Landscape Architecture Frontiers

Visual perceiving is one of the most important and direct ways to perceive physical environment and instantly generate images of it. The data gained from visual perception lays a foundation for the research on city images. This study concentrated in the Jinsitao Waterfront of Shichahai area in Beijing. By collecting photos with wearable cameras and generating an image map of visual perception through image identification and analysis, this study explores strategies for improving vista view system in the study area, offering a reference for other research on historical district renewals in cities. Thirty volunteers were asked to tour along an 800-meter path from the north edge of Qianhai to the south edge of Houhai recording the scenery with GoPro cameras on their foreheads. Over 25,000 screenshots were then captured consecutively from the video documents. By identifying and analyzing these screenshots, mapping perceiving locations, and corresponding them to perceived objects, an image perception map was generated, from which a series of planning and design strategies were developed to suggest that future historical districts’ planning practices should enhance the protection of a site’s overall image and distinctive landmarks, as well as the improvement of visual corridors and vista view system.