land cover classification system l c c s a guide to utilization of concepts and software application

Land Cover Classification SystemLand Cover Classification SystemL C C S

A guide to utilization of conceptsand

software application

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FAO 1999

FAO 1999

This presentation is intended to be an interactiveexplanatory note to assist the user to quickly and easily

understand the basic concepts of the classification system.

Prepared by:Louisa J.M. Jansen - Antonio Di Gregorio

Objectives

Classification Concepts

Conceptual BasisGeneral ConceptsFor Primarily Vegetated Areas

(Semi) Natural Vegetation: Macropattern, Stratification

Cultivated AreasFor Primarily Non-Vegetated AreasEnvironmental and Specific Technical Attributes

From Classification To Legend: Minimal Mapable Area, Mixed Class

Classification Module

Legend Module

Translator Module

Contents

This colour with underlining means that it is a hyperlink that will bring you straight to this specific subject!

ObjectivesObjectives

Why land cover?

Land cover is one of the most important elements for description and study of the environment.

• the main resource controlling primary productivity for terrestrial ecosystems can be defined in terms of land (and its cover).

• land cover is the easiest detectable indicator of human interventions on the land.

Land cover is a critical parameter for environmental databases.

• land cover changes quickly over time.

• land cover is the basic geographic feature that other environmental applications can use as a reference base.

Objectives

Why a new classification?

Despite the importance of land cover, an internationally accepted reference base does not exist, as:

• many classifications are heterogeneous with respect to quality, scale and nomenclature;

• class definitions are imprecise, ambiguous and/or absent; and

• some classifications have a limited ability to accommodate the whole range of potential classes.

There is considerable need to have a common classification, as:

• land cover types cross national boundaries; and

• to facilitate data exchange, a common “language” is required.

Objectives

LCCS was created in response to a need for:

• a harmonized and standardized collection of land cover data;

• availability of land cover data for a wide range of applications and users; and

• comparison and correlation of land cover classes.

Objectives

LCCS is a comprehensive methodology for description, characterization, classification and comparison of any land cover identified

anywhere in the world, at any scale.

Classification ConceptsClassification Concepts

Definition

Land cover is the observed (bio)physical coverLand cover is the observed (bio)physical cover

on the earth’s surfaceon the earth’s surface.

It includes vegetation and man-made features, as well as bare rock, bare soil and inland water surfaces.


Difference between Classification and Legend -1-

Classification is defined as the “ordering or arrangement of ordering or arrangement of objects into groups or sets on the basis of their objects into groups or sets on the basis of their relationshipsrelationships” (Sokal, 1974). It is an abstract representation of the situation in the field, using well-defined diagnostic criteria.


Abstract representation of a classification consisting of a continuum with two gradients: circles and triangles in red and white (Küchler and Zonneveld, 1988).

Concrete situation in the field in a particular area (Küchler and Zonneveld, 1988). One should note that not all possible combinations of circles and triangles occur.

Difference between Classification and Legend -2-

Legend is defined as the “application of a classification in a application of a classification in a particular geographic area particular geographic area ” (Di Gregorio and Jansen, 1998).


100%

50%

10%

>50m 30m >5m1 2 3 4 ...

97 9899100

3347

7883

Reference Classification System

DEFINEDGEOGRAPHIC

AREA

given scale and data type

mappingunits

derivedlegend

A priori versus a posteriori

classification


CONCRETE FIELD SITUATIONA PRIORI CLASSIFICATION

A POSTERIORI CLASSIFICATION

ADVANTAGES:

- HIERARCHICAL ORDER- STANDARDIZATION

DISADVANTAGES:

- IMPLICIT RIGIDITY OF THE SYSTEM

ADVANTAGE:

- HIGH DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY

DISADVANTAGES:- DEPENDING ON AREA- NO STANDARDIZATION

OR HIERARCHICAL ORDER

Example of a very general a priori a priori classificationclassification based on four classes (triangle in black and white

and circle in black and white) representing the field situation below.

Due to the generalization of the classes, the user is obliged to make the best fit of one of the hundred

possibilities in the field into one of the four classes, which may result in selecting a class that does not

represent well the actual situation.

Example of a posteriori a posteriori classificationclassification. The classes fit better the actual situation

in the field (the area inside the blue rectangle) but the area described is only

a portion of the total.

Conceptual BasisConceptual Basis

Underlying Principle

Conceptual Basis

cover

height

100%

50%

10%

>50m 30m >5m1 2 3 4 ...

97 98 99 100

leaf type

leaf phenologyevergreen deciduousmixed

broadleaved(very large)

broadleaved(very small)

aphyllous

needleleaved

natural vegetationnatural vegetation1 2 3 4 ...

25

specificgeographic

area

Example of description of a land cover using two different

underlying principles.

The outcome depends on the underlying principle

adopted.

Current a priori classifications in relation to flexibility

Conceptual Basis

high level of standardization

lowflexibility

incr

easi

ng

nu

mb

er o

f cl

asse

s

understandable list of class names

enormous list ofclass names with

unclear or too narrowclass boundary

limited number ofgeneric classes

limited number ofgeneric classes

adequate numberof detailed classes

high flexibility

low level of standardization

By increasing the number of classes in an a priori system, flexibility will increase.

