This technical note describes the data sources and methodology underpinning a computer system for the automated generation of land use/land cover (LULC) maps of urban areas based on medium-resolution (10–30m/pixel) satellite imagery. The system and maps deploy the LULC taxonomy of the Atlas of Urban Expansion—2016 Edition: open, nonresidential, roads, and four types of residential space. We used supervised machine learning techniques to apply this taxonomy at scale. Distinguishing between recognizable, clearly defined types of land use within a built-up area, rather than merely delineating artificial land cover, enables a huge variety of potential applications for policy, planning, and research. We demonstrate the training and application of machine-learning-based algorithms to characterize LULC over a large spatial and temporal range in a way that avoids many of the onerous constraints and expenses of the traditional LULC mapping process: manual identification and classification of features. This document supersedes the previous technical note, Spatial Characterization of Urban Land Use through Machine Learning, and the methodology described here supersedes our previously reported techniques.

BIMCO was again invited to carry out a review of the methodologies and the calculations of this year's State of Maritime Piracy report. We have found that the report continues to live up to its usual high standards and will retain its respect and credibility among all stakeholders in government and the shipping industry alike. The report constitutes an informed and constructive contribution to the counter-piracy debate. It is clear to see that 2014 was a year of improvement in the Western Indian Ocean. Whilst attacks and hijackings have seemingly been deterred and defeated, there is, however, still clear evidence that the conditions ashore that create piracy have not changed substantially. The three legs of the deterrence milking stool, BMP, naval presence, and armed guards, have clearly reduced the threat in the High Risk Area to one of lower risk. The continued use of private armed guards onboard ships, though, should not be seen as an endorsement or institutionalization of the practice by the shipping industry, or as a waiver of the fundamental obligations of flag states under UNCLOS. As pirate attacks continue to decline it is of paramount importance that the international community does not assume the fight is over, but continues to shift focus and resources to sustainable solutions that target the drivers of piracy at their root source. The myriad of capacity-building and regional coordination efforts are insufficiently developed to suggest that piracy has been eradicated to the extent that freedom of navigation can be assured without the need for additional self-protection measures, the payment of additional insurance premiums, and a naval presence. Many of the lessons learned from Somali piracy continue to be taken forward, as and where they can, in dealing with piracy problems in the Gulf of Guinea region, where seafarers are regularly confronted with violent kidnapping and ransom. Here there seems to be a will to resolve the problems; the implementation of the essential solutions ashore, however, continues to take far too long whilst the industry continues to pay an unfair and unreasonable cost towards the protection it needs in order to trade. Without the continuing level of interest and commitment by both regional and international actors in the pursuit of solutions, such as the Yaoundé agreement, then the problem will remain unresolved. This year for the first time, the report also includes a section on the human cost of piracy in Southeast Asia. The IMB has suggested that, "There's a risk that the attacks and violence could increase if left unabated." In the region, 93% of all attacks result in successful boarding of the victim vessel, significantly increasing the risk of direct, often violent, interaction between pirates and seafarers. This is particularly true in incidents where pirates attack a vessel with the goal of stealing its cargo and therefore need to stay on the vessel for a prolonged period of time. Worryingly, incidents, boardings, and piracy successes are highest there of any of the th...