Figure 3 An example of the stacking process. The stacking process starts with cultivated areas (fields in both rotational and permanent cropping). The Natural theme parts (such as forest patches or heaths) and then the Built-up theme parts (such as residential or commercial areas) are added to the empty space not filled with cultivated areas, indicating that information on cultivated areas is treated as more important. Next, the Cultural theme parts, such as individual trees or hedges, are added on top. The spaces occupied by such features may occur within fields or built-up areas. Next, the Water theme parts and then the Transport theme parts are added on top, as features from these themes can cross agricultural areas, built-up areas, and semi-natural habitats. The Transport theme overlays the Water theme, indicating the possibility of bridges crossing watercourses. Finally, all buildings are added on top. The result of the stacking process is a raw landscape map, which may still contain some unclassified areas ('background'), shown here in red.