Class boundary definitions are based on very slight differences; this will decrease the level of standardization.

Class boundary definitions will be clear and classes will contain aggregated land cover types. However, it has low flexibility.

Flexibility that will allow the accommodation of any occurring land cover.

New approach to classification -1-

Increasing flexibility while maintaining mapabilitymapability

The classification should be flexible in the sense that it should address the potential for the classification system to describe enough classes to cope with the real world.

At the same time flexibility should adhere to strict class boundary definitions that are unambiguous and clear.

Basic principle

A land cover class is defined by the combination of a set of independent diagnostic attributes, the so-called classifiersclassifiers, that are arranged to assure a high degree of mapabilitymapability, i.e., geographical accuracy.

Conceptual Basis

New approach to classification -2-

Issues impeding application of the new approach

Land cover deals with a heterogeneous set of classes. Therefore one single set of classifiers cannot be used to describe all features.

The set of classifiers is tailored to each major land cover feature in order to create meaningful combinations of classifiers.

Furthermore, with the aim of achieving a logical and functional hierarchical arrangement of classifiers, certain design criteriadesign criteria have been applied.

Conceptual Basis

The initial Dichotomous Phase Dichotomous Phase of LCCS

Conceptual Basis

Below, the Dichotomous Phase is shown, consisting of pairs of buttons of which the

user must select one.Classifier used:Presence of Vegetation

Classifier used:Artificiality of Cover

Classifier used:Edaphic Condition

The subsequent Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase of LCCS

Conceptual Basis

The sets of classifiers tailored to the major land cover and hierarchically arranged according to mapability (classifiers presented in dark blue).

The Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase of two major land cover types in detail

Conceptual Basis

The set of land cover classifiers tailored to the major land cover and hierarchically arranged according to mapability.

The environmental attributes that influence the land cover.

The specific technical attributes.

A11. Cultivated and Managed Terrestrial Areas

A12. Natural and Semi-Natural Terrestrial Vegetation

Concept for creation of a land cover class

Stepwise selection of classifiers that will generate:

• a string of codes, the so-called Boolean FormulaBoolean Formula;

• a Standard Class NameStandard Class Name; and

• a unique Numerical CodeNumerical Code.

Conceptual Basis

Example “Natural and Semi-Natural Terrestrial Vegetation (A12)”Example “Natural and Semi-Natural Terrestrial Vegetation (A12)”Example “Natural and Semi-Natural Terrestrial Vegetation (A12)” :

Classifiers Used:Classifiers Used:Classifiers Used:Classifiers Used: Boolean Formula:Boolean Formula:Boolean Formula:Boolean Formula: Standard Class Name:Standard Class Name:Standard Class Name:Standard Class Name: Code:Code:Code:Code:Code:Life Form & Cover A3A10 Closed Forest 20005Height A3A10B2 High Closed Forest 20006 Spatial Distribution A3A10B2C1 Continuous Closed Forest 20007Leaf Type A3A10B2C1D1 Broadleaved Closed Forest 20095Leaf Phenology A3A10B2C1D1E2 Broadleaved Deciduous Forest 200972nd Layer: LF, C, H A3A10B2C1D1E2F2F5F7G2 Multi-Layered Broadleaved

Deciduous Forest 206283rd Layer: LF, C, H A3A10B2C1D1E2F2F5F7G2 Multi-Layered Broadleaved Deciduous

F2F5F10G2 Forest With Emergents 20630

With each classifier option selected, the string of codes grows, the class name

changes and so does the code.

Conceptual Basis

What is then LCCS? -1-

One could state that LCCS is a new language to One could state that LCCS is a new language to describe in a standardized way the different land describe in a standardized way the different land cover features.cover features.

• As in any language, you have words and a syntax that allow you to create a semantic concept.

• The different combination of words with a given syntax provides a broad scope of concept generation.

Conceptual Basis

In LCCS it is the same: the classifiersclassifiers are the wordswords, theclassification rulesclassification rules are the syntaxsyntax, and the land coverland cover featuresfeatures are the conceptsconcepts to be described.

As in a language, the combination of classifiersclassifiers throughthe use of the classification rulesclassification rules provides the possibility of describing a broad range of land cover features.

The combinations made by different users using the same classifiersclassifiers of the classification system will result in the same land cover class.

What is then LCCS? -2-

Conceptual Basis

How to create Land Cover Classes in LCCS? -1-

The same is true for LCCS, the user has to find the correct combination of classifiers to describe a certain land cover feature.

As with using a language, all the concepts exist. The problem is to find the right combination of words to describe things.

No pre-defined list exists. The user has to create -one by No pre-defined list exists. The user has to create -one by one- each single class needed. This involves a process of one- each single class needed. This involves a process of

passing from the user’s idea of the class, to the creation of passing from the user’s idea of the class, to the creation of the representation of this idea using a meaningful sequence the representation of this idea using a meaningful sequence of classifiers that are able to precisely illustrate this idea of of classifiers that are able to precisely illustrate this idea of

the specific land cover feature.the specific land cover feature.

Conceptual Basis

How to create Land Cover classes in LCCS? -2-

Basic concept of a land cover class (the idea)the idea)

Use of LCCS method (the language)(the language)

Elaboration of the conceptin the codifiedLCCS language

(the concept expression)(the concept expression)

Trees A3Closed A10

Height 14-7m B6Needeleaved D2

Evergreen E1

=A3+A10+B6+D2+E1

trees

closedopen

shrubs

herbaceous

sparse

evergreenbroadleaved?

