User Guide

What is Geodiversity Characterisation?

Summary

Geodiversity Characterisation helps to manage change in the natural environment by understanding the contribution that geodiversity makes to landscape.

Explanation

Geodiversity Characterisation is a tool for managing change in the natural environment by understanding the contribution that geodiversity makes to landscape. It uses GIS-based mapping of the geology, topography, soils, hydrology, mineral working and Historic Environment datasets to define broad Geodiversity Character Areas in the landscape, and their component Geodiversity Character Zones.

How can Geodiversity Characterisation be used?

Summary

Geodiversity Characterisation is a tool for use by developers and planners.

Explanation

Geodiversity Characterisation is a tool to facilitate the integration of geodiversity objectives into spatial planning as part of sustainable development. It provides baseline information about the diversity of Earth heritage assets, their location, extent, significance and capacity to absorb change.