Viewshed

A viewshed is an area of a landscape visible from a given point. Often a viewshed is a visual image from a vantage point that is appreciated for scenic/aesthetic, cultural, environmental, or strategic reasons. Examples of such viewsheds are views from elevated points in the landscape, view from valleys toward surrounding hills or mountains, strategic views from vantage points on a battlefield, or views of sites that are important for their natural or cultural resources. Viewsheds are often designated as areas worthy of preservation when considering urban or rural planning because of their value as a natural or cultural resource.