What is a Landscape Analysis?

A Tool for Community Problem-Solving

From improving public health to strengthening educational systems, organizations use a variety of tools when building an understanding of their communities. For example, needs assessments help identify specific gaps in services; community surveys capture residents' experiences and perspectives; and focus groups provide in-depth insights into issues. Each of these approaches serves a valuable purpose in community assessment and planning.

A landscape analysis is another powerful tool in this toolkit. It provides a systematic way to examine the full context of an issue by bringing together a variety of information sources. The process involves analyzing relevant data, mapping current resources and services, gathering input from groups who have a stake in the game, and identifying both challenges and opportunities within the community. A landscape analysis can be as focused as examining one specific aspect of an issue or as comprehensive as exploring the entire scope of a challenge and all its contributing factors.

A landscape analysis is a systematic method that helps organizations understand the full context of a social issue.

Landscape analyses stand out from other assessment tools by providing a more complete picture of both the challenges and existing resources in a community. While a needs assessment might identify service gaps, and surveys or focus groups capture specific perspectives, a landscape analysis brings all these elements together to show how different aspects of an issue connect and influence each other. This comprehensive view helps organizations understand not just what needs to change, but also what resources and opportunities already exist to support that change.

Why Conduct a Landscape Analysis?

Systematically gathering and analyzing information creates a foundation for action. A landscape analysis helps organizations understand their current situation and shape their path forward. This initial assessment can also establish baseline data that guides future decision-making and measures progress over time.

Making a Landscape Analysis Work for You

Success with a landscape analysis starts with developing clear objectives and knowing the types of questions you want to answer with the analysis.

While a landscape analysis requires an investment of time and resources, careful planning at the beginning can make the process more efficient and the results more valuable. Consider starting with a smaller, focused analysis that can be expanded over time as needs and resources allow.

What Goes into a Landscape Analysis

Organizations conducting a landscape analysis are often seeking to understand:

·      How existing services are currently working together (or not)

• What barriers prevent people from accessing available resources

• Which community strengths could be leveraged to address gaps

• How similar communities have tackled comparable challenges

• What trends might affect future service needs and delivery

Data collection and analysis

A thorough landscape analysis begins with examining existing data—the numbers and trends that paint a picture of what's happening in a community. For example, in the primary prevention of domestic violence, this might include youth attitudes about healthy relationships, school policies around harassment, community norms around gender roles, and data about early exposure to violence. Organizations also map out current prevention programs, such as healthy relationship education in schools, workplace harassment training, mentoring programs, and community awareness campaigns, documenting not just what exists but how well these initiatives reach their intended audiences.

Community Voice

While data provides the framework, community input brings the analysis to life. Conversations with residents, service providers, and local organizations uncover real experiences and challenges that numbers alone can't capture. These discussions often reveal unexpected barriers to services, shine light on community strengths, and generate fresh ideas for improvement. They also help explain how broader factors—from environmental conditions to social dynamics—influence the issue.

Synthesis and Insights

The power of a landscape analysis lies in combining hard data with human insight. This blend helps organizations spot gaps in services, understand how resources are being used, and develop well-supported recommendations for change. When these elements come together, the full picture emerges - revealing both immediate challenges and opportunities for lasting improvement.

Conclusion

A well-conducted landscape analysis transforms scattered information into actionable knowledge. By bringing together data, community insights, and resource mapping, organizations can better understand their challenges and opportunities. This comprehensive understanding leads to more effective, targeted solutions for community issues.

Want to learn more about conducting a landscape analysis? Contact us to discuss how we can help your organization.