Developing a simplified river landscape assessment model: examples from the Chungkang and Touchien rivers, Taiwan

Currently, river landscape evaluations cannot be conducted by the general public, due to their lack of professional training. However, consulting professionals is time consuming and costly. The research conducted addresses both problems by (1) developing suitable criteria for assessing river environments, and (2) formulating a strategy for using the proposed criteria, thereby creating an effective method for river management by non-professionals. This research was carried out, in accordance with Visual Resource Management theory, at 12 survey sites along the ChungKang River. The landscape quality sequences acquired were then evaluated using a revised and simplified assessment model. The same process was repeated on the Touchien River to verify its feasibility. This research developed both specific criteria as well a method for evaluating river landscapes, which can be employed by non-professional river project managers. Ultimately, the aim of this research is to develop and promote sustainable river resource management.