What is the Difference Between Landscape and Scenery

The main difference between landscape and scenery is that landscape refers to both natural and man-made features of an environment while scenery mainly refers to the natural features of an environment.

We use the two words landscape and scenery to describe outdoors. In most instances, we can use these words interchangeably. These two words also have different uses in different fields; for example, landscape is a genre in painting and scenery can refer to the backdrop of a theatre stage.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Landscape 
     – Definition, Meaning, Features
2. What is a Scenery
     – Definition, Meaning, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Landscape and Scenery
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Environment, Landscape, Nature, Scenery

What is a Landscape

Landscape refers to the visible features of an area of land, its landforms, as well as how they combine with natural or man-made elements. In simple words, it’s the land and features you see around in the city or countryside. It can include 1) geographically defined landforms like mountains, hills, water-bodies (river, lake, sea, pond, etc.), 2) living elements of land cover, which include vegetation, 3) human elements like buildings and structures, and 4) transitory elements like lighting and weather conditions. Therefore, a landscape can be either natural or artificial (man-made). The act of modifying the visible features of an area is known as landscaping.

Moreover, the world we live in has a great range of landscaping, including vast arid desert landscapes, icy landscapes on the polar region, coastal landscapes, landscape that include dense forests (tropical rainforests, etc.), and agricultural landscapes. In addition, urban landscape refers to the landscape in urban areas. This mostly involves human elements like buildings and structures.

What is Scenery

Scenery typically refers to the natural features of an area of land. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “the natural features of a landscape considered in terms of their appearance, especially when picturesque”. We usually use this word to talk about natural landscapes, especially beautiful and colourful natural elements. For example,

He stopped at the top of the hill to admire the scenery.

This postcard shows the beautiful scenery of Hawaii.

They enjoyed the spectacular view of the mountain scenery.

Her new camera can capture underwater scenery.

Moreover, we also use the word scenery to refer to the backdrop of a theatre or a film set. This may involve hangings, furniture and other accessories.

Difference Between Landscape and Scenery

Definition

Landscape refers to the land and features you see around in the city or countryside, while scenery refers to the natural features of an area of land.

Man-Made Elements

Landscape refers to both natural and man-made features of an environment, while scenery mainly refers to the natural features of an environment.

Type of Environment

We mainly use the word scenery to describe the countryside and natural environment, but we use the word landscape to describe both urban and rural environments.

Other Uses

Landscape is a genre in painting, while scenery can refer to the backdrop of a theatre production.

Conclusion

We use the two words landscape and scenery to describe outdoors. The main difference between landscape and scenery is that landscape refers to both natural and man-made features of an environment while scenery mainly refers to natural features of an environment. In some instances, especially when we are describing a scene from the countryside, we can use these words interchangeably.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Landscape photograph of mountains” (CC0) via Pikrepo
2. “Stone and ocean in sunset photo” (CC0) via Pikrepo

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