A joint initiative for harmonization and validation of land cover datasets

An international initiative aimed at the harmonization and validation of existing and future land cover datasets is needed to support operational earth observation of land. The goal is to overcome current limitations of land cover datasets with respect to their compatibility and comparability and unknown accuracy. These limitations significantly hinder a variety of applications. Key entities in this effort are the Land Cover Implementation Team of Global Observation of Forest Cover/Global Observation of Land Dynamics, the Global Land Cover Network, and the CEOS Group on Calibration and Validation. In their recent efforts, they have explored and provided the methodological and organizational resources to foster such an international cooperation. The approaches described in this paper include an introduction of the UN Land Cover Classification System as a common land cover language and a basis for legend translation. All actors involved in land cover mapping are invited to participate in this initiative.