Leaf: Forest Cover and Management
Dataset: OpenStreetMap — landuse=forest, natural=wood
OSM distinguishes between managed forest (landuse=forest) and natural woodland (natural=wood). In practice both are used for forested areas and coverage is globally extensive.
osmnx access
import osmnx as ox
ox.settings.cache_folder = ".cache/"
# Managed forest
forest = ox.features_from_place(
"Denmark",
tags={"landuse": "forest"}
)
# Natural woodland
woodland = ox.features_from_place(
"Denmark",
tags={"natural": "wood"}
)Geofabrik layers
| Layer | Relevant fclass values |
|---|---|
gis_osm_landuse_a_free_1.shp | forest |
gis_osm_natural_a_free_1.shp | wood |
Key OSM tags
| Tag | Meaning |
|---|---|
landuse=forest | Managed / commercial forest |
natural=wood | Natural or semi-natural woodland |
leaf_type=broadleaved | Broadleaf / deciduous |
leaf_type=needleleaved | Coniferous |
leaf_type=mixed | Mixed |
managed=yes/no | Whether actively managed |
name=* | Forest name |