Abstract:
Mapping land use and land cover (LULC) over large areas and through time has always presented major challenges. There are two contrasting approaches to LULC mapping: automated/semiautomated classifications, and manual photo interpretation. The first approach is fast and efficient in classifying large areas, but is problematic when comparing two or more time periods. The photo interpretation method
... produces good results for time series mapping, but is very labor intensive for large areas. The USWG developed a new tool called the Rapid Land Cover Mapper (RLCM) that addresses these challenges.
The RLCM tool is a vector/raster hybrid approach that lends itself to both multiple resolution and time series mapping of LULC and many other geographic themes. Conceptually, it is based on the traditional dot grid method for calculating areas that has long been employed by foresters and other users of aerial photography. The RLCM tool first generates a digital dot grid and overlays it on an image within ESRI's ArcMap GIS Software. Using standard photo interpretation techniques, the interpreter identifies the discrete LULC class for each dot. The RLCM tool facilitates the selection of dots within a common LULC class and applies that classification attribute to them. Once the dot grid matrix is completely classified for a given time period, a raster LULC map can be generated. The same process can be applied to different time periods and the resulting maps can be compared to assess change.
RLCM is a standalone ESRI ArcGIS ArcMap application and can be downloaded from the following link. Included in this distribution file is the RLCM application and related support document.
[Summary provided by the USGS.] 
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