How to use the environmental designations maps
The guidance below must be referred to before using the environmental designations maps for assessing opportunities and optimum sitings of energy crops. As these maps slightly differ to the other maps e.g. ones indicating potential yields, instructions are provided below outlining how to use them.
In addition, you must also refer to the ‘Environmental Designations’ guidance which provides the information necessary to interpret the maps
Background to the environmental designations maps
Given the number of environmental designations identified on the maps there is the risk of overlapping data (i.e. two or more designations may be located in the same place but one may entirely cover up the other(s) leaving it/them unnoticed). These maps have therefore been produced differently to the yield and JCA maps. Data layers can be switched on and off to ensure that all designations in a certain area are identified and that appropriate information and contacts regarding opportunities for sitings of energy crops within such designations can subsequently be sought.
Instructions
A special plug-in for Acrobat is needed to install and display these environmental designations maps.
Once a regional map has been loaded it will display all the data layers (i.e. all environmental designations). To select and unselect layers you will need to click the ‘layers’ tab which is located to the left of the map (third tab down). This will bring up the list of data layers. The environmental designations layers start in row 13 or 14 of the layers list. If the ‘eye’ symbol can be seen next to a designation option it means that that data layer has been selected. To remove this layer of data from the map, click on the eye and it will disappear (along with the eye symbol). To reselect the designation, click where the symbol was and it will reappear along with the data layer.
The key, located in the top left hand corner of each map, allows each environmental designation to be easily identified. You must use the environmental designations guidance if an area of land being considered for energy crop plantings falls within one or more designated areas. The guidance will provide details of organisations which should be contacted for advice and information about any policies or restrictions that may apply.
Page last modified: 11 May 2007
Page published: 11 May 2007