In addition to the maps that show the distribution of CICES-classified services, a number of other maps are available. The maps in question are very varied and cannot easily be linked to any defined ecosystem service or abiotic resource. Nevertheless, they contribute to the overall picture of the natural capital available to us and they can help us make decisions about the development of an area or about urban planning.

Capacity

The earth beneath us serves as a base on which to build and create infrastructure. Information about arrangement sensitivity and minimum foundation depths is vital in that context.

Transport routes

Insight into water transport routes can aid the efficient planning and management of surface waters. Maps of our rivers, lakes and seas are available.

Spatial planning

Various maps are available that provide information about spatial planning and about current and future use of the land and the substrata. The maps are valuable in the context of spatial planning: zoning plans and structure visions show where housing is allowed and which areas are designated for nature development, for example.

Use of the earth and surface waters for thermal energy buffering

The earth and surface waters can be used to cool buildings and installations. Cooling towers that make use of water from rivers and lakes are a familiar feature of our power supply infrastructure, for example. However, it is important that such activities don't cause the surface water bodies in question to get too hot in the summer. That implies having information about where surface water is drawn off for use as cooling water, so that temporary restrictions can be imposed on the discharge of (excessively) warm used water.

In real life

No practical examples are currently available.