Social process landscape plans: SUSTAINABILITY MAPPING

Mapping for sustainability

Some sustainability policies have general application. Others relate to specific geographical areas. Thermal insulation of buildings, for example, has general application and need not be mapped. But some buildings can be planned to improve climatic conditions for pedestrians, by forming arcades and windbreaks. Places where this policy applies should be mapped. Area-specific sustainability plans should deal, amongst other things, with microclimate, land, water, vegetation and transport. The aim is to map those areas where specific action can be taken. Depending on local circumstances, this could include a zone for increased infiltration, a public transport priority zone, a cycle transport network, places which can contribute to climate control, an area for urban food production.