A Technology Transfer Case in Graphic Engineering

This work reports about a case of technology transfer in the area of Graphic Engineering. It is focused on the field of Visual Impact and Landscape Impact Assessment. It shows how the fundamental and not oriented academic knowledge has become a source of solutions for the regional administration and even for the regulatory framework of the region. The problem appeared associated with the concept of “catalogued vantage point”. This term was inaccurately expressed in the regulatory text. The ordinance associated the visual protection of these vantage points to the concept of viewsheds. However, as stated, this concept proved to be difficult to be applied. There were two main difficulties: i) how to use viewsheds to make decisions to this regard and b) how to apply the restriction of distance, since close visual obstacles could affect dramatically the panoramic view. This study has deepened on the interaction between the layer of vantage points and the layer of woodlands. Once analyzed together, the cause of the lack of accuracy in the regulation was detected and the solution came out in the shape of a combination of classical Visual Impact Assessment resources (viewsheds, sightlines, visual spotlights and visibility indicators).