Land cover / land use map of Germany based on MERIS full-resolution data

Abstract

This paper describes first results of a land cover / land use (LCLU) classification of Germany, developed at the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DLR-DFD). The automated, yearly updated product is based on MERIS level 2 full resolution data. The classification procedure consists of two main steps, namely a multispectral and a multitemporal analysis. The legend of the LCLU map is defined according to the classification system LCCS developed by FAO and UNEP. The new product is dedicated indicating land cover / land use changes at medium spatial resolution which are of importance in research areas such as climate change. At a later date, the spatial extension of the map to the entire area of Europe will be performed.