The European Land Use and Cover Area-Frame Statistical Survey

Abstract. LUCAS (Land Use/Cover Area-frame Survey) has been launched by Eurostat to obtain harmonised agricultural and environmental data for the European Union (EU). Major surveys have been carried out in 2001, 2003 and 2006. We describe the methodology and sampling plan: non-stratified two-stage sample of points in 2001 and 2003, and two-phase sampling with incomplete stratification of non-clustered points in 2006. The relative efficiency of both sampling plans is analyzed concluding that the LUCAS 2006 method was superior for the EU context. We also analyze the sources of non-sampling errors, expected accuracy and current evolution of LUCAS.JRC.DG.G.3-Monitoring agricultural resource