Methodology for GIS area calculations v1

A precise area calculation is needed to check to what extent member states have designated Natura 2000 sites of their territory. To check the ‘netto’ coverage of the Natura 2000 network by member state, one can only apply geographic information to properly delimit and calculate the Natura 2000 surface. The following paragraphs will explain how this surface area is assessed and which shortcomings should be taken into account when interpreting these results.