Natural spaces and large landscapes of Germany

For the ecological characterisation and delimitation of landscapes, Germany can be divided into natural spatial units, i.e. into regions defined by the overall nature of their national nature. The natural conditions of a landscape such as surface design, soils, rock formation, water and climate are taken into account. The human influence on the landscape only plays a minor role. The individual units are characterised by a specific equipment with site and biotic potentials (Flora, fauna, vegetation) as well as by the stock of landscape structures, biotopes and species. The delimitation of the natural spaces was based on the main units of the natural spatial structure according to Meynen, Schmidthüsen et al. (1953-1962) and the landscape division of the Institute of Applied Geodesy (Map of the Federal Republic of Germany 1:1000000 — Landscapes, 1979). For example, for the application in the FFH area, the level of the main units was simplified by aggregating individual units into natural spaces. The units of the Naturräme can be grouped together into nine different large landscapes. The data set also includes the demarcation of the Atlantic, continental and alpine biogeographical regions in Germany.