Viewshed Scoring Toolbox

I created a python toolbox for ArcGIS Pro that allows users to input a set of points, polygons or lines as observer features and calculate what is visible to those features. This is a methodology with many applications, and the tool allows for an analysis to be run multiple times with ease to incorporate different priorities and evaluate possible scenarios.

Details

The tool scores observer points, polygons or line segments based on what is visible to them. Using this methodology users can score features as better or worse if they're more visible. In the example I provide the input points represent cell towers. The visible area is an approximation of where that cell tower serves cell reception to. The tool can then take input features such as trails, trailheads, roads, recreation areas and a host of other possibilities and score each tower based on what is in its service area. Higher scoring towers are considered more effective. This logic could be reversed in other situations such as a construction site that should not be visible to certain objects such as resorts or hotels. A higher scoring building or site would be considered worse in that case.

The tool was made to be versatile in use. The analysis can be repeated multiple times to assess differing situations. In my example data for instance, trails could be considered much more important than roads. In this case you can rank trails as more important, and the tool will score the input observers accordingly. This way you can assess multiple and varying priorities with ease.

Link to tool in github: Viewshed Scoring Toolbox GitHub Repository

Link to ArcGIS Experience demonstrating the results of the tool: Logan Canyon Viewshed Scoring Experience

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