Soundscape-based forest planning for recreational and therapeutic activities

This paper proposes a new method of estimating route allocation to improve the layout of walking routes in forests in relation to sounds and thus reach more forest users. The proposed land use diversity index (LUDI) is based on a ‘soundscape’ approach and findings from the authors’ previous research. Aerial photographs were used to create a vegetation map which was overlaid with a stream and walking route layer in a geographic information system (GIS). The LUDI method, modified using the moment method, was then applied to estimate soundscape diversity. A shape index and sound weight were added to the LUDI M′ to determine the diversity in the research zone or area using the moment method, allowing development of LUDI M″ for a route that subtracted the shape index from LUDI M′. The LUDI M′ of the research zone had a value of 14.08, and LUDI M″ values for three walking routes A, B, and C were 7.45, 7.25, and 5.51, respectively. Based on these results, route A appeared to have the highest value of vegetation and sound diversity. Routes A, B, and C were all acceptable (60%, 47%, and 47% of all forest types in the zone, respectively), but the layout of the three routes could be improved to more efficiently use the diversity in the research zone.