Map layer: Nature
The Nature category brings together layers for species observations, mapped nature types, outdoor recreation interests and legal protection boundaries such as the Marka boundary and the shoreline management zone. The layers are useful in planning assessments and zoning work to uncover nature considerations that can trigger an objection from the county governor, and to assess the quality of outdoor life and recreation in an area. The sources are mainly Miljødirektoratet, Artsdatabanken and Kartverket.
Layers in this category (18)
| Layer | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive Species Data | Sensitive occurrences of birds, mammals and lichens | Miljødirektoratet. Datasets: Sensitive Species Data |
| Outdoor recreation areas | Outdoor recreation areas valued using the national methodology | Miljødirektoratet |
| NiN mapping units | Nature types mapped using the NiN system | Miljødirektoratet. Datasets: NiN mapping units |
| Species of national management interest | Management-oriented species map | Miljødirektoratet. Datasets: Species of national management interest |
| The route base | Hiking routes, ski trails and cycle routes | Kartverket |
| The species database | Species observations in Norway | Artsdatabanken |
| Nature and cultural areas | Selected cultural landscapes with a dedicated management scheme | Miljødirektoratet. Datasets: Nature and cultural areas |
| Marka boundary | Boundary under the markaloven act for Oslo and the surrounding area | Miljødirektoratet |
| Shoreline management zone | The 100 metre belt along the sea and watercourses | Kartverket |
| Area type | The main division in AR5 is area type, based on criteria for vegetation, natural drainage and human influence. | Norsk institutt for bioøkonomi (NIBIO) |
| Reindeer husbandry | Reindeer husbandry takes place in almost 140 of the country's municipalities, on an area that makes up about 40 per cent of the land area in Norway. | Landbruksdirektoratet |
| Arable land | Shows areas that, through cultivation, can be brought into a state where they meet the requirements for fully cultivated land and that meet the climate and soil quality requirements for growing crops. | Norsk institutt for bioøkonomi (NIBIO) |
| Aquaculture register | The Aquaculture register contains an overview of aquaculture licences and the decisions linked to them. | Fiskeridirektoratet |
| Restricted zones in protected areas | Access bans, landing bans and bans on low flying, with legal basis | Miljødirektoratet |
| Snowmobile trails | Adopted and planned trails, and which municipalities have reported them | Miljødirektoratet |
| State-secured recreation areas | Areas the state has secured through purchase or agreement | Miljødirektoratet |
| Outdoor recreation in protected areas | Protected areas that are also registered as outdoor recreation areas | Miljødirektoratet |
| Landscape types, NiN | Landscape types under Natur i Norge, split by landform, water and vegetation | Miljødirektoratet |
| Grey areas | Nationwide map of grey areas: areas that are already in use or strongly affected by building and construction activity, including buildings, structures and permanent surfaces | Norsk institutt for bioøkonomi (NIBIO) |
| Valued nature types | Nature type localities valued using the criteria in guide M-1941 for impact assessments, from very high value to some value | Miljødirektoratet |
| Large carnivore management zones | Miljødirektoratet's boundaries for the management zones for bear, lynx, wolverine and wolf | Miljødirektoratet |
Sensitive Species Data
Database of sensitive occurrence data for selected birds, mammals and lichens from Miljødirektoratet. "Sensitive" means that the exact location is shielded to protect against disturbance. The layer shows coarse polygons, not point locations. Relevant for planning work near known breeding sites or growing sites for red-listed species.
About the map layer
Sensitive species data is a collective term for a database of selected species of birds, mammals and lichens where located information about the species' breeding area, nesting area or growing site is shielded from public access. The reason is that open access could expose the species or the site to harmful effects, such as disturbance, persecution or destruction. The data is published through a password-protected solution that shows the exact location of the objects. The county governor and Miljødirektoratet can grant access. The data is also available through an open solution that shows masked data in the form of grid cells of varying size depending on the species. Area of use The dataset is suitable for use in all types of land use planning and land management tasks, including individual case processing. It should also be used when planning and carrying out logging and other commercial activity that can affect occurrences of sensitive species. Access Even though information about sensitive species is not openly available, public administration, developers, consultancies and others with legitimate needs can get access to relevant data for the area or project in question. Access is granted through password protection and rights management. The county governor can grant access for municipalities and other users within the county. Miljødirektoratet can grant access where there is a need across county boundaries or nationally. The document "Retningslinjer for håndtering av sensitive artsdata" covers species, assessments and case processing. Information without an exact location is available to everyone through a viewing solution with masked data. The WMS service is publicly available. The mask size varies between different species; some have such extensive masking that relatively large areas are marked on the map. Knowledge of the species' biology will make it easier to assess whether the exact location is needed in the specific case.
