LAND MAPPING EXAMPLES:

"neos·life is the new earth operating system for life, birthing a new civilisation with the first 1,000 people village for a new way of being. Fully self-sufficient, lockdown-safe and in harmony with nature, each other and ourselves with our own water, energy and organic farm, a well-being and healing center, our own school, residences and retreat hotel and resort. A magical place in Alentejo, just 75 mins outside of Lisbon, Portugal."

To learn more, visit: www.neos.life

The Brief: The brief was to create a map of the 410-ha property, portraying both existing and proposed features. This 'vision' map is used to communicate the concept of Neoslife to investors, collaborators, municipal bodies, and the general public.

This 3D model was created remotely using precise topographic data following a (lidar) drone survey and therefore is highly representative of the real landform.

*Some features are placed on the land with sound reasoning, while others may be located in sub-optimal positions. This project had a two-week deadline which was an inadequate time window in which to perform comprehensive master planning of 410 ha. Some features are also portrayed at an increased scale in the interest of legibility.

The Future Landscapes Trust overs a land area of 797 hectares, delimited by a watershed situated in the county of East Sussex in the South of England.

(A watershed, also known as a drainage basin or catchment area, is an area of land where all precipitation drains or flows into a common outlet).

In response to the increasing threat of flooding, which is intensified by potential fluctuations in climate patterns, a proactive initiative has been launched by The Future Landscape Trust and Green Curves. 

Together, they are dedicated to strengthening flood resilience across the affected watershed by employing natural, regenerative solutions. These nature-based strategies are designed not only to reduce flood risk but also to provide significant environmental, societal, and ecological benefits to all residents and businesses within the watershed.

Green Curves is carrying out a detailed topographic survey of the land followed by a thorough analysis of floods in the affected basin. Strengthened by a U$S440,000 grant from the UK Environment Agency, this groundbreaking project underlines our dedication to regenerative land management and to help ensure better protection for all communities and individuals affected by the problem.

The Brief: We were asked to create 3d Map visuals of the watershed landform, including waterline indications to help explain the concept of drainage basins. This model was created remotely, utilizing public data topography (high-resolution).

This project was created in collaboration with Bruce Kirk & Greencurves https://greencurvesdesign.com/es/

3D land model for a local Algarve project. The mission: Surveying, mapping, and wayfinding.

This project was conducted on-site in Portugal.

The client approached us in January 2024, expressing that they wanted maps to "understand" their recently purchased 70ha land.

We didn't fully grasp their need until they showed me the highly irregular land shape... and then, only once we visited the site, we fully understood the situation.

Essentially, it was entirely unclear what was or wasn't their land... or what belonged to the neighbours. (No fences, visible markers, or visual way of orientating ones self)

The terrain is also varied - most of it steep, terraced, and vegetated... making it confusing to know where you are or get an impression of the land form.

After detailed discussion, we decided on the following ways forward:

1. To perform lidar surveys of the property in order to capture the land form with the highest degree of precision. Obtaining the data also enables an option for advanced land planning, specifically high-level water management and retention strategies.

2. The second task was to set up the Gaia GPS App, which allows one to import a property border and then track one's location in real time. This means one can see where they are in relation to the land borders while walking or driving around the site. The App also allows us to save notes and photos tied to location pins.

3. (Additional) 2D maps

• Aspect: This map depicts the terrain orientation: which direction the ground underfoot is facing towards. Implications: shadow and temperature.

• Elevation above sea level: This map presents the height of the land above sea level. The visual allows us to quickly interpret the altitude and form of the land. Altitude can impact temperature as well as factors such as microclimates, oxygen levels, ecosystems, and views.

• Slope: This map allows us to visually assess how steep or flat the terrain is. The slope of land can significantly impact its capability and potential uses. Considerations include agriculture suitability, water drainage, hazards such as flood, erosion, or landslide, as well as suitability for human, animal, and vehicle accessibility.

• Drainage & Basins: A drainage basin map (or watershed map) illustrates the natural flow of water across terrain. It’s important to observe and predict how rain water will flow through the land. This can aid in the mitigation of hazards such as floods and erosion. We can also plan for rainwater water storage and land hydration strategies. (slow, spread, sink, store). The primary purpose of a drainage map is to present catchment areas, which allows us to calculate the volume of rain that may be received into each basin.

"Harbor Farm is a guest farm in the Algarve, Portugal. The 21-ha farm offers a Fabrication laboratory, including advanced tools such as 3d printers, CNC routers, and laser engravers."

The Brief: We were asked to create a map illustration of the Harbor Farm vision "5 years into the future", portraying both existing and proposed new features. This map is used to communicate the concept to investors, collaborators, and the general public.

This 3D model was created on-site following a 'standard' drone survey (to obtain the topographic data) The model is therefore highly representative of the real landform for visualization purposes. The client gave us a list of desired land features with an indication of desired locations.