??

Conceptual Basis

LCCS is a concise language, it uses the minimum set of classifiers to characterize a land cover feature.

WHY? For three main reasons:

1. there is a difference between the processes of classifying and describing a feature;

2. use of the minimum set of classifiers necessary reduces interpretative errors and facilitates homogeneity in interpretation; and

3. characterization of a land cover feature with a minimum set of classifiers will reduce and simplify field verification.

Conceptual Basis

For Example:If an elephant needs to be described, all the possible features may be used:

Big earsTusks

Trunk

Big feet

Grey skin

Higher than 2.5 m

If an elephant needs to be classified, only a few elements should be used, i.e., those that allow a clear identification:

Tusks

Trunk

All other attributes of the elephant can be linked in the database to these two distinctive features.

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas -1-

When observing plant communities and considering their growth forms, two factors are fundamental:

• Physiognomy, the overall appearance of the vegetation; and

• Vegetation Structure, which is defined as “the spatial the spatial distribution pattern of growth forms in a plant community distribution pattern of growth forms in a plant community ” (Küchler and Zonneveld, 1988). The structure describes the individual layers, usually characterized by height and density of the respective growth forms.

Conceptual Basis

Tree layer

Tree layer

Shrubs heig

ht

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -2-

Natural and Semi-Natural Vegetation (A12 and A24)

Conceptual Basis

The Life FormLife Form of a plant is defined by its physiognomic aspect (e.g., Trees, Shrubs, Herbaceous, etc.).

Two criteria need to be considered to determine DominanceDominance:

the primary criterion is (1) the uppermost canopy layer with the secondary criterion that (2) the dominant Life Form has a Cover either Closed or Open.The dominant Life Form in this example is Open Trees.

The dominant Life Form in this example is Closed Trees.



Conceptual Basis

The dominant Life Form in this example is Closed Shrub because the cover of the trees is sparse.

The dominant Life Form in this example is Closed Herbaceous because the cover of the trees is sparse.

The dominant Life Form in this example is Open Shrubs.

The dominant Life Form in this example is Sparse Herbaceous.

Determine, for each of the four examples, the dominant Life Form. Select Closed, Open or Sparse in combination with either Trees, Shrubs or Herbaceous.


Natural and Semi-Natural Vegetation (A12 and A24)Vegetation is grouped into so-called Structural DomainsStructural Domains, which are determined by the presence of characterizing key life forms and their respective cover:

Closed Trees (Forests): dominated by closed trees (shrubs or herbaceous may be present). Open Trees (Woodlands): dominated by Open Trees (shrubs or herbaceous may be present). Closed Shrubs: dominated by Closed Shrubs (trees can be present but only with sparse cover; herbaceous may be present). Open Shrubs (Shrubland): dominated by Open Shrubs(trees can be present, but only with sparse cover; herbaceous may be present). Grasslands: dominated by Closed or Open Herbaceous, Graminoids or Forbs (trees and/or shrubs may be present but only with sparse cover, e.g., Tree or Shrub Savanna). Sparse Vegetation: dominated by Sparse life forms. Lichens/Mosses: dominated by Closed or Open Lichens/Mosses (other life forms absent).

Conceptual Basis

Conceptual Basis


(Semi)Natural Vegetation - Structural Domains overview

HE

RB

AC

EO

US

TR

EE

S

SH

RU

BS

X

OPEN(SHRUBLAND)

CLOSED (FOREST)

OPEN(WOODLAND)

CLOSED (THICKET)

CLOSED TO OPENCLOSED TO OPENGRASSLAND(SAVANNAS)

DEPENDING ON THEDOMINANT LIFE FORM

SH

RU

BS

TR

EE

S

Explanation of symbols :

SHRUBS

TREES

HERBACEOUS

SPARSE TO ABSENT

CLOSED

OPEN

CLOSED TO ABSENT

SPARSE TO ABSENT

CLOSED TO OPEN

CLOSED TO ABSENT

SPARSE TO ABSENT

CLOSED

OPEN

SP

AR

SE

VE

G.

HE

RB

AC

EO

US

MAIN LAYER

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -4a-

(Semi)Natural Vegetation - Structural Domains

Conceptual Basis

MAIN LAYER SECOND THIRD

MULTI-LAYEREDFOREST

FOREST WITHSHRUBS

MULTI-LAYEREDFOREST WITHEMERGENTS

FOREST WITHSHRUBS AND EMERGENTS

FOREST WITHEMERGENTS

SUBCLASSES MAIN STRUCTURAL DOMAIN - FOREST

HERBACEOUSSHRUBSTREESAB SENT OR NOT

CONSIDER EDCLOSED OPEN SPAR SECLOSEDTO OPEN CLOSED OPEN SPAR SE

CLOSEDTO OPEN CLOSED OPEN SPAR SE

CLOSEDTO OPEN

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -4b-


Conceptual Basis

SUBCLASSES MAIN STRUCTURAL DOMAIN - WOODLAND MAIN LAYER SECOND THIRD

WOODLAND WITHSHRUBS

WOODLAND WITHHERBACEOUS

LAYER

WOODLAND WITHSHRUBS AND EMERGENTS

WOODLAND WITHHERBACEOUS LAYER

AND EMERGENTS

(SPARSE HERBACEOUS CAN BE PRESENT)

