Introducing FRIDAS?: The Checklist for Reliable BNG GIS Data

Simplify Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments with FRIDAS?

In February 2024, the Environment Act introduced Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in England, mandating developments to leave natural habitats in a measurably improved state. As a requirement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, BNG seeks to achieve a minimum of 10% biodiversity gain post-development.

While this initiative marks a significant step for sustainable development, its effective implementation faces critical challenges, particularly in data governance and geospatial data management. These challenges often arise due to resource constraints, inconsistencies in GIS submissions, and a lack of standardisation.

This is where FRIDAS?, a standardised checklist for data management, can play a transformative role.

What is FRIDAS??

FRIDAS? is a six-step framework designed to improve the quality and consistency of GIS data submissions for BNG assessments. The acronym stands for:

• F – Format: Ensuring all data aligns with required standards for seamless integration.
• R – Red Line Boundary: Validating spatial boundaries to prevent duplications or omissions.
• I – Identification: Ensuring accurate habitat classification and avoiding gaps or overlaps in digitisation.
• D – Data/Metadata: Capturing detailed metadata for transparency and traceability.
• A – Attributes: Verifying that key ecological details are consistently and correctly represented.
• S – Slope: Incorporating slope data to enhance ecological relevance.

By addressing these six categories, FRIDAS? ensures that submitted data is robust, traceable, and adaptable to evolving policy requirements.

Why is FRIDAS? Necessary?

1. Supporting Local Planning Authorities (LPAs)

Local Planning Authorities are at the forefront of enforcing BNG requirements. However, many LPAs face resource deficiencies and lack expertise in managing the data complexities of BNG assessments. These constraints can lead to errors and delays in development approvals.

2. Addressing GIS Data Quality Issues

The quality of GIS submissions is a critical factor in the success of BNG. Common issues include:

• Inconsistent Formats: Non-standardised submissions can cause misinterpretations and delays.
• Red Line Errors: Misaligned boundaries may result in duplicated or omitted habitat units.
• Neglect of Slope: Overlooking slope data can lead to incomplete ecological assessments.

FRIDAS? provides a structured framework to minimise these challenges, ensuring data is compliant, clear, and ecologically meaningful.

3. Ensuring Policy Compliance and Ecological Accuracy

BNG is underpinned by a legally binding 10% biodiversity gain requirement. Accurate data is essential for demonstrating compliance, conducting habitat evaluations, and producing reliable biodiversity calculations. FRIDAS? helps planning applicants and LPAs meet these standards effectively.

How Does FRIDAS Work?

Each FRIDAS? category is supported by targeted questions to guide users through the data validation process. For example:

• Format: Are all layers in the correct coordinate system?
• Red Line Boundary: Have you checked for overlaps or gaps in the boundary?
• Identification: Has habitat classification been verified against field data and imagery?
• Slope: Could slope analysis provide additional ecological insights?

These prompts encourage rigorous data checks to prevent errors and align submissions with best practices.

A Solution for the Future

At its core, FRIDAS? is more than just a checklist—it’s a tool for better decision-making in biodiversity planning. By establishing a reliable framework for GIS data management, FRIDAS? empowers both LPAs and planning applicants to:

• Streamline workflows.
• Improve ecological accuracy.
• Achieve compliance with BNG legislation.

As the field of biodiversity planning continues to evolve, FRIDAS? provides the flexibility and guidance needed to meet new challenges.

What’s Next?

This article is the first in a series that will explore each FRIDAS? category in detail. Over the coming weeks, we’ll dive deeper into the six categories, offering practical examples, visual guides, and actionable tips to help you integrate FRIDAS? into your workflows.

Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll explore Format—the foundation of reliable BNG data submissions.

?? Eager to learn more? You can visit the FRIDAS? resource page for more details: https://www.ecospatialsolutions.com/fridas