PROPOSAL OF A POINT VALUATION METHOD FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SIGHT-AESTHETIC VALUE OF THE UNDERWATER LANDSCAPES OF LAKES IN THE CONTEXT OF EXPLORATION TOURISM

• Published in: Acta scientiarum Polonorum. Gospodarka przestrzenna. Administratio locorum Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 225 - 240
• Main Authors: Senetra, Adam, Źróbek-Sokolnik, Anna, Wasilewicz-Pszczółkowska, Monika, Dynowski, Piotr, Czaplicka, Marta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warmińsko-Mazurskiego w Olsztynie 16.06.2023; Publishing House of University of Warmia and Mazury
• Subjects: Energy and Environmental Studies; Tourism; questionnaire surveys; lake; Wigry National Park; point valuation method; perception
• ISSN: 1644-0749; 2450-0771
• DOI: 10.31648/aspal.8811

Motives: Most research on underwater landscapes is conducted in seas and oceans. Sight-aestheticassessments of the underwater world are very rarely conducted; the literature on the subject is scarceand does not cover inland bodies of water.Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a point valuation method for assessing the sight-aestheticvalue of inland bodies of water. Attractiveness maps can be generated to create and plan touristdevelopment and to identify attractive exploration sites for divers. The proposed method can also beapplied to channel underwater traffic to protect valuable areas as well as areas that are characterisedby low scenic beauty, but significant ecological functions.Results: A method for assessing underwater landscapes in inland water bodies was developed andan attractiveness map was generated. Measurements were performed at points randomly distributedin the measurement grid. The results of direct observations made by experienced divers were usedin the analysis. The study demonstrated that a point valuation method and attractiveness mapsof underwater landscapes of lakes can be developed.