(SPARSE SHRUBSCAN BE PRESENT)




CLOSEDTO OPEN

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -4c-


Conceptual Basis


SUBCLASSES MAIN STRUCTURAL DOMAIN - THICKET

THICKET WITHEMERGENTS

THICKET WITHSHRUBS

EMERGENTS

THICKET WITH TREES AND

SHRUBS EMERGENTS




CLOSEDTO OPEN

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -4d-


Conceptual Basis


SUBCLASSES MAIN STRUCTURAL DOMAIN - SHRUBLAND (1)

SHRUBLAND WITHHERBACEOUS

LAYER ANDEMERGENTS


LAYER ANDSHRUBS

EMERGENTS

SHRUBLAND WITH TREES AND

SHRUBS EMERGENTS




CLOSEDTO OPEN

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -4e-


Conceptual Basis


SUBCLASSES MAIN STRUCTURAL DOMAIN - SHRUBLAND (2)


LAYER

SHRUBLAND WITHEMERGENTS

SHRUBLAND WITH SHRUBS

EMERGENTS




CLOSEDTO OPEN

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -4f-


Conceptual Basis


SUBCLASSES MAIN STRUCTURAL DOMAIN - GRASSLAND

GRASSLANDWITH SPARSE

TREES


SHRUBS


TREES ANDSHRUBS




CLOSEDTO OPEN


Natural and Semi-Natural Vegetation (A12)

Conceptual Basis

The MacropatternMacropattern is the horizontal spatial distribution of vegetation in a certain area.

It should not be confused with Cover because that defines the spatial arrangement of Life Forms (e.g., Trees, Shrubs, etc.).

Example of Continuous spatial distribution of vegetation (closed forest).

Example of Fragmented spatial distribution of patches of vegetation (closed forest). Patch of closed forest.


Natural and Semi-Natural Vegetation (A12)

Conceptual Basis

Macropattern reflects an ecological or evolutionary aspect of vegetation (or it shows a human-induced degradational aspect of natural vegetation).

Macropattern should be used to give supplementary ecological information and/or to avoid subjective terms like “degraded forest” or similar terminology.

Where the application of this concept is too complex or it is felt irrelevant, the user has the possibility to skip this classifier and instead use a standard Mixed Unit.

Conceptual Basis

Macropattern is linked with the concept of scalescale, and consequently with the concept of a Mixed Class. A unit considered fragmented at a certain scale can be continuos at a larger scale.

A unit with macropattern fragmented (linear or cellular) is always a Mixed ClassMixed Class.

At the same time, a Mixed Class (where the dominant class is natural vegetation) is not always Fragmented vegetationFragmented vegetation.

When the classifier Fragmented is used in a mixed class, it implies that the dominant class in the Mixed Class is the fragmented vegetationfragmented vegetation (for instance, Fragmented Closed Shrubs/Bare Soil). If the dominant class in a Mixed Class is different, the classifier “Fragmented” is redundant and with a different meaning, so it should be avoided (e.g., Bare Soil/Closed Shrubs).

Technical guidelines for the application of MacropatternMacropattern in (Semi)Natural Terrestrial Vegetation: -5c-

Conceptual Basis

Macropattern is used to give supplementary ecological information on (Semi)Natural Vegetation.

The following rules should be applied:

A vegetation class is Fragmented (linear or cellular) Fragmented (linear or cellular) if, inside the Minimal Mapable Area, Minimal Mapable Area, it covers more than 50% and less than more than 50% and less than 80% 80% and when the patches of vegetation are between 1/15 and the patches of vegetation are between 1/15 and 1/2 of the Minimal Mapable Area.1/2 of the Minimal Mapable Area.

A vegetation class is Continuous Continuous if, inside the Minimal Mapable Minimal Mapable Area, Area, it covers more than 80% of the area more than 80% of the area (in this case the unit is a single class) or it covers more than 50% but less than 80% of more than 50% but less than 80% of the area the area and and the vegetation “patches” are bigger than 50% of the vegetation “patches” are bigger than 50% of the Minimal Mapable Area the Minimal Mapable Area (in this case the unit is a mixed class).

Technical guidelines for the application of MacropatternMacropattern in (Semi)Natural Terrestrial Vegetation: -5d-

Conceptual Basis

Vegetation patches size usable to apply the classifier fragmented

Maximum

Minimum

VEGETATION BARE SOIL OR AGRICULTURE

Examples of Fragmented vegetation / Bare soil

Irregular disposition Regular disposition (tiger bush)

Forest with agriculturalencroachment

Examples where“Fragmented” is not applicable: 2 vegetation patches below minimum size (left) and above maximum size (right).minimal mapable

unit for natural vegetation used in the Africover Project (not at the original scale)

The Macropattern concept is preferentially used for Woody Life Forms (Trees and Shrubs). Herbaceous Life Forms (Graminoids and Forbs) can have a Macropattern, but this is linked to the absence of Woody Life Forms.

