Mr. Pedro Diaz, Director of Directorate E, Opened the Working Group (WG) on Land Cover/Use

EUROPEAN COMMISSION EUROSTAT

Directorate E: Sectoral and regional statistics Unit E-4: Regional statistics and geographical information

Luxemburg, EUROSTAT/E-4/AP/

WG/LCU/31

WORKING GROUP FOR LAND COVER/USE STATISTICS

MEETING ON 11 JUNE 2013, 09:00 – 17:00 IN LUXEMBOURG, BECH BUILDING - QUETELET

CHAIRED BY: Gunter Schäfer

DRAFT MINUTES

AGENDA: SEE DOC WG/LCU/25

2 INTRODUCTION

Mr. Pedro Diaz, Director of Directorate E, opened the Working Group (WG) on Land Cover/Use statistics and introduced the aims of the working group.

1. OBJECTIVE OF THE MEETING

The Working Group on Land Cover and Land Use last met in June 2010. Eurostat had just started cooperating with Member States through an advisory group (AG) on land cover/use statistics. The members of this AG were nominated by the DIMESA and CPSA committees, when Eurostat had to carry out a new LUCAS survey for 2012. Preparing the LUCAS survey is time consuming and has to start two years in advance, Eurostat’s priorities have been re-focused on the LUCAS 2012 campaign, however cooperation activities went on within the framework of the AG. Since January 2012, the AG has met three times. It produced a final document and proposed a strategy for future land cover/use data collection. In the meantime, grant agreements have been launched, and the LUCAS 2012 survey has been completed. The aim of this meeting of the working group is twofold, to update Member States on on-going Eurostat activities, and to discuss the proposed short- and long-term strategy for future data collection, which was the outcome of the AG.

Mr. Gunter Schaefer, Head of Unit E1, welcomed the Delegates and explained the programme of the day.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (DOC. WG/LCU/25)

The agenda (Doc. WG/LCU/25) was adopted

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTE OF THE PREVIOUS WG (DOC. CPSA/LCU/18)

The minutes were approved without any change.

4. EUROSTAT ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

4.1. INSPIRE COMPLIANT LAND COVER AND LAND USE CLASSIFICATION

Presentation

INSPIRE Directive 2007/2/EC aims at a better use of spatial information. To this end data specifications for land cover and land use data are under development and obtained the positive opinion of the INSPIRE Committee in April 2013. The LUCAS team followed these developments closely and there is a good agreement between the LUCAS classification and the INSPIRE classification, however some adjustments will be needed in order to get LUCAS completely INSPIRE compliant. In order to adapt the LUCAS land cover survey classification to INSPIRE pure land cover classes (PLCC) the main change required concerns the mixed

3 classes, which at the level of the field survey should be registered in terms of their components. To adapt LUCAS land use survey classification the main change required concerns the secondary production. His production is currently divided by sector, e.g. manufacturing of textiles, wood. In accordance with INSPIRE the main subdivision should be based on raw industry, heavy end industry, light end industry and energy production. As this reflects the environmental impact well, it is actually well suited for LUCAS needs.

Discussion

INSPIRE also foresees classes such as “OtherIndustry”, “OtherMiningAndQuarrying”… Participants were asked if they see the need for such classes. One country replied that the term “other” should be avoided where possible; instead the content should clearly defined, and a more precise class name should give more clear indication about the content of the class. Having said that, it is in general useful to have a collective class where all “other” features can be placed, instead of forcing them into just any given class that does not really fit to them. Participants pointed out that hunting is very difficult to detect in the field. This was confirmed by Eurostat and indeed it should not be included in the field survey. One country pointed out that it is very difficult to assess the percentage of the various pure land cover components in the field. The issue of continuity of historical series was raised; a solution could be the collection of double classification in the next survey, meaning both the classification according to the previous nomenclature and in the same time according to the new modified system to be able to compare between both results and assess changed in information content due to methodological modifications.

