The LANDMAP Methodology

LANDMAP seperates the landscape into five Aspects:

• Geological Landscape: this is the study of the geology, geomorphology and hydrology of the area.
• Landscape Habitats: looks at the distribution of vegetation and habitats and the basis for landscape ecology.
• Visual & Sensory: this aspect identifies those landscape qualities that are perceived through the senses.
  It deals with the individual physical attributes of landform and land cover, as well as their visual patterns
  of distribution and sensory characteristics, and the relationships between them in a particular area.
• Historic Landscape: focuses on how archaeological and historical sites relate to each other and to
  the surrounding landscape.
• Cultural Landscape: this considers the relationship that exists between people and places; how people
  have given meaning to places, how the landscape has shaped their actions and their actions have shaped
  the landscape.

Detailed guidance on the LANDMAP methodology is provided in the LANDMAP Information System manual, published in 2001 and updated in June 2003. There is a specific methodology chapter written for each of the five Evaluated Aspects (Geological Landscape, Landscape Habitats, Visual and Sensory, Historic Landscape and Cultural Landscape) that comprise the full set of LANDMAP Information. Each methodology chapter is available for download from the bottom of this page, or from the “useful downloads” section.

Additional guidance to ensure that LANDMAP Information achieves high standards of information accuracy and presentation are detailed in the LANDMAP Quality Assurance Procedure (2003), which is also available from the “useful downloads” section.

The LANDMAP Process.

The process for gathering, organising and evaluating LANDMAP Information into a nationally consistent dataset is similar for each of the five Evaluated Aspects and involves the following steps:

Step 1: Classifying and mapping distinct Aspect Areas
Step 2: Completing a detailed data capture form for each Aspect Area identified through desk and field work as appropriate
Step 3:Preparation of an accompanying Technical Report
Step 4: Submission for Quality Assurance assessment to ensure consistency and accuracy (for studies based upon the 2003 methodology update)

LANDMAP Coverage in 2004

LANDMAP studies are undertaken at a County or National Park scale throughout Wales. LANDMAP is a partnership programme between the Countryside Council for Wales and the Unitary and National Park Authorities. As such, the timing of the collection of LANDMAP Information in an individual Authority responds to the unique circumstances of each situation. The first LANDMAP studies were initiated in 1997; the LANDMAP programme is now underway in all Welsh Unitary and National Park Authorities.

The five Evaluated Aspects, which comprise the full set of LANDMAP Information, are complete for 20 of the 25 Unitary and National Park Authorities. Eleven of these complete sets of LANDMAP Information are also Quality Assured. The remaining five Authorities are in the process of working towards completing the full complement of five Evaluated Aspects (which include the Geological Landscape, Landscape Habitats, Visual and Sensory, Historic Landscape and Cultural Landscape).

Download the LANDMAP methodology from here:

These documents are available in English only. Should you require any part of these documents in Welsh, please contact us by sending an e-mail to LANDMAP@ccw.gov.uk