Land cover:
Land cover represents the physical and biological land cover. Different
resolutions and classification systems are relevant for different uses.
Corine Land Cover : The CORINE land cover database provides Pan-European data of
biophysical land cover (44 class nomenclature). It is made available on 100 and
250m grid database and original vector formats in 1:100 000. CLC 1990 is
currently updated - CLC 2000.
Used as a source for a wide range of Pan-European environmental assessments, e.g.
defined in EEA indicators. Review of land use changes requires repetitive
mapping.
Special needs for assessment and follow up in certain geographical areas
produces needs for higher frequency and higher resolution Their methodology is
harmonised at European level for the purpose of comparison: coastal assessment -
LACOAST , cities - MOLAND. Relevant for designated sites.
Ortho-images:
Pre-processed "picture" data. Source either satellite or air-borne sensors.
Different data exists for Pan-Europe, e.g. Landsat, SPOT. The use is refrained
due to high costs. Image2000 will constitute the first European wide free access
ortho-image database.
Small-scale data for Pan-European overview and analysis. Large-scale data for
local and regional needs. Commonly used in environmental and land use management,
environmental impact assessment, forestry, agriculture.
Unclassified multipurpose data:
Unclassified spatial coverage of the earth surface. This could be based on
recordings of visible light, infra-red bands, radar or other sensors. It is
essential in broad environmental assessments and has a high potential also in
sector management.
Different data exists for Pan-Europe, e.g. Landsat, SPOT. The use is refrained
due to high costs.
Landscape:
Landscape can be divided into homogenous areas or certain important visible
features may be mapped. Landscape data are used in different kinds of
environmental analysis and management.
Mostly local and regional level data exists.
National examples based on different criteria/ nomenclature