Conclusions

Discussion will be carefully evaluated and considered during the update of the documents for the next LUCAS.

4.2. AVAILABLE SOURCES FOR LAND COVER/USE DATA

Presentation

A summary of the issues tackled at the advisory group regarding data sources for Land Cover and Land Use was presented to the Working Group members. Data sources with interest for Land Use and Land Cover are already available at Eurostat but except for LUCAS, these are sectorial and do not cover for all the needs expressed by the users. Member states also have data sources on Land Cover and Land Use, spanning from mapping initiatives, to cadastral or administrative data. Several initiatives (past and on-going) have attempted to produce a comprehensive catalogue of such sources.

Discussion

Member states were invited to take part in on-going initiatives aiming at getting a a clear picture of the available sources, like the INSPIRE Geoportal and to further participate in future Eurostat initiatives (eg. Grants) aiming at collection of existing national data sources.

Conclusions

During the discussion corrections to the Data Sources document were requested by Spain. Eurostat will correct the document accordingly and upload it to CIRCABC. Some Member

4 states informed that combination of data from different (statistical, mapping or administrative) are already being used.

4.2.1. Case study: total area Data comparison

The LUCAS Team presented a pilot exercise on comparison of existing data on Eurostat regarding the Total Area of the Member States. It was shown that in different tables the concept enunciated as "Total Area" produces different results. One of the reasons behind this is the lack of clear and un-ambiguous definitions regarding the concepts of "Total Area", "Land Area" and "Water Area".

Conclusions

In the next weeks Eurostat will disseminate a request for clarification on the methods, definitions and responsible entities at National Level for the provision of such data

4.3. GRANT AGREEMENTS ON LAND COVER/USE STATISTICS

Presentation

In 2012 Eurostat has launched grants on land use and land cover statistics to explore a better integration of Member State data into the Eurostat production cycle, in order to produce high level statistics and assuring cost efficiency and timeliness. The first part of the grants concerns the production of statistics and the access to micro data. The second part of the grants explores the integration of the LUCAS survey into a national in-situ survey. Seven grants have been awarded: DE, EL, IT, NL, NO, PL, PT. All grants cover the first part and four grants cover also the second part. A task force meeting took place the day before. The experts that participated cover a broad field of expertise.

Two Grant Holders, namely Italy and the Netherlands made a presentation with their main findings. Concerning Italy it was acknowledged the effort of coordinating and clarifying a fragmented data source situation and results from the Netherlands sounded promising especially as far as Land Use is concerned.

Discussion

Presentations and discussions included among others:  An in-depth analysis of the available data sources and the need of coordinative actions,

 The integration of different data sources (in-situ survey, geographic data…): methodologies, quality measurements, added value of the different sources

Conclusions

Eurostat will foster an interactive development of the grants. As suggested by a Member State the main findings and questions will be shared with all the countries (not only the grant holders) as they become available. The current grants will terminate in June 2014 with a 2

5 days technical workshop. New grants are planned for 2014 and input on specific issues is welcome.

5. LUCAS 2012 SURVEY UPDATE

Presentation

The LUCAS 2012 survey covered 270.276 points in all 27 EU Member States and field work finished in early autumn. The survey ran smoothly in most countries. The companies responsible for the 5 field work lots submitted all points to the external quality control. The external quality control has again proven to be very important for the overall data quality. Currently the raw data is consolidated and Eurostat is performing its internal quality checks. A first release of primary data main variables was put on line on the Eurostat website in the dedicated section on land cover/use statistics in April 2013 (Quarter 2 as initially planned). The statistical tables will be published in the Eurostat database later on in the year. The landscape photo archive so far disseminated via the User Support will be available through the Statistical ATLAS. Some preliminary results were presented.