Update frequency: Real time.
Sublayers (31)
| Sublayers | Description |
|---|---|
| Brown Bear | Breeding dens and similar. |
| Ruff | Leks (Display Grounds). |
| Great Snipe | Leks (Display Grounds). |
| Osprey | Breeding sites. |
| Arctic Fox | Breeding dens and similar. |
| Geese and Ducks | The duck family (Anatidae) belongs to the order of waterfowl (Anseriformes), which in turn is part of the class of birds, Aves. The family covers ducks, geese and swans. Common features of the duck family are webbed feet and a bill that is flattened to some degree. |
| Eurasian Lynx | Breeding sites and family groups. |
| White-tailed Eagle | Breeding sites. |
| Northern Goshawk | Breeding sites. |
| Ortolan Bunting | All records during the breeding season. |
| Eurasian Eagle-Owl | Masked grid cells showing occurrences of Eurasian Eagle-Owl from Miljødirektoratet's database of sensitive species data. Used by property developers to find out whether a planning area affects the habitat of a strongly threatened raptor before measures are planned. |
| Gyrfalcon | Breeding sites. |
| Wolverine | Breeding dens and similar. |
| Golden Eagle | Breeding sites. |
| Smew | Breeding sites. |
| Great Grey Owl | Masked grid cells with occurrences of Great Grey Owl from Miljødirektoratet's sensitive species data. Gives the developer an early warning that an area may have breeding sites that trigger considerations under the Nature Diversity Act. |
| All species layers | Combined group from the WMS service that shows all the species layers with sensitive occurrences at the same time. Useful for a quick check of whether an area has registered occurrences of several species. |
| Eurasian Hobby | Breeding sites. |
| Hen Harrier | Breeding sites. |
| Raptors | The terms bird of prey and raptor describe carnivorous birds that mainly live by predation, that is, birds that live by hunting, killing and/or eating other animals. |
| Carnivorans | Carnivorans (Carnivora), also called predators (which is admittedly a considerably wider term), are an order of mammals. The species are mainly carnivorous predators that primarily feed by killing and eating other animals. The species are mainly terrestrial, but some species have a strong marine attachment. |
| Bean Goose | Masked grid cells with occurrences of Bean Goose from Miljødirektoratet's sensitive species data. Used to identify staging sites and breeding areas that can lead to restrictions on development near wetland and bog. |
| Marsh Harrier | Breeding sites. |
| Ural Owl | Masked grid cells with occurrences of Ural Owl from Miljødirektoratet's sensitive species data. Warns the developer about possible breeding sites that must be taken into account in forestry measures and land use planning. |
| Small Birds | Masked grid cells with occurrences of sensitive small bird species from Miljødirektoratet's database. Gives an overall indication of registered breeding sites within a planning area. |
| Leks (Display Grounds) | Bird lekking, also called display, is a form of mating ritual in certain bird species. The lek usually involves the males "showing" themselves off to the females, after which the females choose the male they want to mate with. This often happens at a particular place in the forest, or on a bog. |
| Owls | Owls (Strigiformes) are an order of modern birds in the Afroaves group. The owls consist of about 234 species of mainly terrestrial nocturnal birds of prey, spread across the two biological families the owl family (Strigidae) and the barn owl family (Tytonidae). The owl family is by far the most numerous. |
| Wolf | Breeding dens and similar. |
| Peregrine Falcon | Breeding sites. |
| European Honey Buzzard | Breeding sites. |
| Pallas's Reed Bunting | All records during the breeding season. |
Outdoor recreation areas
Shows areas mapped and valued using Miljødirektoratet's national methodology for outdoor recreation mapping. The municipalities have mapped and valued outdoor recreation areas (very important, important, registered). Development in very important outdoor recreation areas can trigger an objection.
About the map layer
Areas mapped and valued using Miljødirektoratet's guide M98-2013, to show places that are important for public outdoor life.
Update frequency: Real time.
NiN mapping units
Nature types mapped at scales of 1:5,000 and 1:20,000 using the NiN system (Natur i Norge). NiN is the nationally recognised methodology for classifying nature types on land and in fresh water. Nature types with high value (A and B) provide grounds for objection under T-2/16. The dataset is managed by Miljødirektoratet.
