Data Optimisation for Biodiversity Net Gain

Take control of your BNG operations

At EcoSpatial, we offer a full suite of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) GIS tools designed to simplify and enhance every stage of the BNG process. Our services include Data Processing to standardise and prepare raw survey data for BNG compliance, Smart Surveys that enable efficient onsite and desktop habitat updates and condition assessments through ArcGIS Field Maps, and Data Visualisation through custom dashboards built in ArcGIS Experience Builder, making biodiversity information accessible and actionable.

All of our BNG tools are flexible — they can be delivered within EcoSpatial’s secure ESRI platform or seamlessly integrated into your organisation’s own ESRI environment. As an official Esri Partner, we ensure that all solutions are designed to industry best practices, fully compliant with Natural England's standards, and tailored to meet the specific needs of your projects.

Data Processing

  • Our data processing converts raw ecological survey outputs into standardised GIS layers that meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) compliance requirements. We ensure all spatial data is aligned to the British National Grid, formatted consistently (e.g. GeoPackage or Shapefile), and classified using the UKHab 2.1 system. Our workflow includes cleaning geometry, checking topology, and populating attribute tables with required BNG fields, resulting in a high-quality, submission-ready dataset that supports accurate biodiversity metric calculations.

  • 🗂 Formatted GIS Layers

    We deliver high-quality, standardised GIS layers ready for BNG submission, including:

    • Red Line Boundary

    • Baseline Habitat Mapping

    • Proposed Habitats

    • Enhancement Areas

    • Hedgerows and Watercourses (as linear features)

    📊 Attribute-Enriched Datasets

    Each layer includes key Biodiversity Metric attributes:

    • UKHab 2.1 Codes

    • Habitat Name & Condition

    • Area (ha)

    • Target Condition & Connectivity Fields (if applicable)

    🌄 Slope Analysis (if applicable)

    For sites with varied terrain, we provide:

    • Slope layer derived from DSM or LiDAR (30cm+ resolution)

    • Slope data integrated into habitat assessment as needed

    🧾 Metadata File

    All datasets include metadata compliant with GEMINI 2.3 standards:

    • Surveyor Details

    • Survey Date

    • Methods and Assumptions

    • Coordinate Reference System & Data Sources

    ✅ FRIDAS Checklist

    A completed FRIDAS compliance checklist to validate data quality across:

    • Format

    • Red Line Boundary

    • Identification

    • Data & Metadata

    • Attributes

    • Slope

    📁 Submission-Ready File Package

    You’ll receive a ready-to-submit zipped folder containing:

    • All GIS layers in .gpkg or .shp format

    • Consistent CRS (EPSG:27700)

    • Logical file names and layer structure

    📝 Overview Document

    We include a clear summary PDF or ReadMe file explaining:

    • Dataset structure

    • How the outputs meet BNG compliance

    • Instructions for submission

Smart Data Collection

  • Our Smart Data Collection service streamlines habitat updates and condition assessments for BNG using intuitive, map-based tools. Whether in the office or onsite, ecologists and land managers can collect and update data seamlessly through ArcGIS Field Maps. This enables accurate habitat condition recording aligned with the BNG metric and UKHab standards. For landowners and project managers, we can also incorporate land status tracking—offering real-time insights into baseline conditions, enhancements, and long-term commitments across sites, supporting both compliance and strategic planning.

  • 📱 Smart Data Collection Service Outputs Include:

    • Custom Field Maps App
      Tailored data collection forms and maps for use on desktop or mobile (ArcGIS Field Maps).

    • BNG Condition Assessment Templates
      Digitally configured templates aligned with Biodiversity Metric condition criteria.

    • Real-Time Habitat Updates
      Onsite or desktop updates to baseline and proposed habitat datasets using standardised UKHab codes.

    • Photo-Enabled Survey Records
      Capture and attach geo-referenced photographs to specific features for audit and verification.

    • Offline Survey Capability
      Fully functional offline mode for remote site work with automatic sync when reconnected.

    • Land Status Tracking Dashboard (where applicable)
      Visual summaries of land parcels showing current status (baseline, enhanced, committed, monitored) for landowners and managers.

    • Automated Data Syncing
      Seamless integration of survey results into your central GIS platform for ongoing analysis.

    • Exportable Reports
      Downloadable summaries and raw data exports in CSV, PDF or GIS-ready formats for planning submissions or internal tracking.

    • User Training & Setup Support (where applicable)
      Initial setup assistance and guidance for field teams to ensure confident and accurate data collection.

Dashboards and Visulisation

  • Our BNG Dashboards and Visualisation service transforms complex habitat and biodiversity data into clear, interactive visuals using ArcGIS Experience Builder. We design custom dashboards that allow clients to explore baseline habitats, proposed enhancements, biodiversity unit changes, and land management progress in an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Our solutions can incorporate filtering, mapping, reporting, and tracking tools to support planning applications, project monitoring, and stakeholder communication. By making BNG data accessible and dynamic, our dashboards help drive better decision-making and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

  • 📊 BNG Dashboards and Visualisation – Deliverables

    • Custom ArcGIS Experience Builder Application
      A fully tailored, interactive web app designed to visualise BNG project data.

    • Dynamic BNG Metrics Dashboard
      Real-time tracking of biodiversity units, habitat baselines, proposed enhancements, and net gains.

    • Interactive Habitat Mapping
      Zoomable and clickable maps showing baseline and proposed habitats, condition scores, and land status.

    • Filtering and Query Tools
      Ability to filter by habitat type, condition, enhancement type, landowner parcels, or project phase.

    • Visual Progress Tracking
      Status tracking for baseline, post-development, off-site enhancement, and habitat banking areas.

    • Reporting Tools
      Exportable charts, graphs, and summaries suitable for planning submissions, client updates, or internal reporting.

    • Stakeholder-Friendly Views
      Configured public or private views depending on audience—allowing secure sharing with planners, clients, or the public.

    • Responsive Design
      Fully optimised for desktop, tablet, and mobile access.

    • Hosting Options
      Hosted within your ArcGIS Online system or available through EcoSpatial’s hosting environment.

    • Training and Support Package
      Guidance on using and updating the dashboard, ensuring long-term usability and self-sufficiency.

See some of our tools in action on our Data Optimisation for BNG Story Map