Visibility of Sea from Land

asNeeded

This version of the dataset has been recreated on a national scale following the methodology outlined in the geoprocessing logs for MMO1037. There are several caveats associated with the dataset which are as follows: - The data represent the baseline scenario i.e. the sea surface rather than any particular offshore development scenario, so it needs to be acknowledged that if structures were to be added to the sea surface (e.g. turbines), then visibility of these would likely extend further inland (although bear in mind this will not increase visibility of the sea surface, just the development) - The modelling is based on a bare ground digital representation of the earths surface without any surface features, so visibility (and intervisibility) is likely to be an exaggeration of the actual situation. The addition of surface features, such as buildings and vegetation, would have the effect of blocking some views. - The resolution of the Digital Elevation Model will affect the sensitivity of the modelling being able to reflect small topographical features. - An equivalent Digital Elevation Model of France has not been sourced for this study. Therefore views of the sea from France have not been included in this mapping - Application of a theoretical limit on visibility of 35km imposes a layer of assumption that is based on guidance that relates to the significance of impacts of views of offshore turbines over this distance rather than having been measured for this work. - Placing observer points with a grid spacing of 500m between them on land may mean that some topographical features (such as ridgelines and peaks) are not accounted for in the model. - In order to remain objective, no provision has been made to weight the analysis towards high quality views or locations where large numbers of people would be expected.