This research investigates an approach to explore an area of intersecting edges, including estuarial river, forestry, agricultural fields, global city, suburban settlements, and port developments. The research explores the role and cultural identity of an area of South-East England, where the limits of London, the floodplain of the Thames, the Greenbelt, industry, agriculture, and residential settlements come together – impacted by changing dynamics of urbanisation. Employing a combination of methods, the research combines mapping (GIS and document surveys), observation, interview and visual analysis. The paper discusses the need for such a range of methods, brought together in different ways, in order to investigate the relations between changing patterns of urbanisation through planning, the impact and threat of flooding, localised development and land-use, and the cultural forms of the landscape.