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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Feature

A visually distinct or outstanding part, quality, or characteristic of a landscape. (USFS)

Feature (view type)

Feature views include a dominant feature or group of features that draws the eye. (NPS)

Focal (view type)

Focal views have real or implied lines that converge to “lead the eye” to focus visual attention on a particular area. (NPS)

Focal points

Prominent landscape features that attract and hold viewer attention. (NPS)

Footprint

The land or water area covered by a project, including direct physical coverage (i.e., the area on which the project physically stands) and the area of direct effects (i.e., the disturbances that may directly emanate from the project, such as noise). (BLM, NPS)

Foreground

The distance zone that extends from the viewer to 0.25–0.5 mile away from the viewer. (FHWA, USFS)

Foreground

The visible area of a landscape in which viewers may feel like they are “part of the landscape” or the scene. (NPS)

Foreground/middle-ground distance zone

The area visible from a travel route, use area, or other observation point to a distance of 3 to 5 miles. (BLM)

Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (RPA)

The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. RPA establishes legal requirements for scenery management. (USFS)

Form

The mass or shape of an object or objects that appears unified, such as a vegetative opening in a forest, a cliff formation, or a water tank. (BLM, FHWA, NPS, USFS)

Forms/Lines

In the NPS Visual Resource Inventory, one of three components of the Vividness factor in the Scenic Quality Evaluation. Forms and Lines refers to the extent to which bold land/water forms or lines contribute to the visual interest of the viewed landscape. See also Forms, Lines. (NPS)

Framed (view type)

Framed views are bounded on the sides by objects that limit the view. (NPS)

Frontlit

A lighting condition in which the side of an object facing the viewer is fully illuminated by light coming from behind the viewer. (NPS)