Green fields highlighted by sunrays through heavy clouds from Curbar Edge

Landscape Observatory

Landscape Observatory is a bold new project in conservation management, funded by the Protected Landscapes Partnership Incubator Hub and supported by Defra.

Landscape Observatory will unite AI mapping, habitat condition monitoring, and Adaptive Management to conserve and protect our landscapes from the impacts of climate change.

Mapping a detailed landscape intelligence system through high-resolution aerial images and cutting-edge AI.
Monitoring habitats, land use, and cultural heritage features.
Managing the impacts of climate change through Adaptive Management plan practices.

LO Mapping Model

Peak District Beginnings

It began with mapping the entire Peak District National Park at 12.5cm resolution, producing observational insights with advanced AI.

Now, with the support of the Protected Landscapes Partnership, Landscape Observatory is building an Earth observation tool that prioritises both scale and precision.

This innovative breakthrough will be the most detailed landscape intelligence system ever created for the Protected Landscapes and scaled across all of the UK’s Protected Landscapes, covering 25% of England’s land area.

LO Mapping 3D Render

How it works

AI Mapping

Combining high-resolution aerial imagery supplied by Bluesky International Ltd with cutting-edge technology to produce AI-generated maps of our landscapes, revealing vital surface detail. [Read More.]

Habitat Condition Monitoring

Identifying and monitoring habitat conditions, land use and cultural heritage features at a landscape scale. This level of habitat monitoring allows us to preserve species and wildlife, and support the surrounding ecosystems. [Read More.]

Adaptive Management

Constant changes in our landscapes make rigid management plans ineffective. Adaptive Management methodology embraces flexibility and guides decision making in uncertain and rapidly changing conditions. [Read More.]

Why it matters

Protecting nature and our landscapes against the impact of rapid climate change starts with knowing where it is.

Across the UK, important decisions about nature recovery and conservation are increasingly being made at a landscape scale, yet a critical gap remains in how to monitor habitat condition at such a large scale.

Landscape Observatory provides an approach which allows land managers, conservationists and policymakers with the tools they need to make informed and timely decisions.

LO Mapping Habitat Monitoring

Landscape Observatory is a partnership between Cranfield University Environment Centre and the Protected Landscapes Partnership, and supported by Defra.

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