Examples: Fragmented Shrubs/Herbaceous (never “Fragmented Herbaceous/Shrubs”) or Fragmented Herbaceous/Bare Soil (this is possible due to the absence of a Woody component).

Examples of application of the MacropatternMacropattern concept -5e-



Conceptual Basis

The Stratification Stratification describes the layering of the vegetation. This set of classifiers contributes to the structural definition of a vegetation class.

• For Terrestrial Vegetation (A12) up to three layers can be described.

• For Aquatic or Regularly Flooded Vegetation (A24) up to two layers.This example shows: a Sparse Tree emergent with

Closed Trees with Open to Closed Trees. Try to determine the order for description of these layers!

3.

1.

2.


Stratification for (Semi)Natural Vegetation (A12 and A24)

Conceptual Basis

The rule to describe Stratification Stratification is as follows: the first Life Form and Cover combination occurring below is the main layer.

Closed Trees or Closed Woody vegetation

Open Trees or Open Woody vegetation

Closed Shrubs

Open Shrubs

Closed Herbaceous, Graminoids or Forbs

Open Herbaceous, Graminoids or Forbs

Sparse Trees

Sparse Shrubs

Sparse Herbaceous, Graminoids or Forbs

Decreasing order of dominance

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -6c-


Conceptual Basis

Second layer

Closed Trees

Open Trees

Closed Shrubs

Open Shrubs



Sparse Trees

Sparse Shrubs


If Closed Trees is the main layer, then the following options are valid for 2nd layer.

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -6d-


Conceptual Basis

Second layer

Closed Trees

Open Trees

Closed Shrubs

Open Shrubs



Sparse Trees

Sparse Shrubs


If Open Shrubs is the main layer, then the following options are valid for 2nd layer.

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -6e-


Conceptual Basis

Second layer

Closed Trees

Open Trees

Closed Shrubs

Open Shrubs



Sparse Trees

Sparse Shrubs


If Open Graminoids is the main layer, then the following options are valid for 2nd layer.

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -6f-


Conceptual Basis

Second layer

Closed Trees

Open Trees

Closed Shrubs

Open Shrubs



Sparse Trees

Sparse Shrubs


If Sparse Shrubs is the main layer, then the following option is valid for 2nd layer.

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -6g-


Conceptual Basis

CLOSED OPEN SPARSE

HEIGHT

MACROPATTERNLEAF TYPELEAF PHENOLOGY

HEIGHT

HEIGHT

FIRST LA

YER - FIR

ST AN

D SEC

ON

D LEVEL

SECO

ND

LAYER

THIR

D LA

YER

not influencing the layeringexcept for subcondition of height

not influencing the layering;can be skipped



LAYERING CONDITIONSLAYERING CONDITIONS

TREES

SHRUBS

SPARSESPARSE

TREES

TREES SHRUBS HERBACEOUS

CLOSEDOPEN SPARSE

CLOSEDOPEN SPARSE SPARSE

CLOSEDOPEN

This illustrates the layering options for the Life Form Trees in combination with Cover Closed, Open or Sparse.

The options for second layer are manifold, but depend on the selected main layer.

The third layer options depend on the selections made for first and second layers.

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -6h-


Conceptual Basis

CLOSED OPEN SPARSE

HEIGHT


HEIGHT

HEIGHT

FIRST LA

YER - FIR

ST AN

D SEC

ON

D LEVEL

SECO

ND

LAYER

THIR

D LA

YER


not influencing the layering;can be skipped



LAYERING CONDITIONSLAYERING CONDITIONS

SHRUBS

SPARSESPARSE

TREES

TREES SHRUBS HERBACEOUS

CLOSEDOPEN

SPARSECLOSED

OPENSPARSE SPARSE

CLOSEDOPEN

SHRUBS

only for dwarf shrubs

This illustrates the layering options for the Life Form Shrubs in combination with Cover Closed, Open or Sparse.

The second layer options are many, but sometimes depend also on the classifier Height.

The third layer options depend upon first and second layers selected.

Concepts for Primarily Vegetated Areas: -6i-


Conceptual Basis

HERBACEOUS, GRAMINOIDS, FORBS

CLOSED OPEN SPARSE

HEIGHT

TREES


SHRUBS

SPARSE SPARSE

SHRUBS

HEIGHT

SPARSE

HEIGHT

FIRST LA

YER - FIR

ST AN

D SEC

ON

D LEVEL

SECO

ND

LAYER

THIR

D LA

YER

not influencing the layering

not influencing, the layering;can be skipped

not influencingthe layering

not influencing the layering

LAYERING CONDITIONSLAYERING CONDITIONSThis illustrates the layering options for the Life Form Herbaceous or Graminoids or Forbs in combination with Cover Closed, Open or Sparse. The second

layer options are limited

The third layer comprises one option only.


Cultivated and Managed Areas (A11 and A23)

Conceptual Basis

The Life FormLife Form of a plant is defined by its physiognomic aspect (e.g., Trees, Shrubs, Herbaceous, etc.).

Two criteria need to be considered to determine DominanceDominance :

the primary criterion is the uppermost canopy layer, with the secondary criterion of marginality, i.e., the crop should cover at least 15% of the area and/or return the highest economic revenue.

If the cereal crop would return the highest revenue then it is the main crop though it is not the uppermost canopy layer.



