Cartographic evaluation of the ecological background of sites on an international scale

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The creation of a cartographic atlas of the ecological context of a group of sites, based on the use of various datasets, enables organizations and economic players to gain a better understanding of the environment in which their activities are located. This first stage contributes to an overall analysis to be carried out across a network of sites, with the aim of anticipating potential risks on biodiversity, avoiding impacts or rehabilitating sites after use.​

The cartographic assessment is based on the exploitation of accessible geographic datasets containing layers of environmental information, and their cross-referencing with the study areas of a group of international sites. The method proposes to mobilize 17 datasets grouped into 5 themes: biogeographical regions, biodiversity hotspots, ecosystems, threatened species, human impacts and carbon resources. The application of this methodological framework consists in carrying out a GIS project, using digital spatial and statistical data analysis tools. This work leads to the production of graphic and/or textual documents (individual site atlases, global atlas), which act as communication and awareness-raising tools, with the aim of raising awareness of the potential natural heritage within the territory of the study sites.​

A standardized methodological framework is proposed (English and French versions). This guide presents a cartographic analysis method, providing a global overview of the ecological context of several sites around the world. It presents the general approach, the resources used, the processing performed, the results that can be obtained, and the limitations of the method. It is aimed at private or public organizations owning land worldwide and seeking to characterize it from an environmental standpoint using a uniform method.​

The method was developed by PatriNat in partnership with Imerys and is currently being tested on partner sites. Future developments are planned following the creation of this first version of the tool.  ​

Program coordinator​

Santiago FORERO​

Alice REGNIER

Report reference 

English version :

• Alice Régnier, Santiago Forero. Cartographic evaluation of the ecological background of a group of sites on an international scale - Methodological framework. PatriNat (OFB-MNHN-CNRS-IRD). 2023. ⟨hal-04511437⟩

French version :

• Alice Régnier, Santiago Forero. Évaluation cartographique du contexte écologique des sites à l’international - Cadre méthodologique. PatriNat (OFB-MNHN-CNRS-IRD). 2023. ⟨hal-04511421⟩