The Natura Nature Type Map started in 2011 and is an annual project carried out by Metria on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
The map aims to be an up-to-date basis that describes the actual distribution of the habitat types included in Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive within protected areas. It covers, for example, Natura 2000 sites, nature reserves and national parks.
The Natura Nature Type Map is used as one of several bases for reporting to the EU. It is also used as a basis for care, management and monitoring in protected areas, it is one of the most detailed mapping of the distribution of Natura habitats in protected areas available in Sweden. The Natura Nature Type Map provides a comprehensive mapping within protected areas and includes all habitat types and not just forest, wetland or open land. The mapping is mainly done in orthophotos with the support of a large number of data in the form of international and regional maps, tree height grids, elevation models, satellite images, soil maps, historical orthophotos, species observations, etc.
The Natura Nature Type Map is based on remote sensing and can thus cover large areas, provide a nationally comparable mapping and a good overview of areas that may be difficult to access with traditional field inventory methods.
At Metria, we work with environmental issues and provide authorities and companies with data on Sweden's nature and environment. With this data, we can conduct geographical analyses aimed at preserving, restoring and ensuring sustainable use of ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and natural habitats, and preserving coastal and marine areas.