Human Impact Land Use Layer from the Canadian Forest Service National Forest Inventory

Abstract

The Human Impact Land Use Layer (HILL) dataset was developed with visual interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery. 26,388 2 × 2 km photo plots from the Canadian National Forest Inventory program were examined for any visible evidence of human impact within and outside of the photo plot boundary. The interpreter provided a detailed description of all human impacts and a measure of the total area of all the impacts in the plot. Human impact classes were developed from the interpreter’s plot descriptions. 45.7% of the photo plots have evidence of human impact within, or close to, the plot boundary. The HILL dataset could be used as a validation layer for human impact map products produced using Geographic Information System processes.