| Draft Environmental Impact Statement Shorts School Road Am Antenna Structures 20 on these three criteria have proven to be good predictors of visual quality change using the following sample equation: Visual Quality = Vividness+ Intactness + Unity 3 Each of the three criteria is independent and is intended to evaluate one aspect of visual quality as defined below. Vividness. The memorability of the visual impression received from contrasting landscape elements (Land form, Water form, Vegetative form, and Human Built form) as they combine to form a striking and distinctive visual pattern. Intactness. The integrity of visual order in the natural and man-built landscape, and the extent to which the landscape is free from visually encroaching elements, that are of a different nature than those that predominate within a given scene, or view. Unity. The degree to which the visual resources of the landscape join together to form a coherent, harmonious visual pattern. Unity refers to the compositional harmony or intercompatibility between landscape elements. The rating scales for the vividness, intactness, and unity criteria are as follows: Vividness Ratings: Very High (Rating Value = 7). The visual impression received is highly memorable, as contrasting landscape elements combine to form distinctive visual patterns. Strongly defined landscape or landforms are noted, including mountains, large bodies of water, distinctive patterns, colors, and textures of vegetation or significant manmade structures. Medium Rating (Rating Value = 4). The visual impression received is moderately memorable, with some distinctive patterns; moderately defined landscape or landforms are present, including low rolling hills and smaller water bodies. Vegetation patterns, colors, and textures are less visible. Some significant manmade structures may be present. Very Low Rating (Rating Value = 0). The visual impression received is of low memorability. Little visual pattern is formed because landscape elements do not combine to form a striking and distinctive pattern. Homogeneous landforms or landscape and small bodies of water may be present. Vegetation patterns, colors, and textures are not noticeable and manmade structures are insignificant or not memorable. Intactness Ratings: Very High (Rating Value = 7). There is high visual integrity between the natural and manmade landscape to the extent that the landscape is free from visual encroachment. Visual integrity occurs where natural areas and manmade landscapes blend into the surrounding character and |