WFD Artificial Water Bodies Canal Cycle 1: UK Water Framework Directive Canals

UK geospatial data containing polyline features for artificial water bodies, specifically canals, as defined for Cycle 1 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The dataset is attributed with a unique identifier (EA_WB_ID) for linking to other WFD data sources such as physical characteristics, risk, and classification. It was created by the Environment Agency and carries a copyright and database right statement from 2017.

Use Cases

• Mapping the spatial distribution of artificial canals based on polyline geometry.
• Linking canal water body attributes to other WFD data sources using the unique EA_WB_ID identifier.
• Analyzing water body characteristics and risks specific to artificial canals for regulatory reporting.
• Comparing artificial water body data from Cycle 1 with natural water body datasets for environmental assessment.

Strengths

• Includes a unique identifier (EA_WB_ID) designed for direct linkage to other WFD data sources.
• Specifically focuses on artificial water bodies (canals) as defined by the Water Framework Directive.
• Dataset is part of a structured regulatory framework (WFD Cycle 1), providing a clear context.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to uk_data, as it excludes water bodies in Wales.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency

Collection Method

Collated as defined for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.

Time Range

Cycle 1 of the Water Framework Directive.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-06 07:18:44.721340; freshness should be verified.

Geography

United Kingdom (excluding Wales, per note about Natural Resources Wales).