The choice of the proposed pipeline route involved substantial research. Each choice was measured against three principal criteria, with safety being the overriding concern. The first criterion is environmental. Planners worked to avoid crossing areas hosting ecologically sensitive flora and fauna. Project planners also wanted to minimise any work that might disrupt the seabed’s natural composition. A second criterion considers social and socio-economic factors. The key here is minimising any restrictions on marine users and existing offshore installations, such as cables or wind turbines. The third criterion covers technical considerations. To present the Nord Stream route in greater detail and show the environmental factors which are included in the Project planning, Nord Stream has developed a Map Portal.

The Map Portal contains over 50 maps relevant to the Nord Stream Project that can be viewed in pdf or interactive GIS format. In addition to a detailed overview of the Nord Stream route, numerous relevant themes are presented in separate maps. Among others, different nature reserves, including spawning areas for different kinds of fish and sea birds areas are shown. Also, meteorological data and detailed information on seabed conditions are easily accessible.