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The Land Cover Information for the Baltic Sea Drainage Basin (BALANS) developed a seamless, homogeneous land cover database for the Baltic Sea Drainage Basin, based upon medium-resolution satellite data. "Medium resolution" satellites provide appropriate datasets for mapping very large areas. Their multispectral (i.e. colour) images each cover from 350,000 km2 to over 600,000 km2, and yet show features smaller than 200 metres. By joining several such images together, land cover can be mapped consistently over huge areas. The satellite-based approach provides a realistic opportunity to produce land cover information for the entire Baltic Sea Drainage Basin. Such spatially and thematically detailed, update-able and cost-effective data is of interest to many users. The BALANS database provides a spatial resolution of 150 metres, and provides land cover information in several general, as well as in some more detailed classes. Currently, the basic database has been established and a number of products can be derived to meet users' specific needs for given geographical areas, data formats (raster or vector), spatial resolution/scale, and classification schemes. A generalised version of the database is freely available, including the land cover classes Artificial surfaces, Forest, Water, Wetlands, Snow/ice and other open land. The minimum mapping unit is 10 hectares for water and 25 hectares for the remaining classes. This demonstration database can be downloaded from the page "Download demo data", accessible via the listbox in the upper right corner. The original database has more detailed classes and a minimum mapping unit of 150x150 metres. To buy this high-resolution version, please turn to "Contact expert" via the listbox and send us an E-mail from there. The BALANS project was selected for financing by the European Commission within the 4th Framework Programme. The 2.5 year project finished in August 2001. The project team was led by Metria Milj?analys, in collaboration with Finnish Environment Institute, Novosat Oy, GRID-Arendal, GRID-Warsaw and Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. Additional information available at "http://www.lantmateriet.se/ramset.asp?rest=/cms/niva3.asp?produkt=' ENPJ8'&pg_kod=5B&pg_namn=Fj?rranalys_och_visualisering/"
BALANS