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.

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