4.3. Sensitivity mapping

Identifying suitable locations or excluding unsuitable locations can be part of the appropriate assessment of plans. It needs to be based on a proper analysis of how far the EU protected habitat types and species present in the whole area of the proposed development are vulnerable to the planned activities. Sensitivity mapping is a method often used to identify areas that may be particularly sensitive to development of sectoral activities. It is often used, for instance, to identify sensitive bird and bat areas that may be unsuitable for wind energy developments, or to identify potential conflict areas for industrial activities, or housing developments. Sensitivity maps can be used at an early stage in the planning process to identify areas containing ecological communities sensitive to a specific influence or activity. They can inform strategic planning decisions during the initial site selection phase of the development process and can operate at a regional, national or transnational scale. Sensitivity mapping approaches do not replace the need for a site-specific appropriate assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and for environmental impact assessments (EIAs). They can, however, be used during the appropriate assessments/EIAs and after the development consent has been delivered to inform siting and possible management prescriptions. Sensitivity mapping uses geographic information systems (GIS) to collate, analyse and display spatial and geographic data, which are based on existing spatial biodiversity data relating to species and/or sites; however, sometimes data needs to be collected specifically to aid the creation of a sensitivity map that is relevant for the plan in question. Sensitivity maps need to be regularly updated. The frequency and scale of these updates is an important aspect to consider in the design of sensitivity maps, as ecological communities are dynamic and their behaviour can be sometimes be difficult to predict. Therefore wildlife sensitivity maps should always be interpreted with caution. The Commission has produced a Wildlife Sensitivity Mapping Manual (46), a practical guide for developing sensitivity mapping approaches for renewable energy technologies. This manual provides an overview of datasets, methodologies and GIS applications. It focuses on species and habitats protected by the EU Nature Directives, with particular emphasis on birds, bats and marine mammals. It also includes a step-by-step approach for preparing wildlife sensitivity maps, which is presented in Box 22 below. National examples of sensitivity mapping are presented below.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-25 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.