Modular-Hierarchical Classification Phase

In the modular-hierarchical classification phase the selection of classifiers and their hierarchical arrangement are tailored to each of the eight major land cover classes of the dichotomous classification phase. Thus, eight different classifier sets are used in this phase.

The user is not obliged to use all classifiers. Depending on the required level of land cover information, the classification can be stopped at any time and the corresponding land cover class determined. Each land cover class is described by three codes:

• Boolean formula, consisting of a string of classifiers used for class definition (e.g. A3A10B2);
• Standard name of land cover class (e.g. “high closed forest”);
• Numerical (GIS-friendly) code (e.g. 20006).
  

All defined land cover classes are hierarchically arranged in the map legend, which is automatically generated.

Land cover classification based on pre-selected sets of classifiers can be further extended when more detailed description of land cover is required. The LCCS includes, in addition to “pure” land cover classifiers, two other sets of optional classification attributes, which provide additional description of land cover characteristics:

(1) Environmental attributes, which influence land cover but are not essential for its definition. Therefore, they should not be confused with “pure” land cover classifiers and used only for additional land cover description when it is needed. These attributes, which include climate, landform, altitude, soils, lithology and erosion, are not hierarchically arranged and can be combined in any user-defined order;

(2) Specific technical attributes, which relate to specific applications. For example, these attributes include the description of crop types in managed terrestrial areas, floristic aspects of natural and semi-natural terrestrial and aquatic vegetation, salinity of artificial and natural water bodies, etc

The LCCS modules

Due to the complexity of the system a user-friendly software has been realized allowing the user to quickly and easily produce and manage the land cover classes needed for his work. The LCCS software package consists of three modules: classification, map legend, and translator:

a) Classification module performs the two-phase land cover classification based on the hierarchical arrangement of classifiers as described above. Subdivision of classes is achieved by addition of new classifiers.

The more classifiers used, the greater the detail of the land cover class definition. The classes at any level are all unique and unambiguous. As the classification proceeds to higher levels, the accuracy of land cover mapping is increasing.
If a classifier at any level cannot be determined, the classification would stop and the class definition based on the last classifier used. A strict class boundary definition and internal class consistency are inherent to LCCS.

b) Legend module. Storing the land cover classes that were defined in Classification module creates a legend. It usually contains only a subset of the classification, consisting of classes applicable to the area to be mapped.

c) Translator module enables translation of existing classifications and legends into the LCCS. It also enables comparison of land cover classes from external classification systems. This module thus enhances the LCCS role as the reference classification standard.

- GeoVIS
- AIMs
- ADG
- AID