Collaborative data and information gathering was used to: identify and acquire secondary information; document local knowledge of resources and space-use; develop an appropriate habitat classification scheme; conduct marine habitat mapping field surveys; validate information produced; and ascertain the technological capacity and information preferences of stakeholders. Furthermore, participatory research demonstrates the relevance of information provided by stakeholders, strengthens capacity and provides ownership of the information produced.

As part of a three-year study, an assessment was made of the main parameters essential for documenting coastal scenery perception. The assessment included a literature search, questionnaires given to coastal users in different parts of the world, and consultation with coastal landscape experts. Landscape values ‘can be assessed and described or illustrated in objective and subjective terms by landscape professionals, consulting with a wide range of interest groups and people and analyzing all relevant information’. Results obtained through this work enabled key elements to be condensed down to 26 ‘coastal scenic assessment parameters’. These parameters are: Cliff Height, Cliff Slope, Cliff Special Features, Beach Type, Beach Width, Beach Colour, Shore Slope, Shore Extend, Shore Roughness, Dunes, Valley, Land Form, Tides, Landscape Features, Vistas, Water Colour, Vegetation Cover, Seaweed, Disturbance Factor, Litter, Sewage, Non-Built Environment, Built Environment, Access Type, Skyline, Utilities.