Riparian Zones Delineation

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Last Updated August 14, 2017, 12:43 (UTC)
Created August 14, 2017, 12:42 (UTC)
E-mail AQUACROSS.IP@unesco.org
Language Eng
Abstract The delineation of Riparian Zones is based on a complex spatial modelling approach, making use of the Riparian Zones’ LC/LU classification, large-scale earth observation data and a range of additional geo-data sources, as well as derived spatially explicit indicators. Inputs are regionally parameterised and weighted according to relative importance in a fuzzy modelling approach. The zones provide a majority of riparian functions with a focus on ecosystem services. The Potential Riparian Zone is the resultant modelled area along both sides of the large and medium-sized European rivers and their major branches, with a high probability to host riparian features and consists of all areas greater or equal than 50% membership degree of Riparian Zone. It constitutes an integral part of the buffer zone used for land cover / land use and GLE mapping and typically describes the maximum potential extent of riparian zones without anthropogenic influence. The Actual Riparian Zone is a combination of the Potential Riparian Zone and the recent actual extent of riparian features (such as semi-natural riparian vegetation, oxbow lakes, riverbanks, etc.) as observed from earth observation data. It encompasses the area with the highest probability to find recent riparian features on the ground.
Resource type Spatial dataset
Spatial representation type vector
License CC-BY-4.0
Classification Environment
INSPIRE theme Bio-geographical regions
Free keywords riparian, land, Copernicus
Temporal start date 2011-01-01
Temporal end date 2013-12-31
Lineage Spatial Modelling of the Riparian Zone, which indicates the disposition to host riparian features. The calculation is based on the stratification of different hydrological and geomorphological parameters. These parameters are derived from the input datasets and are weighted differently dependent on their significance and quality. The resulting membership degree of each input parameter is finally combined into a single membership degree expressing the likelihood of an area to be part of a Potential Riparian Zone. Qualitative Assessment: Due to the absence of European-wide harmonized reference data on the location and characteristics of riparian zones in sufficient thematic detail, a qualitative expert assessment approach has been chosen for the Riparian Zones layer, making use of the unique expertise of the freelance expert consultants who are available to the project team and who are recognized among the most renowned European experts in this domain, being also the authors of the most relevant scientific publications in the recent years. The experts have been conducting an in-depth review of the Riparian Zones delineation modelling approach and the associated relevant algorithms and membership functions, which have been checked and approved by them. The experts provided also support and advise on the correct model parameterization and final modelling of the Riparian Zones products, such that the final results are considered properly quality-assessed and validated by this scientific expert-assessment approach.
Responsible party European Environmental Agency (EEA)
Responsible party email copernicus@eea.europa.eu
Responsible party role Resource provider
Limitations on public use No Limitation
Projections ETRS89 - ETRS-LAEA -- EPSG-3035
Spatial extent - North 70.65853
Spatial extent - South 34.645496
Spatial extent - East 44.819101
Spatial extent - West -22.469811

Dataset extent