The urban view corridors management tool is responsible for protecting and enhancing the public perception of city landmarks through height-threshold regulations. One of the fundamental steps in urban view corridors management is the designation of viewing locations. To date, historical images have not been used to determine viewing locations. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to formulate a new method for Viewing Locations Designation based on Historical Images (VLD-HI). Accordingly, the study applies the proposed method to a case study in the city of Qom to analyze a large historical image dataset, thereby identifying and categorizing locations with the highest density of recorded historical images. Subsequently, the results are evaluated as a reflection of historical public preferences for integration into urban view corridors management and protection mechanisms. In this regard, out of 795 images, after the delimitation and refinement stages, 287 historical images, including 14 paintings, 16 postcards, and 257 photographs, were documented and analyzed. In documenting observer location, two geometric methods were used: one involving drawing meeting lines with the observer, and the other involving calculating the camera’s viewing angle. The documented data were then analyzed using ArcGIS and QGIS. Based on this analysis, 14 viewing locations were identified in the city of Qom, 50% of which aligned with the locations designated through contemporary expert judgment. Moreover, the method based on historical images revealed some overlooked locations within the expert judgment approach. The findings demonstrate that the proposed method not only reveals subtleties related to perceptual-cognitive qualities but also plays a significant role in enhancing interpretive-emotional qualities. Therefore, integrating this method into urban view corridors management and protection processes can improve the overall process. Ultimately, the study concludes that the VLD-HI method in urban policymaking and management can serve as an effective instrument.
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