Introduction

Land Cover Map 2000 (LCM2000), is a parcel-based classification of satellite image data showing land cover for the entire United Kingdom. The map updates and substantially upgrades the Land Cover Map of Great Britain (LCMGB) 1990.

Like the earlier LCMGB, LCM2000 is derived from a computer classification of satellite scenes obtained mainly from the Landsat sensor but, in addition to LCMGB, it also covers Northern Ireland, producing for the first time an all-UK dataset.

LCM2000 was classified using a hierarchical nomenclature corresponding to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Broad Habitats, which encompasses the entire range of UK habitats. LCM2000 is produced in both vector and raster formats, with a number of different versions containing varying levels of detail and at different spatial resolutions.

Main users

Land Cover Map 2000 is used by government departments and agencies throughout the UK, county councils, charities and commissions and also environmental management bodies.

LCM2000 is used for a wide range of applications including environmental character assessments, environmental protection, transport planning, animal disease distribution, bird and habitat relationships and forestry research.

Technical details and data licensing

An overview of the specification of LCM2000 can be found on the following Technical Details page.  

An explanation of how LCM2000 can be obtained under licence from CEH is available on the Accessing Land Cover Mapping page.

Further information

Further information on LCM2000 can be found in the LCM2000 final report and the LCM2000 user guides, available below.

• Countryside Survey 2000 Module 7 – Land Cover Map Final Report
• Land Cover Map 2000: raster dataset details
• Land Cover Map 2000: product versions and formats
• Land Cover Map 2000: classification guide