Estimation of Land Cover Change Matrices - Use of Ground Surveys and Photo-interpretation

Major land cover changes between two reference dates can be estimated from a sample of geographical units. Basic information can be obtained from ground visits or by photo-interpretation. This paper analyses two options: point surveys and photo-interpretation of satellite images. We present the approach followed in a pilot test for estimation of land cover change matrices with visual photo-interpretation of SPOT images on a site of 40 x 40 km in the area of Arles (South-East France). Some difficulties for such operations are underlined: a) Risk of bias due to mislocation. Some comments are also given on the use of ground surveys on an area frame of points for the same purpose. In particular we analyse the possible consequences of providing or not providing the ground surveyor with the point observations in the previous visits. Such considerations could be useful for the possible application in LUCAS. b) Need to regroup cells of the legend matrix. c) Severe over-estimation of changes if comparison of classified images is applied.

GALLEGO PINILLA Francisco;  CHRISTENSEN Susan; 

2006-12-01

European Commission

JRC32182

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC32182,