Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is an approach to understanding the differences between landscapes. It is defined as 'The tool that is used to help us to understand, and articulate, the character of the landscape. It helps us identify the features that give a locality its 'sense of place' and pinpoints what makes it different from neighbouring areas.'

It provides more detailed descriptions and analysis at a local level within the national framework of National Character Areas. Communities, developers, farmers and land managers, landscape and planning professionals and others all have a role in identifying the characteristics that make a particular landscape unique, and using this understanding to plan and manage landscape change.