Landscape and visual impact assessment
A development's visibility depends on more than height: terrain, surroundings and the observer's position also matter. We examine these relationships to compare alternatives, identify important views and explain opportunities to reduce landscape and visual effects before design decisions are finalised.
Understand where the development will be seen and in what setting
We review landscape character and the project features influencing perception, including location, dimensions, layout and relationships with existing buildings or vegetation. Viewpoints and viewing directions are selected for the assessment purpose. Available spatial information and agreed field material are used with their currency and level of detail explained, including limitations affecting the analysis.
The assessment combines visibility analysis with interpretation of the significance of the anticipated change. Visibility alone does not determine the scale of landscape impact. Background, screening and the use of observation locations are considered, while alternatives are compared using consistent assumptions. Maps and analytical visualisations explain these relationships rather than simply displaying the proposed structure.
Conclusions identify options worth considering, such as location, layout or setting adjustments where relevant to the project. Visualisation detail is agreed before work starts; photorealistic promotional imagery is not assumed. We also explain how season, input data and viewing position influence the representation, enabling readers to interpret the scenarios appropriately.
Technical data
| Subject | The development's relationship with the landscape and visibility from selected locations. |
|---|---|
| Service type | Landscape assessment and visual impact analysis. |
| Assessment basis and requirements | Project parameters, spatial data, agreed viewpoints and the selected level of visualisation detail. |
| Method |
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| Delivery model | KFB Enviro with a partner/subcontractor |
What you receive
You receive a report, maps and analytical visualisations at the agreed level of detail. The package identifies viewpoints, assumptions, comparison results and limitations. Conclusions address the development's relationship with its surroundings and possible mitigation measures. Visualisation scope is defined for the assignment and does not automatically include photorealistic or marketing materials.
Scope and limitations
Level of visualisation to be agreed