From flora statistics to an ecotope classification

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Plate, C.L.

Affiliations: Central Bureau of Statistics, Postbus 959, 2270 AZ Voorburg, Netherlands

Abstract: As part of a collaborative project between the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and the Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus Research Institute (Leiden), data were gathered on flora in the Netherlands. In 1977 work began on the compilation of the Atlas of Dutch Flora, which uses distribution maps to indicate whether a particular species has been observed in grid squares of 5 × 5 km; data are provided for the period prior to 1950 as well as the subsequent period. September 1989 saw the publication of the third and last volume of the Atlas. Distribution data are now available for a total of 1458 species. By comparing the data for the two periods, it is possible to obtain an overview of the changes in Dutch flora distribution. The information thus obtained is used to compile distribution maps for ecotope groups. The enormous quantities of information, the length of time required to complete the Atlas and the consequent changes in scientific insights have inevitably meant that material has had to be reworked before further analyses can be carried out.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1990-7202

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 85-99, 1990