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Selection of scale in science and planning is often guided by ad-hoc decisions and arguments of accuracy and availability of existing data and resources. A more analytical approach to selection of scale and a bridge between theoretical insight and practical application is required. This paper reviews recent developments in thinking on theoretical concepts on scale from the perspective of geo-information science and compares these with a real life case. The concept of scale is framed as a three dimensional boundary object that explains scale choice as resultant of rationalities in reality-, model- and data scales. It is applied to a case-study of how issues of scale were handled in the Reconstruction program of the Province of North Brabant in The Netherlands. The Reconstruction is an ongoing regional spatial planning exercise that started in the year 2000 in response to major veterinary, environmental, social and economic problems in areas with concentrations of intensive livestock keeping. It combines legislation and policies at international, national, regional and municipal levels. Geographic information was produced to support and present the results of the plan process and related SEA. Scale of various intermediate and final geo-information products varied from 1:5000–1:400,000 and was dependent on the plan stage, plan status and target audience, plan instrument, level of participation, data characteristics, costs and technology. By comparing theory with the case study we bring out the criteria and conditions of selection of appropriate scale whereby the usefulness of academic research in geographic information science for planning and decision making could be improved.

The principle of subsidiarity has been enshrined in European politics since the development of Catholic social teaching and the emergence of Christian Democratic parties, culminating in it becoming a core guiding principle for the actions of the EU. However the roots of the concept go far deeper than the simple interaction between the EU and other levels of government, as subsidiarity is a reflection of the relational and social characteristics of human beings and their mutual interdependence. In addition, the principle of subsidiarity should not only be considered in its vertical dimension between various levels of power, but also horizontally in terms of the interactions between different forms of organisation (e.g. state, civil society and the market). In the end, active subsidiarity is what distinguishes the European perspective on society from the Anglo-American emphasis on freedom and a just society.

369Jurisdiction — In general — Territorial — Jurisdiction over foreigners — Place of commission of offence — Forgery produced abroad but used within Luxembourg — Whether municipal courts have jurisdiction — The law of Luxembourg