FAO Methodologies for Land Cover Classification and Mapping

Information on land cover and its changes is essential for rational planning of agricultural land use, sustainable management of agricultural land, increase of crop production, and environmental protection. Yet, in most developing countries such information is non-existent or not reliable. This chapter describes how the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) assists developing countries with land cover mapping and establishment of land cover databases. FAO assistance to developing countries in the field of land cover mapping is based on a three-pronged approach: ● Development of standardized methodologies for land cover and land use classification and mapping appropriate for developing countries,● Providing assistance with land cover and land use mapping and establishment of associated digital databases,● Strengthening the institutional capacities for land cover and land use mapping and monitoring in developing countries.FAO, to assist developing countries to standardize their land cover and land use classification and mapping procedures, developed the Land Cover Classification System (LCCS) and the AFRICOVER Interpretation and Mapping System (AIMS). Although both systems were developed in the framework of the AFRICOVER project, they can be used for implementation of land cover and land use mapping projects in any country.Many developing countries have requested the FAO assistance with land cover and land use mapping and establishment of associated digital databases. Over 20 such projects have been implemented by FAO during the last 10-years. The chapter summarizes the practical experience, specific to land cover and land use mapping in developing countries, obtained by FAO. The AFRICOVER-EA project for land cover mapping at the scale 1:200,000 in the area of over 9 million km2 in East Africa was selected as the case study for this chapter.Strengthening the capacities for land cover and land use mapping and monitoring of the institutes cooperating in the implementation of such projects, has always been one of the FAO priorities. The successful accomplishment of this task requires the development of close linkages with relevant organizations. National officers participating in the project receive a thorough on-the-job training in all aspects of project implementation. Technical training is supplemented by appraisal workshops for government decision-makers to assure the appropriate use of project products. All project equipment and materials are left in the country after the project completion.