In this approach a panel of expert judges assess landscapes on the basis of fonnal design principles such as line, form, texture, color, harmony , repetition, etc. Researchers have rarely integrated the above approaches. This project was the first step in a larger research program aimed at such integration. Our attempt at integrating the various research traditions is loosely based around a linguistic metaphor for landscape perception and cognition. The linguistic metaphor makes use of the language functions of phonology, syntax and semantics and is used to provide a set of terms for integrating the concepts and vocabulary found within each research tradition.
Phonology is concerned with the use of language elements such as vowel or consonant sounds.
In signed languages phonology would include the shape of the hand in making a sign, the sign's depth toward or away from the body, the intensity with which a sign is given and facial expression. In an analogous manner, landscape phonology would be concerned with the perception and cognition of landscape elements such as flowers, trees, edges, water etc. Syntax concerns rules for combining language elements. Similarly, landscape architects are frequently concerned with rules for properly combining landscape elements to create a coherent and pleasing scene. Semantics refers to the meaning derived from language.