About the map layer
Nature mapping using the Natur i Norge (NiN) v2 system, with converted v1 data; projects approved and published through Miljødirektoratet's data flow.
Update frequency: Real time.
Species of national management interest
Management-oriented species map from Miljødirektoratet showing occurrences of threatened and near threatened species (CR, EN, VU and NT on the red list), priority species and selected nature types. The dataset is compiled from Artsdatabanken and municipal mapping, and is used actively by the county governor in objection cases.
About the map layer
Management-oriented map distributed by Miljødirektoratet, where all data collection is based on the species data flow established by Artsdatabanken. Since 2005, Artsdatabanken has established data flows with relevant institutions and databases. Data ownership is clarified and rests with the original host. The dataset covers both species that need protection and harmful (alien) species. All relevant species groups are included. The decision to include is mainly taken on the basis of relevant statuses such as threatened species, responsibility species and protected species. In addition, two quality parameters are required: geographical precision and function (activity). These requirements vary between different species groups. Mapped occurrences of sensitive functional areas for given species are not included in this dataset.
Update frequency: Weekly.
The route base
Nationwide overview of hiking routes, ski trails, cycle routes and walking routes. Data from Kartverket / DNT. Useful for assessing recreational value and access to outdoor life from a property, and for seeing whether planned measures cross important hiking paths.
About the map layer
Nationwide overview of hiking routes, ski trails, cycle routes and other routes, as well as facilitation measures in outdoor recreation areas. The data can be used in processes under the Planning and Building Act, for analyses, reporting and trip planning.
Update frequency: Weekly.
The species database
Species observations registered in Artsdatabanken, Norway's national database for biological diversity. Shows dated records of plants, animals and fungi. Useful as a supplement to Species of national management interest, but remember that observations can be old and the location accuracy varies. Datasets: The species database.
About the map layer
This map layer contains information about species observed or registered in Norway, supplied by Artsdatabanken. It includes data on individual observations, red list categories and categories for alien species.
Update frequency: Real time.
Nature and cultural areas
Shows selected cultural landscapes with a dedicated management scheme from Miljødirektoratet. Selected cultural landscapes in agriculture is a national scheme for preserving valuable cultural landscapes, and plans that threaten these can meet resistance in the planning process.
About the map layer
Cultural landscapes - selected
Shows areas included in the Selected cultural landscapes in agriculture scheme. This is a collaboration and joint funding arrangement between the agriculture, nature and cultural heritage authorities in Norway, based on cooperation between landowners, operators and authorities. The purpose is to secure long-term management of distinctive landscape areas with major biological and cultural historical values shaped by long-term and continuous traditional use.
Cultural landscapes - valuable
Consists of valuable cultural landscapes with registered biological values and/or cultural heritage values. Biological values can be nature types such as species-rich hay meadows or coastal heathland. Cultural historical values can be houses, stone walls and burial cairns. Many localities of culturally conditioned nature types have been remapped after 2005 and added to the Naturtyper - DN-håndbok 13 dataset.
DN-håndbok 13
Shows nature type localities on land and in fresh water, mapped using DN-håndbok 13. Each locality is registered with a nature type, which can be specified as variants. Red-listed nature types from 2011 are included with the same designation as in the red list. Each locality has been given a nature value based on condition and biodiversity. The precision of the delimitation varies and is generally better for newer data.
DN-håndbok 19
Nature type localities mapped using DN-håndbok 19 (Mapping of marine biological diversity), published by Miljødirektoratet. The mapping instruction is based on DN-håndbok 19, revised in 2007. Each locality is registered with a nature type and given a nature value based on size, condition and biodiversity, with an accompanying area description. The mapping programme has been carried out in cooperation with Fiskeridirektoratet.
Nature types - Miljødirektoratet's instruction
Shows nature type localities mapped using Miljødirektoratet's instruction. The nature types prioritised for mapping are red-listed nature types and nature types with a central ecosystem function.
Update frequency: Real time.
Marka boundary
Shows the boundary for the scope of markaloven (the act on nature areas in Oslo and neighbouring municipalities). Inside the Marka boundary, measures that can harm the natural environment are prohibited; building and construction measures are as a rule prohibited without an exemption. Relevant for all plots in and near Marka in the Oslo region. Data from Miljødirektoratet. Datasets: Marka boundary.
