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The Application of Landscape Indicators for Landscape Quality Assessment; Case of Zahleh, Lebanon

Author

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  • Roula Aad

    (Department of Landscape and Territory Planning, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh P.O. Box 90775, Lebanon
    Climate Resilience in Agriculture and Biodiversity (CRAB), Higher Center for Research, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon)

  • Nour Zaher

    (Department of Landscape and Territory Planning, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh P.O. Box 90775, Lebanon)

  • Victoria Dawalibi

    (Department of Landscape and Territory Planning, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh P.O. Box 90775, Lebanon)

  • Rodrigue el Balaa

    (Department of Agriculture, Issam Fares Faculty of Technology, University of Balamand, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, Lebanon)

  • Jane Loukieh

    (Department of Interior Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture, Lebanese University, Deir el Qamar P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon)

  • Nabil Nemer

    (Climate Resilience in Agriculture and Biodiversity (CRAB), Higher Center for Research, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
    Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon)

Abstract

Landscapes are vital systems where ecological, cultural, perceptual, and socio-economic values meet, making their quality assessment essential for sustainable development. Landscape Quality (LQ), shaped by the interaction of natural processes and human activities, remains methodologically challenging due to its interdisciplinarity and the need to integrate multiple dimensions. This challenge is particularly perceived in peri-urban areas, predominantly understudied in landscape research. This article addresses this gap in LQ assessment at peri-urban landscapes, through the case of Houch Al Oumaraa, Zahleh, a peri-urban area of patrimonial significance and agricultural landscape value. To evaluate the four spatial dimensions of LQ (structural, ecological, cultural and visual), we adopted a mixed methodology, where a pre-developed set of landscape indicators (LIs) applied within GIS and spatial technics, were supplemented by expert analysis through visual studies. Two questions framed this research: (i) is remote sensing sufficient to assess peri-urban LQ, and (ii) what are the limits of applying pre-developed LIs to diverse landscape contexts? Results show moderate fragmentation (CONTAG 61.6%), low diversity (MSDI 0.27), high density of cultural monuments (PROTAP 4.19) and average visual disharmony (FCDHI 0.49). Findings reveal that spatial dimensions alone are insufficient for assessing LQ of peri-urban landscapes, where socio-economic dimensions must also be integrated. Structural indicators (PLAND, MPA, ED, CONTAG) and MSDI proved transferable, while ECOLBAR was less applicable, cultural indicators (PROTAP, HLE) were limited to tangible heritage, and visual indicators (FCDHI, SDHI) highly context dependent. Establishing a differentiated yet standardized framework would not only enhance methodological precision but also ensure that LQ assessment remain relevant across diverse contexts, providing policymakers with actionable insights to align planning with sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Roula Aad & Nour Zaher & Victoria Dawalibi & Rodrigue el Balaa & Jane Loukieh & Nabil Nemer, 2025. "The Application of Landscape Indicators for Landscape Quality Assessment; Case of Zahleh, Lebanon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8946-:d:1767204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Angela Heymans & Jessica Breadsell & Gregory M. Morrison & Joshua J. Byrne & Christine Eon, 2019. "Ecological Urban Planning and Design: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-20, July.
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    3. Roula Aad & Rodrigue el Balaa & Challita Tanios & Nabil Nemer, 2024. "Landscape Indicators—An Inventive Approach for the Sustainability of Landscapes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-20, June.
    4. Kuo-Wei Hsu & Jen-Chih Chao, 2021. "Study on the Value Model of Urban Green Infrastructure Development—A Case Study of the Central District of Taichung City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-12, July.
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