Continental-scale quantification of landscape values using social media data

TLDR

Globally, landscapes are shifting from extractive uses to recreation and leisure activities. The study aims to map and quantify landscape values at regional and continental scales by comparing three social media platforms and developing a predictive model. The authors compare three social media platforms and build a predictive model that identifies landscape features associated with high value densities. The model identifies key landscape features that best explain high densities of ascribed value.

Abstract

Significance In many landscapes across the globe, we are witnessing an ongoing functional shift away from landscapes managed for extractive activities (e.g., agriculture, mining, forestry) and toward landscapes managed for recreation and leisure activities. Understanding the spatial configuration of this functional shift at regional and continental scales will be crucial for the development of effective landscape and rural development policies in coming decades. We present a rigorous comparison between three social media platforms’ suitability for mapping and quantifying landscape values. We also introduce a predictive model capable of quantifying landscape values at a continental scale. The utility of the model is illustrated through the identification of specific landscape features that best explain high densities of ascribed value (i.e., landscape value locations).