Conceptual Basis

The horizontal Spatial DistributionSpatial Distribution of the cultivated fields can be specified into:

• Continuous: a continuum of more than 50% of cultivated fields.

• Scattered Clustered: percentage of fields is more than 20 but less than 50%.

• Scattered Isolated: percentage of fields is more than 10 but less than 20%.

Cultivated Fields (Semi)Natural Vegetation



Conceptual Basis

The Crop Cover Crop Cover or Crop Density Crop Density can be used to describe the spatial distribution of crop growth forms. It applies to the main crop described.

Description of crop cover depends in this example on which crop is identified as main crop!

Description of crop cover in this example is clear as there is only one crop, comprising a permanent life form.

If the palm trees are the main crop, then the crop cover options for permanent life forms are valid; if the cereal crop is the main crop, the options for temporary life forms are valid.

Concepts for Primarily Non-Vegetated Areas: -1-

• Artificial Surfaces and Associated Areas (B15)

• Bare Areas (B16)

Conceptual Basis

The density of the cover and structure are used as parameters for description, thereby taking a “structural-physiognomic” approach, as for Primarily Vegetated Areas.

• Surface AspectSurface Aspect can be regarded as descriptor of the materials.

• Elements of cover can be described using modifiers, such as density for Urban Areas.

Concepts for Primarily Non-Vegetated Areas: -2-

• Artificial Waterbodies, Snow and Ice (B27)

• Natural Waterbodies, Snow and Ice (B28)

Conceptual Basis

The Physical StatusPhysical Status is used as parameter for description of the form in which water is found.

The concept adopted puts emphasis on the temporal aspect of water, snow or ice. PersistencePersistence describes the duration that water, snow or ice cover the surface.

DepthDepth can be described to indicate whether or not the maximum rooting depth for aquatic plants, i.e., 2 m, is exceeded or not.

The suspended Sediment LoadSediment Load can be described as it influences the cover and implies other environmental aspects.

Environmental and Specific Technical Attributes

Conceptual Basis

Environmental Attributes: these are attributes that are not inherent features of land cover but may influence land cover (e.g., landform, lithology, soils, climate, altitude, erosion, etc.).

They can be added to the land cover class as a further characterization of the land cover itself, rather than to add a new data layer.

Specific Technical Attributes: these attributes refer to the technical discipline of the major land cover type.

• Floristic AspectFloristic Aspect for (Semi)Natural Vegetation (A12 and A24)

• Crop TypeCrop Type for Cultivated Areas (A11 and A23)

• SalinitySalinity for Waterbodies (B27 and B28)

From Classification To LegendFrom Classification To Legend

Minimal Mapable Area Concept -1-

ClassificationClassification is an abstract representation of the situation in the field using a particular set of diagnostic criteria, whereas a legendlegend is the application of the classification in a particular area using a defined mapping scale and particular data set.

The Minimal Mapable AreaMinimal Mapable Area concept is applied by cartographers when addressing the smallest area that can be shown on a map. The concept is therefore scale-dependent and not related to classification.

The concept of one single mapable area is generally applied. Features with a difference in importance follow the same rules. It would be more logical to define a set of different sizes for various features with differing importance (Di Gregorio, 1991).

From Classification To Legend

Minimal Mapable Area Concept -2-

The flexibility of LCCS allows the introduction of the concept of a variable minimal mapable area.


B15 B27 A11 A23 A24 A12 B16 B28

Variable Minimal Mapable Areas as used by the Africover - East Africa Project, Nairobi(not displayed at original scale).

Occurrence of Mixed Mapping Units

In the Classification, all classes are unique and no Mixed Mixed Mapping UnitsMapping Units are considered. Mixed Mapping Units are cartography related.

A Mixed Mapping Unit occurs in a legend and is characterized by two or more separate single land cover classes as defined in the classification system.

The conditions governing their utilization are that within the Minimal Mapable Area, two or more land cover classes are present, which can be:

• in a spatially separate entity; or

• in an intricate mixture.

The class names sequence in a mixed unit represents dominance.


LCCS Software ApplicationLCCS Software Application

Classification ModuleClassification Module

Overview of the software application


build up legend

edit classes

create user-defined land cover classes

display legend

save and retrieve

print

export

FIELD DATA MODULEFIELD DATA MODULE

standardized general field data collection

specific field data collection

automatic extraction of land cover class from field

data

saving of field data in synthetic form

print and export

TRANSLATOR MODULETRANSLATOR MODULE

translation of external classifications

into LCCS

similarity of external single classes through

LCCS

comparison of twoexternal classifications

through LCCS

comparison of twoLCCS classes

all classifiers and attributes

glossary

conditions to create land cover classes

database of all possible classes, including name, code

and description

images and interpretation database

CLASSIFICATION MODULE

LEGEND MODULELEGEND MODULE

Purpose

The Classification Module allows the user to define land cover classes according to two Phases:

• an initial Dichotomous Phase Dichotomous Phase where the user derives the main land cover type; followed by

• a subsequent Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase where a land cover class is defined by determining one classifier at a time. Selection of classifiers at a high level may have consequences for options available at lower levels.

At any level within these Phases, a land cover class can be formed comprising its Boolean Formula, numerical code and class name.


The initial Dichotomous Phase Dichotomous Phase of LCCS


Click one option of each pair of buttons.

