Built-Up Area

Coordinate system: 4269 - "NAD83"

Abstract:

This data set can be used to identify built-up areas, which consist of anthropogenic land cover features, ranging from small hamlets at rural cross roads to large cities. An area is considered Built-Up when linear frequencies of structures are above 10 per 500 metres or 4 per 1 hectare, as defined in the Southern Ontario Land Resource Information System (SOLRIS) editing standards. This class does not represent the intended land-use extent as typically outlined in operational plans or zoning permits, but instead delineates features that meet the aforementioned building density. Areas within a Built-Up feature are further defined as either pervious or impervious.

Areas are pervious if green spaces and other permeable surfaces (e.g., grass, shrubs and residential ornamentals) represent more than 80 percent per 0.5 hectare. These areas may include land cover features such as water, woodlands, and impervious features (e.g. parking lots) below the MMU of 0.5 hectare.

Areas with buildings, pavement and most other anthropogenic features are generally impermeable and thus classified as Built-Up impervious. These features along with residential, industrial, civic and commercial buildings are all found in urban areas. Green spaces and other pervious features may be included within Built-Up impervious if the portion of pervious surfaces (e.g., grass, vegetation and bare ground) is less than 80 percent per 0.5 hectare.

Supplementary tables can be used and are available for download from the additional documentation section.

Additional Documentation