Land cover mapping principles: a return to interpretation fundamentals

Land cover mapping methodology should be governed by the attributes of the land cover types. Since land cover types usually have significantly different interpretation characteristics, they should be mapped separately according to the methodology suitable to their particular attributes. Land cover mapping requires the use of other interpretation elements than just reflectance, particularly position in the landscape, size and association. In addition, knowledge of the land use systems and their extent is essential for attributing spectral reflectance curves to land cover types. A bottom-up land cover mapping approach, using classical interpretation principles, but facilitated with modern remote sensing software, is recommended. The procedure has been applied to mapping land cover types of southern Sumatra from Landsat and Spot imagery.