Paper 9: SUBJECTIVE EVALUATION

Subjective is a term used to describe procedures which are

not substantive or absolute. It embraces methods which are

in general use. It covers experienced visual assessments

such as by members of the Department of Transport Landscape

Advisory Committees. It covers systematic data collection

leading to the preparation of maps or indices, quantifying

environmental effects but based on subjective input. It

covers methods which are combinations of systems, reflecting difficulties (some conceptual) in quantifying some environ

mental issues.

It can be argued whether many environmental issues can or should be quantified in absolute terms. If not, improvements in subjective evaluations are aimed at obtaining the best qualified assessments, developing techniques to present assessments consistently, producing check techniques to avoid double counting, misuse of proxy values, lack of sensitivity, and imbalance between the numerated and nonnumerated.