The Environmental Stratification of Europe

Abstract

The Environmental Stratification of Europe (EnS) is a statistically derived land classification, providing a novel global spatial framework for the integration and analysis of ecological and environmental data. The dataset distinguishes 84 strata that are relatively homogeneous in environmental conditions and can be aggregated into 13 environmental zones (EnZ).

The EnS is available as a raster and vector spatial dataset for use with a Geographical Information System, and has a 1km spatial resolution and is projected in the INSPIRE ETRS89-LAEA projection.

The EnS provides a robust spatial analytical framework for the aggregation of local observations, identification of gaps in current monitoring efforts and systematic design of complementary and new monitoring and research.

The classification procedure is described in: Metzger M.J., Bunce R.G.H, Jongman R.H.G, Mücher C.A., Watkins J.W. (2005). "A climatic stratification of the environment of Europe". Global Ecology and Biogeography 14: 549-563 - https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-822x.2005.00190.x