500M spatial resolution land cover map in insular Southeast Asia

Abstract

In this paper we first present the methodology and accuracy assessment of a 500 m spatial resolution land cover map m insular Southeast Asia. This is followed by an analysis of the usability of the map for monitoring of deforestation/forest degradation. The map was produced using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images (acquired 1 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">st</sup> Jan-2 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">nd</sup> M 2007), elevation information and peatland maps. The map covers the Malaysian Peninsula and the major islands of Sumatra, Java and Borneo, m addition to numerous smaller islands. The classification scheme of 12 classes reflects the special characteristics of land cover m insular Southeast Asia. We conclude that the map is suitable for monitoring the extent of forest cover m this region, but it misses the important aspect of forest degradation due to its inability to present varying forest degradation levels. Further development of the methodology is m progress to overcome this limitation.