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Making maps from space

31 October 2001

A new and improved Land Cover Map was launched today as a key part of the Countryside Survey 2000.

In his opening speech at the launch Lord Whitty, DEFRA Science Minister, said "Land Cover Map 2000 is, I believe, the first ever national map of land cover and habitats, as seen from space at a detailed field-by-field resolution, anywhere in the world."

The Land Cover Map (LCM2000) has been produced by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. It was made by analysing the images produced by earth observation satellites that record the pattern of the Earth's landscape as they pass over. Images from 80 satellite 'scenes' were used to build a comprehensive picture covering the whole of the UK including, for the first time, Northern Ireland.

The resulting map identifies fields of arable crops, permanent vegetation such as woods and forests, industrial developments and built-up areas. The strength of LCM2000 is its ability to focus on very small areas as well as the expanse of the whole country.

Lord Whitty commented, "I think this is a remarkable achievement and a tribute to the world class science and dedication shown by the research team at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology."

The data will be used to assess the changing countryside in the UK. It has many potential applications such as helping to pinpoint areas of high biodiversity and evaluate the impacts of climate change. Combined with other sources of environmental information, it will help shape future government policies relating to sustainable development and economic prosperity in rural communities.

Further information

Nigel Brown
CEH
Tel: 01487 772400

Jane Goodwin
DEFRA
Tel: 0117 372 8854

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. Pictures from LCM2000 are available on the Countryside Survey website.

2. LCM2000 was commissioned as part of the Countryside Survey 2000 initiative by a consortium of partners including the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and other environmental agencies.

3. The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is part of NERC. It is the leading UK body for research, survey and monitoring in terrestrial and freshwater environments.

Press release: 15/01

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