A landscape area is a place with shared characteristics such as landform, vegetation, land uses and other unique qualities. It is an area defined by the way a place looks and feels, and what makes it unique.
Identification of landscape areas has regard to the following characteristics:
The vegetation coverage and type
The topography of the land, geology and soil types
Patterns of development and lot sizes
Land uses (considering rural industry, agriculture, dwellings, commercial, services, shops, etc)
Heritage significance
Scientific, archaeological or environmental significance
Iconic views and important landmarks (such as Berowra Valley or the Hawkesbury River).