Julie MacDonald, GiGL Data Officer

datasets GiGL’s datasets have changed a lot over the last few years. We are providing more types of data and more data products than ever before. Even our standard GiGL datasets have had an overhaul. After all these changes, our data guide has been treated to a face lift too [link to new data guide]. Here’s a quick summary of some of the main changes to our datasets.

Species Data

GiGL now provides species data as five standard datasets:

  • Point species records: This includes all species observations recorded to fine accuracy (10m or 100m) and so can be mapped as a point. Previously this information was provided as three datasets divided according to the age of the record, but we are now able to provide all of these together as one ‘all species’ dataset. If your area of interest is larger than a single borough, to aid navigation through the large number of records involved, your ‘all species’ layer will be further divided by taxonomic groups (birds, plants, other species) and pre-1985 historic records.
  • Designated species: This is a subset of the ‘point species records’ data and includes only species of international, national or local conservation importance. It is similar to the previously named ‘positive protected species’ dataset, but has been expanded to include more conservation designations.
  • LISI species: This is a subset of the ‘point species records’ data that includes only species highlighted by the London Invasive Species Initiative.
  • Absent species: These are records of particular species which have been looked for but not recorded. They were previously named ‘negative species’ records.
  • Polygon species records: These are all species observations recorded to a coarse accuracy (1km, 2km or 10km) and are best plotted as polygons. They are mapped as squares, where the size of the square represents the recording accuracy. We have moved these records into this separate layer as we believe this provides a more honest representation of these coarse resolution records.

Habitat Data

Our habitat polygons layer has also been reformatted, as we recognise the need to manage data from habitat surveys that use something other than the GLA methodology. We can now, for example, incorporate habitat data collected from Phase 1 surveys and collected using NVC classifications.

The BAP habitat condition and suitability mapping is based on data that was available at a single point in time. For this reason, this information has been removed from the habitat polygons layer and is provided as a separate polygon dataset.

Open Space Data

Thanks to a new database system, specifically designed for the purpose, we are now able to store considerably more information on London’s open spaces. Open space information is provided as three layers; open space sites, open space features and open space designations. The features table gives information about features and facilities available in open spaces and an indication of their location within the sites.

Urban Greening Data

In response to requests from our partners, GiGL has created a new format to collate data on multiple urban greening features. This will incorporate existing information on living roofs, but will also be able to store information on features from habitat enhancements, such as bird boxes, to sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), such as swales.