The dataset defines areas outside the Sami reindeer grazing area, where special permits are given for reindeer husbandry in accordance with the Reindeer Husbandry Act, section 8. This is applicable to both Sami and non-Sami reindeer husbandry. The reindeer grazing areas where Sami reindeer husbandry takes place covers approx. 40% of the land area of Norway, extending from Finnmark in the north to Engerdal, Hedmark in the south. Sami reindeer husbandry also takes place in Trollheimen on the basis of a special legal arrangement. Non-sami reindeer husbandry takes place in the mountain areas in Southern Norway, based on agreements with landowners.

The landscape mapping conducted by the NIBIO is based on a method developed by the US Forestry Service, adapted to Norwegian conditions. A landscape feature in the landscape reference system is a continuous area (polygon) with the same attributes assigned according to the classification criteria defined in the naitonal landscape reference system. The three-dimensional classification of the landscape is based more on a multidisciplinary understanding and holistic evaluation, than on traditional science and cartography. Studying six main components of the landscape is important in three-dimensional landscape mapping, while the relative importance of individual components varies between the different landscape regions. The main components are: major landforms; geological composition; water and waterways; vegetation; agricultural land and buildings. The reference system consists of a national map dividing the country in 45 landscape regions and 444 sub regions. Furthermore, 10 agricultural regions have been classified, emphasizing common preconditions for agriculture.

The landscape mapping conducted by the NIBIO is based on a method developed by the US Forestry Service, adapted to Norwegian conditions. A landscape feature in the landscape reference system is a continuous area (polygon) with the same attributes assigned according to the classification criteria defined in the naitonal landscape reference system. The three-dimensional classification of the landscape is based more on a multidisciplinary understanding and holistic evaluation, than on traditional science and cartography. Studying six main components of the landscape is important in three-dimensional landscape mapping, while the relative importance of individual components varies between the different landscape regions. The main components are: major landforms; geological composition; water and waterways; vegetation; agricultural land and buildings. The reference system consists of a national map dividing the country in 45 landscape regions and 444 sub regions. Furthermore, 10 agricultural regions have been classified, emphasizing common preconditions for agriculture.

The landscape grid map of Norway consists of quadratic five square kilometer tiles based on the standardized statistical grid for Norway in vector format provided by Statistics Norway. The dataet consist of 15.000 cells covering mainland Norway. For each cell attributes from national maps and registres are summarized and classified according to appropriate classification systems. Attributes are terrain (min elevation, max elevation, average elevation, difference between min and max elevation); estimated sunshine (KJ/m2/day at vernal and autumnal equinox); climate (average annual temperature, average annual rainfall); agricultural support/subsidies (applicants, hectares*10); land resources from AR5 (agricultural area, forest, open area, peat bog, etc). Data is updated periodically. The unique identifier for each grid cell corresponds with the unique identifies used by Statistics Norway. Thus, other data available at Statistics Norway can be included. This can be, but is not limited to, population (summarized by age, sex), buildings (summarized by type), dwellings, etc.

Statistic Norway's map application for in house produced geodata. The application is delivered by the Company Avinet

The landscape mapping conducted by the NIBIO is based on a method developed by the US Forestry Service, adapted to Norwegian conditions. A landscape feature in the landscape reference system is a continuous area (polygon) with the same attributes assigned according to the classification criteria defined in the naitonal landscape reference system. The three-dimensional classification of the landscape is based more on a multidisciplinary understanding and holistic evaluation, than on traditional science and cartography. Studying six main components of the landscape is important in three-dimensional landscape mapping, while the relative importance of individual components varies between the different landscape regions. The main components are: major landforms; geological composition; water and waterways; vegetation; agricultural land and buildings. The reference system consists of a national map dividing the country in 45 landscape regions and 444 sub regions. Furthermore, 10 agricultural regions have been classified, emphasizing common preconditions for agriculture.