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Hawaii County Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project <br /> Visual Impact Assessment Techniques <br /> As documented in this report, visual impact assessment should be preceded by <br /> documenting the scenic resources to be protected. Thereafter, criteria and/or <br /> guidelines should be developed to help the assessor evaluate how, and to what extent, <br /> a scenic resource is being degraded by a proposed action. Once a standardized <br /> process is in place, visual impact assessment methods should be deployed to <br /> document project induced impacts. The visual impact assessment techniques most <br /> commonly used to document scenic resource impacts include: <br /> 1 . Line-of-sight analysis. A graphic line between two points on a surface that <br /> shows where along the line the view is being obstructed. This analysis can be <br /> performed using ARC GIS. <br /> 2. Story poles. The temporary placement of a mock structure or poles at the height <br /> and massing of a structure to simulate the impact of the structure on scenic <br /> resources. <br /> 3. Computer simulation. The use of computers to simulate pre- and post-project <br /> conditions by creating a computerized model of the height, scale and <br /> architectural character of a structure together with the existing natural and built <br /> environment surrounding it. <br /> 4. Photomontage. Creating a composite photograph by incorporating elements <br /> from two or more photographs into a new image. Image editing software is often <br /> used and the process is commonly referred to as "photoshopping". <br /> These techniques are elaborated upon through their application in the following visual <br /> impact assessment case studies: <br /> Canyon Oaks Story Poles <br /> The City of Calabasas, California, requires projects to conduct a story pole analysis if <br /> they are located within its "Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone", or if they are requesting <br /> height variances. The purpose of installing story poles is to assess the visual impact of <br /> the project (See: Appendix D, Canyon Oaks Story Poles). <br /> Scenic Resource Protection Programs and Strategies Page 122 <br />