Visual Resources Glossary

Select a letter from the list below to view glossary terms and acronyms/abbreviations. The agency abbreviation following the definition indicates the definition source.

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A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

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Temporary impacts

Impacts resulting from construction or short-term activities that fall within a period of 2 years or less. (FHWA)

Texture

The visual manifestations of the interplay of light and shadow created by the variations in the surface of an object or landscape. (BLM , NPS, FHWA, USFS)

Texture contrasts

Visual contrasts between different objects or landscapes resulting from different visual manifestations of texture. (NPS)

Theme

The general focus or subject of variations on landscape character settings. Detailed description of desired landscape character. Themes range from a natural landscape to an urban landscape. (USFS)

Three-dimensional modeling

Process of developing graphics and images that appear to have three dimensions. (BLM)

Threshold of Impact

The limits or bounds used to assess impacts. Impacts can be adverse or beneficial. (FHWA)

Topography

The shape of the earth’s surface; the relative position and elevations of natural and man-made features of an area. (NPS)

Typical or common landscape

Refers to prevalent, usual, or widespread landscapes within a landscape province. It also refers to landscapes with ordinary and routine scenic attractiveness. (USFS)