Discussion

Clarification on the non-sampling quality indicators and on the changes in the land cover detected from preliminary comparison with 2009 data were provided. Concerning the detail of classification classes it was clarified that Eurostat is aware of the existence of better sources than LUCAS for cropland; while Eurostat publishes very aggregated tables concerning cropland, from in situ data point of view there is a need of more detailed classification. Once more it was stated that LUCAS is not a tool for checking cross compliance.

Conclusions

It was confirmed that LUCAS is not a tool for checking cross compliance.

6. SHORT AND LONG TERM STRATEGY ON LAND COVER AND LAND USE INFORMATION

Presentation

Eurostat gave a combined presentation of items 5.1 Report from Advisory Group and 5.2 Short and long term strategy on land cover/use data collection. On the base of several users’ consultation and an assessment of the needs, a strategy for the future data collections on Land Use and Land Cover statistics (LUCAS) was discussed and accepted by the participating Member States as well the stakeholder DGs during the final meeting of the Advisory Group on Land use and Land Cover on 7 March 2013. The different position, policy requirements, Member States data and objectives, and Eurostat’s role as a provider of basic infrastructure and coordinator of statistical production were taken into account. The strategy allows a flexible approach to land cover/use data collection and is divided into short and long term: - carrying out of a simplified LUCAS (no transect, no specific modules) in 2015 (under condition of financial commitment of the DGs) and;

6 - preparing for a more comprehensive LUCAS (with new specific modules to be agreed between the DGs) and inclusion of national data sets, where comparable and harmonised, starting from 2018 onwards.

Discussion

Some MS prefer LUCAS to remain under voluntary data collection, while for other a solid legal base is absolutely needed; it was clarified that an eventual specific legal basis for LUCAS would not solve the issue of access to private properties. The strategy was welcomed, in particular the opening for a closer involvement of Member States in the land cover/use data providing. DG CLIMA précised that they are not direct users of LUCAS data: Member States are, as they need such kind of information for their reporting obligation. DG ENV supported the position, underlining among others, the uncertainties of funds availability for LUCAS 2015.

Conclusions

The implementation of LUCAS 2015 depends on the agreement with other DGs about the available resources. The strategy proposal will allow flexible approaches to land cover/use data collection. A task force should will be put in place for the preparation of surveys from 2018 onwards and in order to be able to integrate national data sets where comparable and harmonised. A first meeting for the Task Force is foreseen for November 2013. There is a need to explore the specific legal basis for the future. The discussion of the strategy will go on in the ESSC meetings.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The EAGLE concept

Mr. Arnold (DE) presented the EAGLE1 concept, a new feature-oriented land modelling approach to compare different land cover/use classifications. Both the Data Model (UML chart) and the Matrix (Excel table), which represent the same content but in different forms of technical and visual presentation, were explained. The structure of the matrix is threefold und divided into three main blocks: a) The land cover components (LCC), b) land use attributes (LUA) and c) further landscape characteristics (CH). The LCC block is considered to be consolidated and stablerepresenting the starting point of land surface modelling, The LUA block is very closely related to the HILUCS classes, and the CH block describes the basic LC and LU information with further details, properties, spatial patterns, ecosystem type, parameters etc. The latter part of the Characteristics is the most flexible one and is likely to be changed or modified due to the user´s requirements.

The EAGLE concept is not yet another classification system, but rather a collection of elements like a semantic modular construction system, which allows to decompose given LC/LU classes into its defining elements and compare them between two different classification systems. Furthermore the concept can be used not only as a semantic translation tool between different classification systems, but also as a conceptual basis for LC/LU mapping and description. Within this concept several existing standards have been taken into

1 EIONET Action Group on Land Monitoring in Europe, whereby EIONET stands for European Environment Information and Observation Network steht. http://sia.eionet.europa.eu/EAGLE

7 account (ISO, INSPIRE, CLC, LUCAS), aiming at being interoperable with them. The EAGLE activities for the time being are incorporated in the FP7 Project HELM2.

