Observatory

Overview

The geoland Observatory for Spatial Planning (OSP) aims to introduce innovative Earth Observation (EO) derived land cover / land use products into spatial planning procedures and methods. The land cover / land use products are combined with socio-economic information and integrated in GIS procedures and models.
The OSP is made up of a diversified consortium representing policy and user sectors at European, national and sub-national level, research and development organisations, as well as commercial actors from various geographic regions. Its policy reference relates primarily to European spatial planning guidelines and implementation programmes (ESDP, ESPON), but also to national and regional spatial planning issues and directives.

Observatory of Spatial Planning (479 kB)

Policy Framework

At EU level, the Observatory for Spatial Planning (OSP) refers to the principles formulated in the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) and implemented by the European Spatial Planning Observatory Network (ESPON). The currently ongoing ESPON 3.3 project serves as a major reference.

Further policy and high level guidance are inferred from the INSPIRE initiative (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe, the 6th Environmental Action Plan, and the European Commissions's "Communication on Planning and Environment - the Territorial Dimension", and the 2nd Cohension Report. At national and sub-national level spatial planning directives such as the national Sustainability Strategy and spatial planning laws on state level are addressed.

Approach & test sites

The methodology applied in Observatory for Spatial Planning (OSP) comprises the analysis of EO based data, integration of the results and ancillary data in GIS, modelling approaches, the building of scenarios, and training activities. As results indicators, spatial typologies and scenarios are generated.

The OSP is testing its services and products on one European test site, 3 MOLAND test sites, one national and three sub-national test sites.

Testsites MOLAND (Monitoring Land Use / Cover Dynamics) is a JRC project initiated to support the preparation, definition and implementation of EU policies and legislation. To date, the MOLAND methodology has been applied to an extensive network of cities and regions in Europe.

    Sub-national test sites
  1. Vorarlberg (A), 1:25.000
  2. Ceske Budejovice -Linz (CZ/A), 1:25.000
  3. Bratislava-Vienna (SK/A), 1:25.000
    MOLAND test sites:
  1. Northern Ireland (UK), 1:25.000
  2. Algarve (P), 1:25.000
  3. Dresden-Prague (D/CZ), 1:25.000
    European and national test sites (based on CORINE Land Cover 2000):
  1. A/CZ/D/HU/IT/SL/SK in 1:100.000, 1:250.000