Landscape Features Shape People's Perception of Ecosystem Service Supply Areas

•We compare landscape metrics with participatory mapping to explore mismatches on water ecosystem services.•We integrate random forest and GWR techniques to associate geographical features with specific ecosystem services.•Results stress visible geography's role in shaping perception of ecosystem services vs. imperceptible indicators.•We show the potential of integrating metrics and participatory data for exploring ecological perceptions.•We emphasize the need of a shared ecological understanding for achieving more effective environmental policies.