Fixing the foundations - a call for GIS standards in BNG

This webinar explores the FRIDAS® checklist, a practical framework for improving Geographic Information System (GIS) data quality in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) submissions.

The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation in England marks a vital step toward ecological conservation. Yet, its success is hindered by inconsistent Geographic Information System data submissions and the absence of standardised requirements. This creates challenges for Local Planning Authorities, many of which are under-resourced and lack the technical capacity to manage data inaccuracies.

GIS data is central to calculating biodiversity metrics, but common issues, such as inconsistent red line boundaries, unaccounted slopes, and poor data quality (accuracy, precision, logical consistency), can compromise assessment reliability. These problems delay planning decisions and weaken BNG enforcement.

To address this, we developed the FRIDAS® checklist, a practical framework for improving GIS data quality in BNG submissions. FRIDAS® includes six categories:

• Format: Promotes standard GIS formats and spatial references to reduce conversion errors.
• Red Line Boundary: Ensures boundary consistency and alignment with land registry records.
• Identification: Focuses on accurate habitat classification, avoiding gaps and overlaps.
• Data and Metadata: Encourages documentation using GEMINI 2.3 standards for transparency.
• Attributes: Aligns with Natural England’s data standards for BNG.
• Slope: Accounts for topographical variation to improve ecological accuracy.

Despite its importance, GIS standardisation in BNG remains underexplored. By promoting robust data governance, we can enhance ecological assessments and support informed decision-making, ensuring BNG initiatives contribute meaningfully to long-term conservation goals.

About the speaker

Dr Katie Dawson is the Technical Director of EcoSpatial, a GIS consultancy and Esri partner specialising in environmental data, spatial analysis and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

With over 10 years of experience in geospatial strategy and project delivery, Katie leads the development of digital tools and data standards to improve the quality and interoperability of spatial information in planning and conservation. She has recently co-founded the Biodiversity Net Gain Spatial Insights Group to support sector-wide collaboration.

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