Blog
Zone of theoretical visibility maps
Most landscape or townscape assessments will include Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps, which show the area from which an object could theoretically be seen. ZTVs are based on digital terrain models (DTMs). There are two principal types of ZTV: Bareground:...
Townscape assessment
This note gives a brief, non-technical overview of townscape character assessment and the role it plays in urban planning. Townscape character assessment (TCA) plays a key role in integrating urban development into its wider townscape context. It’s often important to...
Winter and Summer Views
Landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) can involve commentary on seasonal differences due to variation in leaf cover. In summer, vegetation in leaf can screen or filter views to a much greater degree than in winter. Where this is important, we may need to...
LVIA Photography
Photographs are used extensively in landscape / townscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA / TVIA). In baseline assessment (i.e. describing the existing landscape) photographs are normally used to illustrate the existing landscape character. Typically, an LVIA will...
Photomontages for LVIA and TVIA
Many Landscape or Townscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs / TVIAs) require photomontages as supporting material. This post introduces what is involved. Overview of photomontages for LVIA Photomontages illustrate the location, size, degree of visibility...
An Overview of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
This note gives a brief overview of landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA). It is intended as a summary, non-technical introduction. Our LVIA work is undertaken in accordance with the relevant guidance on landscape and visual assessment. The overarching...
NPPF paragraph 170: ‘valued landscape’
Paragraph 170 of the NPPF states: ‘Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by…protecting and enhancing valued landscapes…’We’ve had several projects recently where determining authorities have asserted that...