A High Resolution Land Use/Cover Modelling Framework for Europe: Introducing the EU-ClueScanner100 Model

In this paper we introduce the new configuration of the EU-ClueScanner model (EUCS100) that is designed for evaluating the impact of policy alternatives on the European territory at the high spatial resolution of 100 meters. The high resolution in combination with the vast extent of the model called for considerable reprogramming to optimize processing speed. In addition, the calibration of the model was revised to account for the fact that different spatial processes may be prominent at this more detailed resolution. This new configuration of EU-ClueScanner also differs from its predecessors in that it has increased functionalities which allow the modeller more flexibility. It is now possible to work with irregular regions of interest, composed of any configuration of NUTS 2 regions. The structure of the land allocation model allows it to act as a bridge for different sector and indicator models and has the capacity to connect Global and European scale to the local level of environmental impacts. The EUCS100 model is at the core of a European Land Use Modelling Platform that aims to produce policy-relevant information related to land use/cover dynamics.