REALM framework and level 1 mapping released: a major milestone for understanding NT landscapes
The Northern Territory Government has reached an exciting milestone in its new Regional Ecosystem and Landscape Mapping (REALM) program, with the release of the conceptual mapping framework and the first completed mapping product: level 1 REALM regions.
These foundational releases mark the beginning of a comprehensive, Territory-wide approach to mapping ecosystems and landscapes - setting the stage for better land management, conservation planning and sustainable development across the NT.
A new conceptual framework for the Territory
The REALM conceptual framework establishes a five-tier hierarchy (plus a sixth field-based level) for organising and classifying the landscapes of the Northern Territory.
This structure:
- provides a systematic, scalable way to understand the NT’s natural environments
- supports both high-level regional analyses and detailed, on-ground assessments
- creates a consistent mapping language compatible with other Australian jurisdictions
- ensures users can access the level of detail most relevant to their work.
By introducing this clear and versatile framework, REALM lays the foundation for a modern, integrated ecosystem information system that will guide environmental decision-making for years to come.
Level 1 REALM regions now available
Alongside the framework, the program has released Level 1 REALM regions - the broadest scale of classification within the hierarchy.
Key features of Level 1 mapping:
- divides the NT into 31 large, geomorphologically defined regions
- provides the first Territory-wide depiction of REALM’s structured landscape divisions
- builds upon and advances earlier regionalisations used across Australia
- offers a consistent platform for future sub-regional and landscape-scale mapping.
The level 1 release provides an essential spatial overview of NT landscapes, supporting strategic planning, environmental assessment and early-stage regional land-use considerations.
Why these releases matter
Together, the framework and Level 1 mapping provide the backbone for the entire REALM program. They will:
- bring consistency to land resource information across the NT
- improve our capacity to understand, map and manage the environment
- support government agencies in regulatory and service roles
- give landholders, planners and industry a robust foundation for sustainable decision-making
- help identify regional opportunities while protecting key environmental assets.
These releases represent the first step toward a fully integrated resource that will significantly enhance the Territory’s environmental knowledge base.
Next steps for REALM
Work is already underway on:
- level 2 sub-regional mapping across the NT
- level 5 detailed mapping within the Pine Creek REALM region.
As REALM progresses, more layers of the hierarchy will be completed and released, steadily building a comprehensive picture of NT ecosystems at multiple scales.
Access the level 1 mapping
The new spatial data can be accessed and downloaded via NR Maps, the NT Government’s online spatial portal.
Contact the REALM team
For more information about the framework or the Level 1 mapping release:
- Email: realm@nt.gov.au
- Phone: 08 8999 4470 or 0458 317 079
The release of the REALM conceptual framework and level 1 regions marks a significant step toward a richer, more accessible understanding of the Northern Territory’s landscapes and a strong foundation for sustainable land management into the future.
