Royal Alberta Museum - Criteria used to Measure Interpretive Value

Criteria used to Measure Interpretive Value Text Image

This evaluation is designed to help determine the suitability of a site for interpretation relative to others. A high-scoring site would need further research done by the interpretive professionals regarding audience potential. Questions analyzing audience potential and demographics are not included in this evaluation as most earth scientists would not be able to respond accurately.

Criterion #1 - Visual Impact

In this evaluation, visual impact is evaluated according to the extent to which a feature can be seen easily and clearly. A geological feature must be clearly and easily recognizable by both professionals and the general public as having strong interpretive value. Good visual impact increases a site's value in terms of education and tourist appeal.

• weak impact (difficult to discern feature within its surroundings) (scores 1)

• moderate impact (some of feature can be viewed clearly) (scores 5)

• strong impact (feature can be seen easily and clearly) (scores 10)

Criterion #2 - Degree of Completeness

A feature is evaluated according to the extent to which the characteristic attributes are present. A complete feature is rated highest because it is considered to be better for interpretive use, research, and teaching than incomplete features.

• low (fewer than 20% of expected characteristics are present) (scores 1)

• moderate (scores 5)

• high (more than 80% of expected characteristics are present) (scores 10)

• not applicable N/A (not applicable)

Criterion #3 - Accessibility

A feature is evaluated in terms of ease of access to the site and/or to the viewpoint. Some geological features (e.g., thrust faults), are best viewed from a distance; so the evaluation of accessibility to a viewpoint, rather than to the site itself, is more appropriate.

• low (access to site and/or viewpoint is difficult, no developed trail or road) (scores 1)

• moderate (somewhat developed trail or road, only somewhat restricted) (scores 5)

• high (site and/or viewpoint can be reached with little difficulty) (scores 10)

Criterion #4 - Multiple Features

A site that contains a number of geological features, in addition to its primary feature, would have more Educational/Interpretive Value than one which contains only a single feature. Multiple features provide the potential for a greater number of 'stories' or themes.

• Yes (scores 5) No (scores 0)

Criterion #5 - Condition of Site

The site is evaluated according to how human, rather than natural, influences have altered or disrupted the area. Examples of disruption include paving, dam building, blasting, logging, mining, vandalism and quarrying. However, occasionally these activities can enhance, rather than detract, from a geological site. For example, quarrying, logging, or road blasting may expose geological structures that can be successfully interpreted. Although natural processes may be altering a feature, they are at the same time adding new processes and features that are interesting in their own right and can be interpreted (see Criterion #4). For this reason, the effects of nature on geological features were not evaluated under Criterion #5).

• poor condition (site has been abused by human activities, or man-made features or vegetation are obscuring site) (scores 1)

• moderate condition (site is somewhat disrupted, but disturbance does not totally mask the original feature) (scores 5)

• outstanding condition (essentially unaltered from its original state, or human intervention has increased visibility) (scores 10)

Criterion #6 - Sensitivity

Features are rated according to their potential susceptibility to damage due to human influences, and their ability to withstand such damage. Even if a site is not considered threatened (see Degree of Threat section), fragility should be considered when looking at potential interpretive sites. Although fragility is not a direct factor in determining the actual interpretive value of a site, it is an extremely important consideration and will usually decrease a site's potential.

• low sensitivity (feature able to withstand being disturbed, and if disturbed is not altered) (scores 10)

• moderate sensitivity (feature changes in response to human activities, but with little loss of characteristics) (scores 5)

• high sensitivity (feature easily disturbed and characteristics would be lost) (scores 0)

The following question is awarded no points but is relevant to the development of a management plan.

Criterion #7 - Proximity

The site or feature is less than a half-hour drive from other interpretive programs, such as those provided by provincial parks, national parks, highway plaques.

• Yes (beneficial) No Unsure