Landscape assessment
Encyclopedia
Landscape assessment is a sub-category of environmental assessment (or EIA)
concerned with quality assessment of the landscape. Landscape quality is assessed either as part of a strategic planning process or in connection with a specific development which will have an impact on the landscape.
The term 'landscape assessment' can be used to mean either:
Since landscape assessments are intended to help with the conservation and enhancement of environmental good
s, it is usually necessary to have a fully geographical landscape assessment as a stage in the process of EIA
and landscape planning
.
Environmental impact assessment
An environmental impact assessment is an assessment of the possible positive or negative impact that a proposed project may have on the environment, together consisting of the natural, social and economic aspects....
concerned with quality assessment of the landscape. Landscape quality is assessed either as part of a strategic planning process or in connection with a specific development which will have an impact on the landscape.
The term 'landscape assessment' can be used to mean either:
- visual assessment. this would look at the nature and extent of visual impacts and qualities relating to locations and proposals. UK-related guidance on the preparation of these assessments is given in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment published by SPON press on behalf of the Landscape Institute & Institute of Environmental Management, 2002.
- character assessment. This includes assessments of each aspect of the landscape: geology, hydrology, soils, ecology, settlement patterns, cultural history, scenic characteristics, land use etc. It typically includes distinct descriptive and evaluative components. Guidance on the preparation of these assessments is given in Landscape Character assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland published by the Countryside Agency & Scottish Natural Heritage, April 2002.
Since landscape assessments are intended to help with the conservation and enhancement of environmental good
Environmental good
Environmental goods are a sub-category of public goods which includes:* Clean air* Clean water* Landscape* Scenic towns* Green transport infrastructure * A diverse flora* A diverse fauna* Public parks...
s, it is usually necessary to have a fully geographical landscape assessment as a stage in the process of EIA
Environmental impact assessment
An environmental impact assessment is an assessment of the possible positive or negative impact that a proposed project may have on the environment, together consisting of the natural, social and economic aspects....
and landscape planning
Landscape planning
Landscape planning is a branch of landscape architecture. Urban park systems and greenway of the type planned by Frederick Law Olmsted are key examples of urban landscape planning. Landscape designers tend to work for clients who wish to commission construction work...
.