Discussion

It was asked whether there have already been concrete cases of implementation of Eagle methods; so far several test-wise semantic transformation and decomposition applications have been done like against CORINE Land Cover classes, the LUCAS LC classes, and some semantic checks on national level (Belgium/Flanders, Romania/Danube Delta, SouthTyrol/Italy, Germany, Spain); more are on-going and will follow. Eurostat takes into consideration to integrate the EAGLE concept as a conceptual basis for semantic harmonisation processes in their further planning regarding future land monitoring activities.

Conclusions

Power point presentation will be uploaded into CircaBc.

2 HELM – Harmonised European Land Monitoring. http://www.fp7helm.eu/

EUROPEAN COMMISSION EUROSTAT

Directorate E: Sectoral and regional statistics Unit E-4: Regional Statistics and Geographical information

PRESENCE LIST OF THE WORKING PARTY ON "COOPERATION ON LAND COVER/USE STATISTICS" BUILDING BECH – ROOM QUETELET – ON 11 JUNE 2011

Important information for the delegates on personal data protection:

In the framework of this working party on "Land cover/use statistics" your personal data [name, address, etc.] will be registered according to article 2(b) of the Regulation EC N° 45/2001 (OJ N° L8 dated 12.1.2001, pages 1 to 22). Should you require further information or exercise your rights (e.g. access or rectify data), please contact Ms Alessandra PALMIERI, responsible for this meeting.

LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS - LIST OF PARTICIPANTS – TEILNEHMERLISTE

10 EXPERT A ADMINISTRATION EXPERT REMBOUR Adresse du bureau, N° Téléphone, fax, E-mail SIGNATURE Nom, prénom SER (O/N) DELEGATIONS Office address, telephone, fax number and E-mail Family name and surname Büroanschrifit, Telefon, Faxnummer und E-Mail- Name, Vorname 11/06/2013 adresse A remplir par Eurostat

Senior Expert Agrostatistics Department Directorate Agriculture and Land relations Ministry of Agriculture and Food Bulgaria BULGARIA Ms Teodora SEMERDZHIEVA Tel. + 359 2 985 11 219 O Fax. + 359 2 980 82 94 55, Blvd. "Hristo Botev" Sofia, 1040 e-mail: [email protected] www.mzh.government.bg

Statistisches Bundesamt Gustav-Stresemann-Ring 11 DEUTSCHLAND Mr Michael DEGGAU 65189 Wiesbaden Germany E-mail: [email protected] Statistisches Bundesamt Gustav-Stresemann-Ring 11 DEUTSCHLAND Mr Stephan ARNOLD 65189 Wiesbaden Germany E-mail: [email protected] Project Leader Agricultural Statistics Department Ms Eve VALDVEE Phone: +372 625 9397 ESTONIA [email protected] O

Agriculture Accounts Section CSO Skehard Rd IRELAND Mr Morgan O’DONNELL Cork O Ireland Tel: 00 353 21 4535333 [email protected]

Subdirectora General de Estadística Secretaría General Técnica Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente Ms. Paloma SEOANE Paseo Infanta Isabel I ESPAÑA SPIEGELBERG 28070 Madrid O Telefono: (+34) 913475139 Email: [email protected]

Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente Paseo Infanta Isabel I ESPAÑA Ms Carmen BARRERO 28070 Madrid N Email: [email protected]

Responsable des statistiques occupation du territoire Ministère de l'agriculture - SG - SSP - SDSAFA Bureau des Statistiques Structurelles Environnementales et Ms Camille FONTES-ROUSSEAU Forestières FRANCE Complexe agricole d'Auzeville BP 32688 O 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Tél : 05 61 28 94 87 / Fax : 05 61 28 94 43

