b'DRONESVisual Impact Assessments, also known as VIA studies, areNEC recommends that photographs for VIA simulations should a type of analysis that landscape architects can provide forbe taken with DSLR cameras, at 1.5-1.8 metres above ground clients, especially those looking to propose developmentlevel, in leaf-off conditions to demonstrate the worst-case in the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Developmentscenario of impacts of changes in the landscape. A terms Area (NEPDA). The Niagara Escarpment Commission NECof reference (ToR) report is submitted and approved by the regulates development within the Niagara Escarpment and theNEC before any VIA study work is conducted. This report lays surrounding lands, and before approving development permitout the methodology and scope of work for the VIA study to applications, different studies may be required.becompleted. VIA studies are completed to evaluate how any proposedWith criteria written out by the Niagara Escarpment development could impact changes to the landscape andCommission and constraints on using drones, why should they verify that the changes comply with existing legislation. Visualbe considered for Visual Impact Assessments?impact assessments also describe and recommend strategiesLooking at satellite or traditional aerial imagery readily on how to mitigate strong visual impacts on the landscape.available for rural areas, this is often low resolution or out For example, using coniferous trees or tall shrubs for privacyof date by a couple years. As well, traditional aircraft that screening helps reduce the visibility of proposed developmentcollect this aerial imagery can be expensive and challenging year-round. to acquire. At times, there can be clouds blocking the view The NEC has set out technical criteria for conducting VIAfrom the satellite, especially in more rural areas. Most of the studies in their planning and development area. This documentNiagara Escarpment lies within rural areas, except for the City is available on the NEC website and outlines what is requiredof Hamilton and parts of the Niagara Region. Using drones for the study and the different methodologies that apply toto capture high-resolution, current aerial imagery helps with visual impact assessments. The NEC technical criteria alsovisibility mapping, viewshed analysis mapping and determining specify how photos for VIA studies should be taken.baseline conditions of project sites.The Root Inoculate Landscape Professionals Rely On VISIT US AT BOOTH #2209LO Congress Show 2024What is Root Rescue Transplanter? A wettable powder providing essential root-stabilizing microbes to all transplants. Contains 18 species of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Biostimulants. CFIA Registered. Highly effective with 95% of landscape plantsincluding all Conifers and Trees. Peer-reviewed University of Guelph Field Trials show that Transplanter reduces Transplant Shock.The benefits last for the life of the plantOnce and DoneTremendous Value!Who is using Transplanter Now?LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS: Easily applied as a Root Drench to control Transplant Shock - and the costs of replacing failed plants Costs less than 1% of the installed value of the plants to applyLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS: Include Root Rescue application in the Planting Spec. (NMS Planting Specs available on request) ARBORISTS: Used in Vertical Mulching Backfill Media Applied to Mature Tree Roots damaged during Construction and Trenching Applied to the Roots exposed when Air-Spading Compacted Soils TREE SPADE OPERATORS: The Wettable Powder is applied to the Cutline and then watered in after installation MUNICIPALITIES AND OTHER LAND MANAGERS: A growing list of municipalities now Specify that Root Rescue be applied with all Street Tree PlantingsGROWERS: Bare-Root trees or plugs are dipped while lining-out stock. Were here to help your business! Get in touch with us today!Root Rescue Environmental Products PO Box 864 Waterdown ON, L0R 2H0(416) 995-9050 | www.rootrescue.com | info@rootrescue.com ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 13'