Introduction

Released in July 2011, Land Cover Map 2007 (LCM2007) is the latest land cover map to be produced by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

It has been derived from satellite images and digital cartography and gives land cover information for the entire UK. Land cover is based on UK Biodiversity Action Plan Broad Habitats.

• Mapping techniques
• Improved spatial accuracy
• Main users
• Technical features and data licensing
• LCM2007: Pricing
• Further information

Mapping techniques

LCM2007 builds upon the successes of the parcel-based mapping of LCM2000 and employs similar but enhanced classification techniques. The principal difference between LCM2007 and LCM2000 is the source of land cover parcels. LCM2007 parcels come from generalised digital cartography, refined with image segments. LCM2000 uses only image segments.

Improved spatial accuracy

Deriving objects from digital cartography is advantageous. Cartographic boundaries very accurately delineate real-world land cover objects (e.g. lakes, fields, settlements, industrial areas, semi-natural areas etc.). This improves the spatial accuracy of LCM2007 over LCM2000. The accurate delineation of real-world objects also helps to clarify the spectral properties of the land surface and therefore improves thematic accuracy, too.

Main users

Previous CEH land cover maps, LCMGB 1990 and LCM2000, have been successfully used by government departments and agencies throughout the UK, county councils, charities and commissions and also environmental management bodies. The improved thematic and spatial accuracy of LCM2007 increase its potential and, in conjunction with other data, LCM2007 will be vital for many applications in the following sectors:

• Atmosphere and climate
• Water and catchments
• Ecosystem service assessment
• Marine and coastal
• Ecology and conservation
• Impact assessment
• Health and hazards
• Agriculture
• Landscape planning
• Telecommunications
• Urban studies
• Statistics, information
• Education and publicity
• Carbon accounting

Technical details and data licensing

An overview of the specification of LCM2007can be found on the Technical Details page. To obtain LCM2007 under licence from CEH, please see Accessing Land Cover Mapping.

Pricing

For product prices, please click here.

Further information

LCM2007 Final Report [6.1mb]

LCM2007 Dataset Documentation [2.2mb]

LCM2007 Webinar