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Visual Perception of Spatial Entropy and Landscape Analysis

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Spatial Entropy and Landscape Analysis

Part of the book series: RaumFragen: Stadt – Region – Landschaft ((RFSRL))

Abstract

The concept of “landscape diversity” does not fully coincide with that of “landscape entropy” and if a landscape is perceived as “diverse”, it does not necessarily have a high spatial entropy. This is a side-consequence of the use of Shannon’s formula for the calculation of landscape diversity, but differences in perceptions of landscape diversity and spatial entropy can have repercussions for landscape analysis and landscape management. Aside of this, avenues for postmodern interpretations in landscape analysis open up that are based on maximum landscape diversity. Also, it is interesting to explore the concept of spatial entropy in the context of the perception of other objects of visual interest, such as paintings. The perception of spatial entropy may however be misleading. As example maps show here, the concept of spatial entropy does not necessarily imply spatial “disorder”, while the aggregation of spatial classes or colors together in some region of space may result in a misperception of high (or low) spatial entropy.

The real voyage of discovery

consists not in seeking new landscapes,

but in having new eyes

“Le véritable voyage de découverte

ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages,

mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux”

(Marcel Proust, 1871–1922, “La Prisonnière”, tome 2, p. 67)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forschungsbereich Geographie Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

    Fivos Papadimitriou

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Papadimitriou, F. (2022). Visual Perception of Spatial Entropy and Landscape Analysis. In: Spatial Entropy and Landscape Analysis. RaumFragen: Stadt – Region – Landschaft. Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-35596-8_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-35596-8_6

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