Landscape grammar 2: implementation

Abstract

In a previous paper, we presented landscape grammar as a framework in which to define the character of a landscape and we used it to generate simulated landscape scenes in order to assess visually the character definition. In this paper we describe the implementation of a landscape grammar in a software environment and its application to a residential neighbourhood. The architecture and functionality of the implementation are described with examples of elements from the landscape vocabulary and rule definitions. The system is applied to define the character of a neighbourhood in Bermuda. Following an outline of the landscape vocabulary, the spatial grammar rules are presented in the form of an iterative construction of a two-dimensional landscape scene which is then presented in a three-dimensional form. Finally, the grammar is modified to demonstrate the effect of imposing hypothetical planning regulations on the site.