Systematic network of observation points and monitoring
1. The systematic network of observation points, hereinafter ‘Level I points’, corresponding to a grid composed of units measuring 16 × 16 km, covering the entire territory of each Member State, hereinafter referred to as ‘the grid’, shall be utilised to carry out annual crown conditions surveys.
Those surveys shall be carried out using the methods set out in Chapter 2 of Annex I.
2. Observations shall be made at each intersection point falling on forested land.
3. Member States may use denser networks than the Level I points where it is necessary for the preparation of their annual reports in accordance with Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, and in order to obtain representative data at a national or regional level.
Exceptions concerning the grid density
1. A sub-sample of the grid with units measuring 32 × 32 km may be used for the inventory covering other wooded land.
2. A sub-sample of the grid with units measuring 32 × 32 km may also be used for the inventory covering the large homogeneous forest areas situated in Finland north of 65° 30′ latitude and in Sweden north of 59° latitude.
Transmission of data
1. By 15 December each year, each Member State shall forward to the Commission the data collected during the preceding year for each Level I point using the methods and forms set out in Chapter 14 of Annex I.
In addition to that data, Member States shall submit a data accompanying report setting out background information on the monitoring methods applied. That report shall be drawn up in accordance with Chapter 13 and point IV.1 of Chapter 14 of Annex I.
The instructions and codes set out in Chapter 15 of Annex I shall be used for the transmission of data collected in accordance with the first subparagraph.
2. Data related to privately owned land shall be geo-referenced by latitude and longitude coordinates expressed at least in degrees and in minutes. All other data shall be geo-referenced in terms of latitude and longitude coordinates expressed in degrees and in minutes and in seconds.
3. The part of the data accompanying report describing the monitoring methods shall remain valid until those methods are changed.
