Landscape Grammar 1: Spatial Grammar Theory and Landscape Planning

Abstract

This paper presents the concept of a spatial landscape grammar. The concept formally draws parallels between the structures of linguistics and the character of real-world landscapes. Landscape grammar can be used to define a landscape's character by using a vocabulary of landscape object types and spatial syntax rules, and these can be used to generate landscape scenes rendered in two or three dimensions through the use of a generative and interpretive production system and modern computing technology. The spatial counterparts of the linguistic concepts of vocabulary and grammar rules are formalized and the basis of the landscape production system is presented. The paper concludes with a short discussion of actual landscape scene generation as a prelude to a companion paper that describes a full implementation of the grammar and interpreter for a residential neighbourhood in Bermuda.