If the level of information needed or available to determine a land cover class is very limited, the user can select the appropriate choice(s) and a land cover class will be formed that can be stored by clicking the 2nd upper right button.

Or immediately identify to which major land cover type the class will belong by clicking directly on a button with the arrow.

The subsequent Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase of LCCS

Classification ModuleThe so-called Environmental Attributes are presented in purple and are not hierarchically arranged; the Specific Technical Attribute is presented in green.

The sets of classifiers tailored to the major land cover and hierarchically arranged according to mapability (classifiers presented in dark blue).

Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase: classifiers and attributes

• Land Cover Classifiers are hierarchically arranged according to mapability, i.e,. geographical accuracy, at the top levels.

• Environmental Attributes are not hierarchically arranged and are shown at the intermediate levels.

• Specific Technical Attribute is shown at the bottom.


The hierarchically arranged land cover classifiers over different levels at the top (in dark blue).

Followed by a set of Environmental Attributes (in purple).

The Specific Technical Attribute at the bottom (in green).

I

II

III

IV

I

II

Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase: classifiers in detail

To proceed, click the upper left button (“Life Form and Cover ” in the example below). A new window will open, with a set of options.


The classifier Life Form is the first one to be determined.

I

II

III

IV



Selection of an option of the classifier Life Form is made by clicking the appropriate button.

From the classifier Life Form, the option Trees has been selected.From the

classifier Cover the option Closed has been selected.

From the classifier Height several options have become automatically disabled.



The classifier Life Form is used to illustrate some features.

The options of the classifier are mutually exclusive, i.e., the user can select only one option.

Furthermore, this particular classifier has a more general level comprising Woody, Herbaceous or Lichens/Mosses, followed by a more specific level comprising Trees or Shrubs; Forbs or Graminoids; and Lichens or Mosses.

There are also options that further modify a classifier option, the so-called ModifiersModifiers, and they immediately follow a classifier option (e.g., for Forbs, Rooted or Free-floating, in bright blue).

Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase: modifiers in detail


The ModifiersModifiers further modify a classifier option and they immediately follow a classifier option.

The selection of Modifiers is optional!

The use of Modifiers will generate:

• a separate Boolean Formula;

• a distinct numerical code that follows the classifier code and is separated from it by a hyphen; and

• a change to the standard name.

The classifier Leaf Phenology is used to illustrate some features.Selection of Evergreen in combination with the Leaf Type option Broadleaved disables the modifier Mixed (lower left).

The selection of “Semi-” in the example generates a distinct Map Code separated by a hyphen from the classifier code (e.g., 4987); the modifier code is displayed separately (e.g., E3).In the standard name the term “Semi-” appears attached to the classifier option Evergreen.

Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase: attributes in detail -1-

The user is free to add appropriate choices of Environmental AttributesEnvironmental Attributes in any order to the land cover class.

Use of attributes will result in:

• a separate string of codes separated from the classifier and optional modifiers by a hyphen;

• no alteration of the numerical code; and

• no change in the standard name, as these choices follow the standard name and each choice refers back to the attribute itself.

Use of the Specific Technical AttributeSpecific Technical Attribute will further define the land cover class using the related discipline. Use of the attribute has the same results as Environmental Attributes.


Modular-Hierarchical PhaseModular-Hierarchical Phase: attributes in detail -2-


The Environmental Attributes are listed below the standard Land Cover Class name.

The Environmental Attributes codes are listed separately.


Legend ModuleLegend ModuleLegend:

•Forest

•Woodland

•Tree Crop

•Urban Area

Purpose

The Legend Module allows the user to store land cover to store land cover classes identified in a hierarchical structureclasses identified in a hierarchical structure that groups classes according to the main land cover type and its so-called structural domains.

• The Legend usually contains only a subset of the Classification, i.e., those classes that are applicable in the area (to be ) interpreted or mapped.

• The Legend also offers possibilities of displaying, editing and adding user-defined attributes to a land cover class.

• Information can be saved, printed, imported or exported in various formats.

Legend Module

How to create a Legend in LCCS?

If classes have been created in the Classification Module, these can be written to the Legend Module.

The user can click a special button:

upon which a small window opens in which the user has to select one option.

If classes have been saved in the Legend the following button in the Classification Module will bring the user to the newly created Legend in the Legend Module:

Legend Module

The question asked in this window relates directly to application of classification in a specific area. If the created land cover class does not occur alone in the minimal mapable area, select Mixed, after which the second and possibly third class need to be defined. The order of land cover classes in a Mixed Unit reflects dominance.

How to add User-defined Attributes?

Land cover classes can be “cloned” in order to add specific user-defined attributes to the standard class. A user may want to further define a classifier and/or attribute already used, or add a new attribute. A standard set of clone options is provided.

Legend Module

The Type of Clone to be made is selected in this window. The result is a code added to the Boolean code (e.g., (1) in the example above)

The user-defined code is specified in this window, as well as its meaning.

Edit and Display

Display of a created Legend shows a standardized hierarchical order with the classes under their Structural Domain within the main land cover type.

Legend Module

Edit allows the user to add a User’s LabelUser’s Label that may be a common name or a name derived from an existing legend.

Furthermore, Description Description can be used to add more information on the class.

In this example each class has a User’s Label that will also be shown in Display.