About the map layer
Legal delimitation of Oslo Marka under the markaloven act of 2009 and the regulation of 2015 (with adjustments from 2019).
Update frequency: When the source changes.
Shoreline management zone
Shows the 100 metre belt along the sea and watercourses where, under the Planning and Building Act section 1-8, measures are prohibited without a municipal exemption. The state planning guidelines for the shoreline zone (SPR) tighten the protection along the Oslofjord and in southern and western Norway. The layer gives a visual answer to whether a property is affected by the shoreline zone provisions. Data from Kartverket. Datasets: Shoreline management zone.
About the map layer
State planning guidelines for differentiated management of the 100 metre belt along the sea.
Update frequency: Daily.
Restricted zones in protected areas
Areas within protected areas where access, landing or low flying below 300 metres is prohibited, with the legal basis for each restriction. The armed forces' own exemptions are in separate layers. The restrictions apply to activity, not land use, so they come in addition to the protection provisions for the area. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
About the map layer
Areas within protected areas where access, landing or low flying is prohibited, with the legal basis for each restriction. The armed forces' own exemptions are in separate layers. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
Snowmobile trails
Adopted and planned snowmobile trails, with a separate layer showing which municipalities have reported trails. Relevant for noise and traffic near cabin and rental property, where a trail close by can affect both use and value. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
About the map layer
Adopted and planned snowmobile trails, with a separate layer showing which municipalities have reported trails. Relevant for noise and traffic near cabin and rental property. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
State-secured recreation areas
Areas the state has secured for outdoor life through purchase or agreement, with the form of securing and the year. The parcel boundary points show how the area is delimited. The securing follows the property and limits what it can be used for. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
About the map layer
Areas the state has secured for outdoor life through purchase or agreement, with the form of securing and the year. The parcel boundary points show how the area is delimited. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
Outdoor recreation in protected areas
Protected areas that are also registered as outdoor recreation areas, with the form of protection and the management authority. Shows where protection and outdoor life apply to the same area, which determines who you apply to when a measure affects the area. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
About the map layer
Protected areas that are also registered as outdoor recreation areas, with the form of protection and the management authority. Shows where protection and outdoor life apply to the same area. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
Landscape types, NiN
Landscape types under Natur i Norge, which divides the country into types based on landform, water and vegetation. A basis for describing what kind of landscape a property lies in, for example in an impact assessment. The layer is drawn from 1:1,000,000 and closer. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
About the map layer
Landscape types under Natur i Norge, which divides the country into types based on landform, water and vegetation. A basis for describing what kind of landscape a property lies in. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
Grey areas
Nationwide map of grey areas: areas that are already in use or strongly affected by building and construction activity, including buildings, structures and permanent surfaces. Separate views for the share with buildings and the share with/without vegetation.
About the map layer
Nationwide map of grey areas: areas that are already in use or strongly affected by building and construction activity, including buildings, structures and permanent surfaces. Separate views for the share with buildings and the share with/without vegetation. Developed by Miljødirektoratet, Kartverket, NIBIO and SSB. Source: Miljødirektoratet.
Update frequency: Static.
Valued nature types
Nature type localities valued using the criteria in guide M-1941 for impact assessments, from very high value to some value. Brings together valued localities across the mapping methods (Miljødirektoratet's instruction, DN-håndbok 13 and 19).
About the map layer
Nature type localities valued using the criteria in guide M-1941 for impact assessments, from very high value to some value. Brings together valued localities across the mapping methods (Miljødirektoratet's instruction, DN-håndbok 13 and 19). Source: Miljødirektoratet.
Update frequency: Real time.
Large carnivore management zones
Miljødirektoratet's boundaries for the management zones for bear, lynx, wolverine and wolf. Inside the zones the species are to breed, outside them grazing animals take priority, which governs compensation, damage culling and land use.
About the map layer
Miljødirektoratet's boundaries for the management zones for bear, lynx, wolverine and wolf. Inside the zones the species are to breed, outside them grazing animals take priority, which governs compensation, damage culling and land use.
Tips
- For a combined risk assessment of nature considerations, combine NiN mapping units, Species of national management interest and Outdoor recreation areas in the same map view.
- The species database and Sensitive Species Data cover partly overlapping information. For planning purposes, Species of national management interest is the most relevant source.
- See Risk for layers related to natural hazards (flooding, landslides, quick clay) and Agriculture for soil protection and reindeer husbandry interests.