The Wind KPI describes the distribution of wind direction and intensity in the site area, visualised as a wind rose. The rose shows the frequency with which wind blows from each of the 16 compass points (N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW) and the breakdown by intensity class according to the Beaufort scale (0–12).
This is a visualisation KPI: no numerical quality score (A–E) is assigned; instead, an interactive wind rose is produced that allows assessment of site wind exposure. Wind conditions influence hive thermoregulation, plant evapotranspiration, pollen dispersal, and pollinator flight activity. Strong and frequent winds can significantly reduce nectar collection activity.
Data come from Open-Meteo historical hourly series (1940–present) at approximately 10 km resolution:
windspeed_10m (km/h)winddirection_10m (degrees, 0°=North, clockwise)The calculation process follows these steps:
Beaufort Scale — Wind Intensity Classification:
| Class | Name | Speed (m/s) | Speed (km/h) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Calm | 0.0 – 0.3 | 0 – 1 | Smoke rises vertically; sea like a mirror |
| 1 | Light air | 0.3 – 1.6 | 1 – 6 | Wind direction shown by smoke drift but not by vanes |
| 2 | Light breeze | 1.6 – 3.4 | 6 – 12 | Wind felt on face; leaves rustle; ordinary vanes moved |
| 3 | Gentle breeze | 3.4 – 5.5 | 12 – 20 | Leaves and small twigs in constant motion; wind extends a flag |
| 4 | Moderate breeze | 5.5 – 8.0 | 20 – 29 | Raises dust and loose paper; moves small branches |
| 5 | Fresh breeze | 8.0 – 10.8 | 29 – 39 | Small trees swaying; crested wavelets on inland waters |
| 6 | Strong breeze | 10.8 – 13.9 | 39 – 50 | Large branches in motion; telegraph wires whistling; umbrellas difficult |
| 7 | Near gale | 13.9 – 17.2 | 50 – 62 | Whole trees in motion; walking against wind difficult |
| 8 | Gale | 17.2 – 20.8 | 62 – 75 | Breaks twigs off trees; impedes walking |
| 9 | Strong gale | 20.8 – 24.5 | 75 – 89 | Slight structural damage (chimneys, slates removed) |
| 10 | Storm | 24.5 – 28.5 | 89 – 103 | Seldom inland; trees uprooted; considerable structural damage |
| 11 | Violent storm | 28.5 – 32.7 | 103 – 118 | Very rarely; widespread damage |
| 12 | Hurricane | > 32.7 | > 118 | Devastation |
Unit: relative frequency (%) by Beaufort class and direction
| Code | Name | Provider | Resolution | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WRD_OPNMT_99 | Open-Meteo Historical Weather | Open-Meteo / ERA5 (ECMWF) | ~10 km | 1940 — present |
This KPI is a visualisation indicator (wind rose): no quality level (A–E) or numerical range is assigned. The wind rose shows the directional and intensity distribution of wind at the site, useful for assessing wind exposure and planning site management (hive placement, windbreaks, etc.).
Distribution of wind direction and intensity according to the Beaufort scale (0–12). Hourly Open-Meteo data (ERA5, ~10 km, 1940–present): windspeed_10m and winddirection_10m. Monthly aggregation for the polygon year. Direction classified into 16 compass points (22.5° sectors). Intensity converted to Beaufort class. Visualised as a wind rose with frequency by intensity class and direction. Visualisation KPI: no numerical range assigned.