Assessing Landscapes with Specialist Expertise
TRACE Visual combines landscape expertise with advanced geospatial analysis to assess landscape values and visual change. Through evidence-based assessment, GIS mapping, verified visual simulations and professional judgment, we provide independent and defensible advice that supports informed decision-making across planning and infrastructure projects.
Landscape architecture, visual planning & academia
Multiple AILA Awards for excellence
TRACE established 2017 · Queensland-based
Research-led methodology
Who We Are
TRACE Visual is a Queensland-based visual planning consultancy led by Dr Ata Tara, Registered Landscape Architect, visual planning specialist and PhD in landscape planning. With more than 20 years of professional experience across landscape architecture, visual planning, research and academia, we provide specialist expertise for complex development and planning projects across Queensland and Australia.
Established in 2017, TRACE Visual combines professional practice, academic research and innovative technology to assess landscape character, scenic amenity, visibility and visual effects.
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What We Do
We provide specialist landscape planning and visual assessment services that support projects from concept development through to planning approval. Combining research, technical expertise, and advanced geospatial technologies, we deliver practical, evidence-based solutions that help clients understand opportunities, manage risk, and navigate complex planning processes.
Landscape Character is defined as, “A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.” Landscape Character Assessment is defined as, “the process of identifying and describing variation in the character of the landscape.” LCA seeks...
TRACE provides specialist services in Landscape Architecture, design and documentation. Our approach is both innovative and practical, responding to site analysis, user needs and client requirements to create attractive, effective and manageable settings. High standards of environmentally responsible design are combined with a commitment to the enhancement of human experiences in urban settings,...
TRACE provides exceptional modelling services for assessment of visual impacts including: Photomontage Modelling: TRACE modelling capabilities in preparation of verfied photomontage are frequently called upon in court based on best practice guidelines. Trace also provides methodology statements to experts and the court in support of modelling outputs. Viewpoint GPS location, control points and camera...
TRACE experience in the preparation of VIA studies is extensive through successful of completion of numerous complex studies. These studies are prepared for a wide range of developments including infrastructure to urban developments. We adopt rigorous methodologies and approaches for various types of developments related to specific visual concerns. A...
Our Process
Our structured methodology combines landscape assessment methods, spatial analysis, field investigation, and visual simulations to deliver accurate visual planning solutions and reliable evidence for decision-making.
Project scope, planning context, assessment requirements, key issues and constraints, and development objectives are reviewed to establish the appropriate approach.
Existing landscape characters, visual absorption capacity (VAC), visual qualities, visual receptors and sensitivities, and relevant spatial and planning information are examined to establish a reliable baseline.
GIS, terrain data, visibility analysis, VAM/ZVI techniques, and 3D modelling are used to understand potential development visibility and landscape relationships.
Site conditions are verified through field investigations and photography, documenting relevant landscape characteristics, viewpoints, and visual receptors.
Verified photomontages and visual simulations are prepared to illustrate proposed change from representative viewpoints and support impact assessment.
The magnitude of visual change is evaluated against landscape and visual sensitivity to determine the significance of potential effects.
Appropriate design responses and mitigation measures are identified to help manage potential landscape and visual effects.
Clear technical reports, mapping, visualisations, photomontages and supporting evidence communicate findings to clients, stakeholders and decision-makers.
Selected Work
Victoria, New South Wales & South Australia | 2022–2025 TRACE has undertaken a portfolio of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments and visual analysis studies for telecommunications infrastructure across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, including projects at Wallan, Little River, Pakenham West, Yallourn North, Sorrento East, Pooraka and Lake...
TRACE was engaged to prepare a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for a proposed Hindu Temple complex at Pearcedale on the Mornington Peninsula. Located within the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge Zone, the project required careful consideration of the relationship between the proposed temple, surrounding rural landscape character, major road...
TRACE was engaged to prepare a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for the proposed Aerial Tramway (ATW) in Bowen. The project comprises two stations and two towers connecting Flagstaff Hill, North Head Island and Stone Island, creating a cable-based transport corridor between the Bowen mainland and Stone Island. The...
This collection includes selected LVIA studies completed by Ata during his past employment at TRACT Consultants. These studies were prepared for various infrastructure projects across Australia and LVIA was required as part of DA or EIS. Visualisations, GIS mappings, modellings and objectivity are important aspects of these studies to deliver...
Our Expertise
We provide specialist visual planning, landscape assessment, and design expertise across diverse development and planning contexts.
We assess landscape and visual impacts as well as glint and glare impacts for renewable energy projects, helping balance development objectives, environmental values, and community expectations.
Infrastructure projects benefit from detailed landscape assessments, visual analysis and GIS expertise that support planning approvals and long-term project integration.
We provide visual impact assessment, visibility analysis, visual simulations and photomontage services for telecommunications infrastructure and other visually prominent developments.
Residential, commercial, mixed-use and high-rise developments receive tailored landscape planning and visual assessment services that consider character, scenic amenity, functionality and planning requirements.
Government agencies rely on evidence-based landscape assessments, strategic planning expertise, and technical analysis to support transparent and informed planning decisions.
Architecture and design teams collaborate with us to integrate landscape planning, visual analysis and design expertise into context-responsive development projects.
Specialist visual planning and landscape assessments support mining developments by identifying potential impacts, informing approvals and supporting responsible environmental outcomes.
Professional Recognition
TRACE Visual combines professional practice, research and academic experience with recognised professional credentials.
Professional experience spanning landscape architecture, visual planning, research and academia.
Recognition through multiple Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards for excellence in landscape architecture and planning.
Professional landscape architecture expertise supporting landscape, visual and planning assessments.
Research experience supporting evidence-based approaches to landscape visual planning and GIS innovation.
University teaching and research experience with RMIT University and QUT.
Queensland-based visual planning practice providing specialist services across Queensland and Australia.
Why Clients Choose TRACE Visual
Clients choose us for specialist expertise, technical accuracy and innovative approaches that create reliable landscape planning outcomes across complex development projects.
We apply research-backed methodologies, quantitative analysis, and professional expertise to provide transparent assessments that support informed planning decisions.
Our combination of GIS, spatial modelling, visibility analysis and visualisation technologies provides accurate insights into landscape relationships, visibility, and potential development effects.
Every project receives a customised approach based on site conditions, planning requirements, and client objectives to achieve meaningful outcomes.
We combine landscape architecture, visual planning, GIS and visual communication expertise to address complex environmental and development challenges.
From initial assessment through final submission stages, TRACE Visual provides professional guidance, clear communication, and ongoing support throughout project delivery.
TRACE Visual was engaged to provide visual impact assessments for three major waterfront projects in Airlie Beach, Queensland, including two hotels and an apartment development. Their work was impeccable, and utilised cutting-edge techniques to provide balanced advice that guided the architectural design of these projects and provided objective and technically sound support for the development approvals processes. TRACE Visual's support was invaluable.
Director of Access Town Planning Consultants — Project manager and town planner
Partner with experienced visual planning consultant in Queensland to assess, visualise and shape your next project with research-driven insights, advanced technology and specialist expertise. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project and discover how we can support your next development.
FAQs
Have a question about visual planning, assessments or approvals? Email us — we respond promptly.