Classification methodology and operational implementation of the land cover database of the Netherlands

Timely and accurate information on land cover on regional and national scales is required to support environmental policy and for physical planning purposes. In 1987 the LGN1 land cover database was produced with satellite images. An improved classification method has been developed, consisting of the integrated use of satellite images, digital geographical data, reference data, and expert knowledge in geographical information systems. The LGN1 database has been updated (LGN2 database) and the production of the LGN3 database has been started. To achieve commercial implementation or to continue operational implementation, the advantages of the LGN database over other digital geographical databases should be exploited