ISTAT Division for Structural Economic Statistics Via A. Rava 150 ITALIA Mr Marco BALLIN I - 00142 Roma O Phone: 0039 6 4673 4536 Fax: 00 39 6 4667 8227 E-mail: [email protected] Principal Researcher Territorial Information and Geographic Information System Division Mr. Sandro CRUCIANI ITALIA Development of Information Systems and Corporate N Products, Information Management and Quality Assessment Directorate e-mail: [email protected] Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia Agricultural and Environment Statistics Department Agricultural Statistics Section Lacplesa St. 1 LATVIA Ms Guna KARLSONE LV-1301 Riga O Phone: +371 7366 981 Fax: +371 7830 137 E-mail: [email protected]

Hungarian Central Statistical Office Agriculture and Environment Statistics Department HUNGARY Mr. György LENGYEL Keleti Károly utca 5-7 O H-1024 Budapest E-mail: [email protected] Statistics Netherlands Project leader Land Use Statistics P.O. Box 24500 NETHERLANDS Ms. Chantal MELSER NL-2490 HA Den Haag O Phone: + 31 - 70 - 337 4483 Fax: +31 70 3375 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] NETHERLANDS Mr Gerard HAZEU

Statistics Norway NORWAY Mr Erik ENGELIEN E-mail:[email protected]

STATISTICS AUSTRIA Directorate Spatial Statistics Agriculture and Forestry Guglgasse 13 Ms Martina DÖTZL 1110 Vienna ÖSTERREICH phone: +43 (1) 711 28-7344 O fax: +43 (1) 711 28-8155 mail: [email protected] www.statistik.at

CENTRAL STATISTICAL OFFICE Agricultural Statistics Division POLAND Mr. Artur LACZYNSKI Al. Niepodleglosci 208 N PL-00925 WARSAW E-mail:[email protected]) Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics - National Research Institute - Farm Accountancy Department ul. Świętokrzyska 20 POLAND Mr. Tomasz MILEWSKI PL – 00-002 Warszawa O Phone: +48 22 505 4580 Fax: +48 22 826 61 58 E-mail: [email protected]

Instituto Nacional de Estatistica DPCI/SRIC Deslocacoes ao Estrangeiro PORTUGAL Mr. Francisco VALA Avenida Antonio José de Almeida, 5 O P-1000 Lisboa, Portugal E-mail: [email protected] SO SR, Bratislava, Mr Vladimír HUTAR SLOVAKIA Soil Science and research Institute O E-mail: [email protected] Environmental Accounts and Natural Resources Regions and Environment Department Mr Jerker MÖSTROM SVERIGE - SE Statistics Sweden O +46 8-506 940 31 [email protected] Office fédéral de la statistique Espace de l'Europe 10 CH-2010 Neuchâtel SWITZERLAND Mr. Anton BEYELER Switzerland N Phone: +41 32 713 61 61 Fax: +41 32 713 65 60 E-mail: [email protected]

Project manager - Land use analysis EEA Mr Branislav OLAH European Environment Agency Kongens Nytorv 6 DK-1050 Copenhagen K N www.eea.europa.eu email: [email protected]

Nom, prénom - E-mail SIGNATURE EUROPEAN Family name and surname COMMISSION - E-mail Name, Vorname - E-Mail-adresse 11/06/2013 DG ESTAT E-0 Mr Pedro DÍAZ MUÑOZ E-mail: [email protected]

DG ESTAT E-4 Mr Gunter SCHAEFER E-mail: [email protected]

DG ESTAT E-4 Ms Alessandra PALMIERI E-mail: [email protected]

DG ESTAT E-4 Ms Beatrice EISELT E-mail: [email protected]

DG ESTAT E-4 Ms Helena RAMOS E-mail: [email protected]

DG ESTAT E-4 Mr Paolo DOMINICI E-mail: [email protected]

E-mail: [email protected] DG CLIMA A2 Mr Asger OLESEN

E-mail: [email protected] DG AGRI Mrs Gesa WESSELER E-mail: [email protected] DG ENTR Mr Silvo Zlebir E-mail: [email protected] DG ENV D4 Ms MASSON Josiane (ENV)

Responsable de la réunion : Nom : PALMIERI Alessandra Date : 11 June 2013 Signature :