Land Use Cover Mapping, Modelling and Validation. A Background

Abstract

In this chapter, we offer a brief introduction to the main concepts associated with Land Use Cover (LUC) mapping, Land Use Cover Change (LUCC) modelling and the uncertainty and validation of LUC and LUCC data and model outputs. The chapter summarizes the theoretical fundamentals required to understand the rest of the book. First, we define Land Use and Land Cover concepts that have been extensively discussed and debated in the literature (Sect. 2). Second, we review the history of LUC mapping, from the first manually produced maps to the advent of aerial and satellite imagery and the production of new datasets with much greater detail and accuracy (Sect. 3). Third, we address the usefulness of LUC data and LUCC analysis for society (Sect. 4), contextualizing all these studies and efforts within the framework of Land Change Science (Sect. 5). Fourth, we offer a brief introduction to LUCC modelling, its purpose, uses and the different stages that make up a LUCC modelling exercise (Sect. 6). We also offer a brief introduction to the different types of LUCC models currently available. Finally, we present the concepts of uncertainty and validation and offer a brief introduction to the topic (Sect. 7). The chapter also includes a short list of recommendations for further reading for those who wish to explore the theory presented here in more depth.

Evolution of Land Cover in the Traras MTS. Region Between 1984 and 2020 by Remote Sensing and Gis (Northwest Algeria)

“…In this context, the typology combines two semantic fields of land cover (Sparfel, 2011), which are a geographic database derived from satellite image interpretation (ONCEA, 2014) and the classification method (CLC) applied to the thematic classes present in the Mediterranean basin (Beltrame et al, 2015). It is one of the initiatives of land use mapping worldwide (García-Álvarez et al, 2022). The application of typology in our present work consists of identifying, codifying, and editing the thematic classes observed in the field into classes up to level two (2) of land cover as defined by the European Directive INSPIRE (2007/2/EC) (García-Álvarez et al, 2022), and this is in order to characterize the main land use classes of the area and avoid mapping too much detail (Table 1).…”

“…It is one of the initiatives of land use mapping worldwide (García-Álvarez et al, 2022). The application of typology in our present work consists of identifying, codifying, and editing the thematic classes observed in the field into classes up to level two (2) of land cover as defined by the European Directive INSPIRE (2007/2/EC) (García-Álvarez et al, 2022), and this is in order to characterize the main land use classes of the area and avoid mapping too much detail (Table 1).…”

Accuracy assessment and uncertainty of the 2020 10-meter resolution land use land cover maps at local scale. Case: talassemtane national park, Morocco

“…LULC maps provide a wide range of information for the worldwide scientific community, one of the most used tools to achieve some sustainable development goals of sustainable development, monitor desertification, evaluate biodiversity, model climate change, evaluate ecosystem services, and more and more useful applications [1].LULC maps allow users to monitor cropland [2]. Also, LULC change used to compare LULC of different periods can also provide precious information about the dynamics of LULC [1]. Furthermore, LULC change and its drivers allow specialists to predict LULC change in the future [1].…”

Accuracy assessment and uncertainty of the 10 meter resolution land use land cover maps at local scale. Case: talassemtane national park, Morocco

“…LULC maps provide a wide range of information for the worldwide scientific community, one of the most used tools to achieve some sustainable development goals, monitor desertification, evaluate biodiversity, model climate change, evaluate ecosystem services, and more and more useful applications [1].LULC maps allow users to monitor cropland [2].…”

“…Also, LULC change used to compare LULC of different periods can also provide precious information about the dynamics of LULC [1]. Furthermore, LULC change and its drivers allow specialists to predict LULC change in the future [1].…”