Standard Description

The Standard Description for each land cover class gives the user a better insight into the classifiers used and structure of the class than can be inferred from the standard name alone.

Classes are hierarchically ordered according to Structural Domains of the main land cover types.

Legend Module

The main land cover type

The User’s Label.

The Structural Domain.

Classifiers Used

This option gives the user the possibility to interpret what the codes of the Boolean Formula of the land cover classes mean.

Combination of numerical codes and Boolean Formulae will allow GIS users to re-select LCCS data.

Legend Module

The Classifier Code and its Label are displayed.

Please note that codes can appear more than once with a different meaning! Therefore the code should always be combined with the numerical code of the class to form a unique combination.


Translator ModuleTranslator ModuleLegend:

•Forest

•Woodland

•Tree Crop

•Urban Area Legende:Savane herbacée avec d’arbresCouvert herbacé ferméCulture pluviale

Importance of a common “language”

Translator Module

INC

REA

SING

LEVEL OF SPEC

IFIC (SU

BJEC

T-RELA

TED) D

ETAILS

INC

REA

SING

LEVEL OF SPEC

IFIC (SU

BJEC

T-RELA

TED) D

ETAILS

Specific user creating the database(e.g., forest timber assessment)

poor use of the databasemade by other type of userdue to too general information.

poor or absent use of the database made by other type of user due the difficulty in translation of already subject specific classes.

use of the database made by other type of user is absent. Classes too much specific subject oriented.

Same specific userutilizing the database

use of database from othertype of user linked to the amount of classifiers used

full use of the databasemade by other type of user

use of the databasemade by other type of user related to the classifiers needed.

Same specific userutilizing the database

Specific user creating the database(e.g., forest timber assessment)

LCC

S standard classifiers

LCC

S user

-definedclassifiers

Purpose

LCCS can act as a reference base in which correlation between classifications and/or legends becomes possible.

The Translator Module offers the possibility to:

• translate existing systems into LCCS language;

• assess similarity of classes using LCCS as the reference base;

• compare classes of translated systems, using LCCS as the reference base, at the level of individual classifiers used; and

• compare LCCS classes, which may be useful when comparing preliminary classes with validated land cover classes from field surveys.

Translator Module

How to translate classes?

The user can create a Legend by creating the appropriate classes in the Classification Module and saving them into the Legend Module.

The user can import these classes into the Translator Module, or by direct input (providing that the LCCS numerical codes corresponding with the classes are known!).

The Import Import facility in the Translator Module allows the user to import classes one by one.

• The Retrieve From LegendRetrieve From Legend option will allow import of classes from the Legend Module.

• Direct input of classes is carried out by filling the appropriate boxes in the ImportImport window.

Translator Module

Retrieve From Legend

Translator Module

The sequence of actions to retrieve a class from the Legend will be shown below.

1. Identify the land cover class and highlight it. 2. Click the

Select as 1st button. If there is a second class because it is a Mixed Unit, repeat step 1 followed by clicking the Select as 2nd button.

3. The selected class(es) will appear in this box.

4. At the bottom of the window are a set of boxes to be filled: (1) ID with a unique numerical code; (2) Code with a two-letter code that refers to (3) Ext. Classification Name that contains the full name; and (4) Class Name in Legend, in which the original class name should be typed.

5. If all the boxes have been filled, press Export.

Import

Translator Module

The sequence of actions to directly import a class will be shown below.

5. The original class code is typed in this box. This needs to be a unique number.

1. A unique ID needs to be entered.

2. A unique two-letter Code needs to be entered.

3. A Class Name needs to be typed.

4. The external classification name is typed.

6. Type the LCCS Numerical Code in the GIS Code Class 1 box and the Environmental code in the ENV Attributes Class 1 box to the right. If the original class comprises more than one LCCS class, the second pair of codes is typed in the second set of boxes to the right (follow the yellow arrows).

7. Click Process class 1 (and Process class 2 if there is one), to generate the classifier string, main land cover type and class name, then Save.

Similarity Assessment

Translator Module

1. Highlight the appropriate Classification Name.

2. Highlight the appropriate Class.

3. Use the set of arrows to select the Reference Class. Press the Compare button.

1. Open the Similarity Assessment window.

4. Set the thresholds for similarity.

5. Select Empty Report to make sure that it contains no previous information.Select Process followed by Preview Report.

3. Set the classification that will be compared with the Reference Class. 2. Click the

Reference Class button to view the selected class.

Comparison of land cover classes

Translator Module

Display will show the two classes, their classifiers and modifiers to be compared.

Compare will show the results in three different colours:• Blue for identical classifier options;• Red for classifiers that can be compared but the selected options cannot be compared; and• Yellow for classifiers that cannot be compared.

Contact Address

If you have any questions concerning LCCS, please write to the following address:

Chief, Environment and Natural Resources Service (SDRN)Chief, Environment and Natural Resources Service (SDRN)

Sustainable Development DepartmentSustainable Development Department

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsNations

Viale delle Terme di CaracallaViale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome, ITALY00100 Rome, ITALY

THE END

land cover classification system l c c s a guide to utilization of concepts and software application

Documents

objectiveswhy land cover

importance of land cover

land cover changes

terms of land

common classification

new classification

field situation

white kchler