Access to data is based on a principle of full, open and free access as established by the Copernicus data and information policy Regulation (EU) No 1159/2013 of 12 July 2013. This regulation establishes registration and licensing conditions for GMES/Copernicus users.

Free, full and open access to this data set is made on the conditions that:

1. When distributing or communicating Copernicus dedicated data and Copernicus service information to the public, users shall inform the public of the source of that data and information.

2. Users shall make sure not to convey the impression to the public that the user's activities are officially endorsed by the Union.

3. Where that data or information has been adapted or modified, the user shall clearly state this.

4. The data remain the sole property of the European Union. Any information and data produced in the framework of the action shall be the sole property of the European Union. Any communication and publication by the beneficiary shall acknowledge that the data were produced “with funding by the European Union”.

The Urban Atlas is mainly based on the combination of (statistical) image classification and visual interpretation of Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery. Multispectral SPOT 5 & 6 and Formosat-2 pan-sharpened imagery with a 2 to 2.5m spatial resolution is used as input data. The built-up classes are combined with density information on the level of sealed soil derived from the High Resolution Layer imperviousness to provide more detail in the density of the urban fabric. Finally, the Urban Atlas product is complemented and enriched with functional information (road network, services, utilities etc…) using ancillary data sources such as local city maps or online map services.

The Minimum Mapping Unit is as follows:

Class 1 to Class 1: 0.1 ha;

Class 2 - 5 to Class 1: 0.1 ha;

Class 2 - 5 to Class 2 - 5: 0.25 ha;

Class 1 to Class 2 - 5: 0.25 ha.

The Minimum Mapping Width is 10 m.