would
expect a good correlation between the amount of spoiled landscape and
the quality of the landscape as a whole, this is less important than
explaining the anomalies. Por example, a disused railway in a cutting
will take up a large land area but because of its unobtrusiveness will
score an average to high grade of landscape quality. Conversely,
derelict buildings although occupying little land surface will detract
markedly from the surrounding landscape.
It is hoped that the emergence of relationships such as these will
usefully increase our understanding of the effects of the spoiled
landscape on the visual landscape as a whole.
CONCLUSIONS
Although it has not been possible to discuss all aspects of the
survey in Glamorgan, it is of interest to state the conclusions reached
regarding the role of the aerial photograph in such work.
Firstly, the potential of the technique of air—photo interpretation
has been proven to the extent that it is no longer more than just a
possibility. This suggests that more work should now be done by other
planning authorities to refine the technique further.
Secondly the use of photographs at a scale of 1:5000 has been found
to be most satisfactory since it provides enough detail for features to
be identified in both urban and rural environments. The only
disadvantage of this scale lies in the number of photographs to be
examined (about 6,000 prints cover the County).
Lastly, although previous studies used the photograph as a sole source
of information, it is felt that best use is made of the photographs when
used in close conjunction with other sources. In this way the survey
not only produces the most up to date data, but ensures that air-photo
interpretation is more reliable.
