The Аzov Coast Landscape Diversity Assessment: Methodological Approach and Analysis Results

the research was carried out under Agreement No. 26/06/2024 and the financial support of the All-Russian Public Organization "Russian Geographical Society".

Authors

  • Ekaterina A. Pozachenyuk Vernadsky Crimean Federal University
  • Irina M. Yakovenko Vernadsky Crimean Federal University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52575/2712-7443-2026-50-2-326-338

Keywords:

landscape diversity, landscape, Sea of Azov, recreational potential, aesthetic assessment

Abstract

The article presents the results of a comparative assessment of the landscape diversity of the Azov coast – from the Kerch Peninsula to the Tuzla Spit. The approaches and criteria of psychological and aesthetic assessment of landscapes for tourism purposes, including expert, cognitive, empirical and psychophysical methods, have been systematized. The  authors' method is a modification of the point-based assessment of landscape diversity of natural complexes by Yu.A. Vedenin and L.S. Filippovich. An original approach is proposed, combining elements of expert-descriptive, psychological-perceptual and formal-aesthetic methods. A 20-point scale has been developed and applied, including criteria for structural and compositional complexity (vertical and horizontal dissection, visual dominants), color richness (color diversity, surface texture) and perceived landscape qualities (complexity, legibility, mystery, uniqueness). The study covered 490 viewpoints summarized across 84 landscape units. The leading sites were identified: the Don Delta (15 points), Karalarsky (12), Kamyshevatskaya Spit (12.4), Merzhanovsky (13.8), as well as the zones with minimal values: Port-Katonovsky (3.5) and Margaritovsky (4.0). A paradoxical discrepancy has been established: high landscape value of cliff areas is combined with very low recreational suitability due to hazardous geomorphological processes. Based on the scores obtained, we have classified all landscape units into five categories of landscape diversity: from very low (I, < 5.0 points) to very high (V, > 13.0 points). Based on the typology of units by origin (spits, cliff shores, delta-floodplain complexes), functional zoning of the coast is proposed for the purposes of ecotourism, photo tourism, as well as cultural and educational tours. The results can be used in the development of territorial planning strategies and tourism development in the region.

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Author Biographies

Ekaterina A. Pozachenyuk, Vernadsky Crimean Federal University

Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Physical Geography and Geomorphology, Simferopol, Russia
E-mail: pozachenyuk@gmail.com

Irina M. Yakovenko, Vernadsky Crimean Federal University

Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Tourism, Simferopol, Russia
E-mail: yakovenko-tnu@ya.ru

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Frank S., Furstb C., Koschkea L., Witta A., Makeschin F., 2013. Assessment of Landscape Aesthetics – Validation of Landscape Metrics-Based Assessment by Visual Estimation of the Scenic Beauty. Ecological indicators, 32: 222–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2013.03.026.

Kalterborn B.P., Bjerke T. 2002. Associations Between Environmental Value Orientations and Landscape Preferences. Landscape and Urban Planning, 59(1): 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-2046(01)00243-2.

Kaplan R., Kaplan S. 1989. The Experience of Nature. A psychological perspective. Cambridge, New York, Cambridge University Press, 340 p.

Serrano Gine D., Perez Albert M.Y., Palacio Buendia A.V. 2021. Aesthetic Assessment of the Landscape Using Psychophysical and Psychological Models: Comparative Analysis in a Protected Area. Landscape and urban planning, 214: 104192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104197

Zube E.X., Sell J.L., Taylor J.G. 1982. Landscape Perception: Research, Application and Theory. Landscape planning, 9(1): 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3924(82)90009-0


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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Pozachenyuk, E. A., & Yakovenko, I. M. (2026). The Аzov Coast Landscape Diversity Assessment: Methodological Approach and Analysis Results: the research was carried out under Agreement No. 26/06/2024 and the financial support of the All-Russian Public Organization "Russian Geographical Society&quot;. Regional Geosystems, 50(2), 326-338. https://doi.org/10.52575/2712-7443-2026-50-2-326-338

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Structure and funktioning of regional geosystems

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