The Base Map of the Netherlands Natural System primarily provides insight into the natural state of the subsoil. This natural state constitutes the basis for the leading role to be given to water and the soil system.

From a landscape perspective, the map shows the vulnerabilities of the water-soil system that could be exacerbated by climate change. Furthermore, the map identifies the locations qualifying for various adaptation measures in the pursuit of sustainable development.

The map provides a picture of the climate threats that may affect the various landscape elements. The identified threats will not affect each landscape element in equal measure. Whether a particular location is prone to a certain threat depends, inter alia, on its current water level management and its water supply or discharge options.

The map is best used for regional planning issues up to a scale of 1:25,000. At smaller scales, the map will be less effective: the basic information used to compile the map is not sufficiently detailed. Please refer to the BRO desk [Soil Map of the Netherlands] and Bodemdata.nl [Soil data] for detailed information on the soil and groundwater systems.

This map provides a picture of climate threats and adaptation options from a landscape perspective. Obviously, such threats and opportunities can also be considered from other perspectives, such as land use and ecology.

The map does not factor in the design and use of areas, i.e., it does not show which areas are used for agriculture and which areas are nature reserves. Such aspects can be taken into consideration by combining the map with function maps. This will provide more insight into the climate threats that are relevant to a particular location. Urban areas will become visible by zooming in on the map; however, the basic information on such areas is less accurate than the information relating to rural areas.

The Base Map of the Netherlands Natural System approaches the leading role of water and the soil from the perspective of the natural landscape. Issues such as water quality and flood risk management are left out of consideration in this approach.