• The first two images display the land vision illustration (3d model)

• The third image presents SLOPE, ELEVATION, DRAINAIGE, & ASPECT maps. (see below for further explanation) 

• The fourth image presents a SECTOR ANALYSIS of three chosen areas of interest. This exercise involves detailed observation and documentation of important factors pertaining to a location, specifying the directional relevance. 

SLOPE, ELEVATION, DRAINAIGE, & ASPECT MAPS: (explained)

Elevation above sea level: This map presents the height of the land above sea level. The visual allows us to quickly interpret the altitude and form of the land. Altitude can impact temperature as well as factors such as microclimates, oxygen levels, ecosystems, and views.

Slope: This map allows us to visually assess how steep or flat the terrain is. The slope of land can significantly impact its capability and potential uses. Considerations include agriculture suitability, water drainage, hazards such as flood, erosion or landslide, as well as suitability for human, animal, and vehicle accessibility.

Drainage & Basins: A drainage basin map (or watershed map), illustrates the natural flow of water across terrain. It’s important to observe and predict how rain water will flow through the land. This can aid in the mitigation of hazards such as floods and erosion. We can also plan for rainwater water storage and land hydration strategies. (slow, spread, sink, store). The primary purpose of a drainage map is to present catchment areas which allows us to calculate the volume of rain that may be received into each basin.

Aspect: This map depicts the terrain orientation: which direction the ground underfoot is facing towards. Land orientation plays a crucial role in design decisions largely due to solar orientation. (Exposure to sunlight and temperature considerations.

The brief: We were commissioned to create base maps of this 7.5-ha property on Madeira Island, Portugal. These visuals were used as a base for the owners to 'map out' their ideas.

This 3D model was created on-site following a 'standard' drone survey (to obtain the topographic data) The model is therefore moderately representative of the real landform. 

This land was heavily vegetated with some extremely steep and unusual topography, (~21 terraces) therefore the 3D map enabled the owners to consider the land from a 'zoomed out' perspective.

This project was created in collaboration with Oliver Goshey & Regenerative Skills https://regenerativeskills.com/

The brief: We were asked to create a map vision illustration for this private homestead property in Totnes, UK. This map was used to communicate the concept to the municipal council. (planning office)

This 2D map was created on-site using high-resolution public data topography. The property layout had been pre-planned by James Shorten and the team at Terra Perma Geo. https://tpg-uk.co/ .

The brief: We were commissioned to create a 3d base map of this rural property in Alentejo, Portugal. These visuals were used for municipal applications to communicate the owner's intentions.

These maps were created remotely using 'measured survey' topography as well as public data topography (for broader context)

This project was created in collaboration with Mathias Davesne & Regen Waves: https://linktr.ee/regenwaves

The brief: We were commissioned to create a basic 3d base map of this private residential property in the South West of France. These visuals were used for initial analysis and documentation.

These maps were created remotely using low-resolution public data topography. 

This project was created in collaboration with Oliver Goshey & Regenerative Skills https://regenerativeskills.com/ 

"Goodwill in Action is a non-medical, respite center in nature for individuals who are feeling suicidal. This map is used to communicate the concept to investors, collaborators, and the general public." (Proposed location: Totnes, UK)

To learn more: visit: https://www.goodwillatps.org.uk/

The brief: We were commissioned to create a map vision illustration for Goodwill in Action. This map was used to communicate the concept to investors, board members, the municipal council, and the general public.

This 2D map was created on-site using high-resolution public data topography. The client gave us a list of desired land features and we proceeded to propose a potential layout.

This project was created in collaboration with James Shorten & Terra Perma Geo. https://tpg-uk.co/ 

This project uses high-resolution public topography data from a location in the Peak District, UK.

On the left, a 3d Model of the landform is presented. On the right, the maps displayed have the following relevance:

Elevation above sea level: This map presents the height of the land above sea level. The visual allows us to quickly interpret the altitude and form of the land. Altitude can impact temperature as well as factors such as microclimates, oxygen levels, ecosystems, and views.

Slope: This map allows us to visually assess how steep or flat the terrain is. The slope of land can significantly impact its capability and potential uses. Considerations include agriculture suitability, water drainage, hazards such as flood, erosion or landslide, as well as suitability for human, animal, and vehicle accessibility.

Drainage & Basins: A drainage basin map (or watershed map), illustrates the natural flow of water across terrain. It’s important to observe and predict how rain water will flow through the land. This can aid in the mitigation of hazards such as floods and erosion. We can also plan for rainwater water storage and land hydration strategies. (slow, spread, sink, store). The primary purpose of a drainage map is to present catchment areas which allows us to calculate the volume of rain that may be received into each basin.

Aspect: This map depicts the terrain orientation: which direction the ground underfoot is facing towards. Land orientation plays a crucial role in design decisions largely due to solar orientation. (Exposure to sunlight and temperature considerations.

The following displays various aesthetic/ presentation options.