The UK Atlas of Seabed Habitats (UKASH) Mosaic of Localised Maps is a composite of multiple data sources in the form of polygons. It takes the Library of Localised Maps and integrates these into a single, non-overlapping map product for the UK seabed, including the intertidal zone, but only where localised habitat maps exist.
Where maps overlap, we have selected the most reliable according to set criteria. Source maps vary in terms of spatial and thematic detail. All original classifications and the provenance of individual polygons is preserved within the data product/data inventory. Standardised fields containing the EUNIS v2007-11 and Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland (v 22.04) habitat classification information are also provided.
This product presents a rapid, single view of habitats as determined from localised habitat maps, without the possibility of having to query several overlapping pieces of information that may be present in the Library of Localised Maps.
The polygon dataset is accompanied by a data inventory spreadsheet which provides a summary of the data sources that have been used to construct the data product.
The Mosaic of Localised Maps forms part of the UK Atlas of Seabed Habitats (UKASH), a suite of mapping products, offering the most complete characterisation of seabed habitats in the UK in the Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland and the European standard classification system, EUNIS. UKASH is composed of:
- UKASH Library of Localised Maps: A standardised collection of individual, ground-truthed habitat maps from various sources.
- UKASH Mosaic of Localised Maps: A unified, non-overlapping map product that prioritises the most reliable maps from the UKASH Library of Localised Maps.
- UKSeaMap Predictive Map: A seamless, full-coverage predictive map of physical seabed habitats in the UK.
- UKASH Combined Map: The UKASH Mosaic of Localised Maps, with gaps filled by the UKSeaMap Predictive Map.
