Nature-based solutions
This module shows how to create a simple but robust analysis of natural values, risk and infrastructure using map data and site inspection. The deliverable is a layered sketch and a short conclusion that guides conservation zones, green/blue corridors and minimum intervention.
Objectives
Establish a verifiable basis for choice/opt-out: natural values, risk and infrastructure.
Identify existing ecosystem services that can be preserved/enhanced.
Clarify the minimum necessary interventions and possibilities for joint solutions.
Produce a concise conclusion that can be used in decision-making (go/adjust/no).
What to map
Water & soil: streams (open/hidden), natural depressions, runoff direction, groundwater/seepage, bog/wetland, soil type/permeability.
Terrain & climate: slope, micro-terrain, sun/wind, snow drifts/avalanches.
Vegetation & habitat: trees/edge zones, habitats, wildlife corridors, potential habitats.
Existing services: carbon storage (forest/marsh), infiltration/purification, pollination, recreation.
Infrastructure & interventions: access, water/energy, previous extraction/planning (grey areas), cultural environment.
Vulnerability & risk: floods/stormwater, erosion, landslides, species occurrences/concern zones.
Working method
Desktop: download map layers (NiN, Artskart, Naturbase, Vann-Nett, municipal maps) + orthophoto/history.
Inspection: walk the "water trail", mark micro-terrain, moisture zones, treads/corridors; photo log with position.
Layered sketch (A3): water, vegetation/biotopes, terrain/soil, infrastructure/access, risk.
Interpretation + opt-out: point out conservation zones, green/blue corridors, gray areas for possible densification.
Short conclusion: 1–2 pages with findings and recommendations (including uncertainties/further needs).
Useful databases (Norwegian)
Nature in Norway (NiN) is society's common toolbox for describing nature in a comparable way. A common conceptual framework for natural variation at all scales that can be adapted for many purposes.
Species maps show observations of species in the wild, including endangered and alien species. Useful for finding out if there are vulnerable species on or near the property.
In Naturbase you will find mapped information about nature and outdoor activities and the use of nature for various purposes. Here you will find maps of protected areas, habitats, outdoor areas and cultural environments. Useful for checking whether the plot is located in or near protected nature or important natural areas.
Vann-Nett shows water quality, watercourses, measures in water areas. Useful for checking whether the plot is located by water or in a catchment area.
Good examples
Broparken, Vallastaden – green–blue structure as a mapping result
What does the case show?
Establishing a coherent green–blue structure at the area level, where green spaces, water management and recreational zones are planned as one system. The project illustrates that corridors and edge zones are clarified early as a guiding premise for further development.
The bridge park exemplifies scale-conscious mapping: When you include corridors (water, wildlife, traffic) and conservation zones at the field level, it becomes easier to opt out and place technology/densification on gray areas. This is the core of module 2's deliverable (layered sketch + conclusion).
What can be transferred to holiday home fields?
Map and draw green/blue corridors early; connect plots to these instead of breaking them up.
Use the "layer by layer" method (water, vegetation/biotopes, terrain/soil, infrastructure, risk) to define conservation zones and minimum possible interventions.
Place roads/VA and common functions in or near disturbed/technical surfaces (gray areas), not in intact natural areas.
The flood dam at Exercisefältet – mapping leading to open dilapidation
What does the case show?
A neighborhood project where mapping of waterways and rainfall patterns led to an open stormwater solution (impoundment pond and vegetated channels) in green areas, instead of pipes/culverts. The solution collects, cleans and delays runoff – while providing quality living.
The case demonstrates the value of layered mapping (water, terrain, vegetation, risk) before design: When the natural course of the water is drawn on the situation plan, it becomes clear where open measures should be located – and which areas should be shielded.
What can be transferred to holiday home fields?
Start with the "water layer": draw today's runoff, depressions and possible flood zones - before laying out road/water supply routes.
Consider an open chain (roof runoff → rain beds/vegetated ditches → small retention pond in shared green space).
Combine with edge vegetation of native species for filtration and erosion control; set up work and buffer zones along streams.
Questions that should be discussed in the project
Waterways: Where does the water flow during heavy rain today – and where will it flow in the project?
Vulnerable areas: Which zones must not be touched (marsh/wetland, edge zones, steep sections, avalanche paths)?
Habitat: Which structures (rows of trees, dead wood, rock piles) provide the most environmental benefits if preserved?
Interventions & logistics: What is the minimum necessary intervention for access/water/energy – can something be brought together as a joint solution?
Grey areas: Are there disturbed areas that can support densification/technical installations instead of new interventions?
Uncertainty: Which findings need verification (season, supplementary subjects, flood simulation, snow/drift)?
Decision: Which parts of the site are unsuitable for intervention – what do we propose to restore or set aside as a buffer?
Proposal for role distribution
SME (developer/contractor)
Field mapping + photo log (positioned images).
Layered situation plan (A3) with water/vegetation/terrain/infrastructure/risk.
Proposals for conservation zones, green/blue corridors and possible measures on grey areas.
Municipality/administration
Map basis (consideration zones, floods/landslides, habitat types), plan status and documentation requirements.
Feedback on opt-outs (where construction should not take place) and need for professional verification.
Subject matter experts (biologist/hydrologist/landscape architect)
Verification of critical findings (marsh/wetland, floodways, species).
Principle six for NBL grip (A3) and early operation/maintenance impulse (establishment care, erosion control).