A land-use systems approach to represent land-use dynamics at continental and global scales

Most of the current global land cover datasets and global scale land-use models use a classification of land cover based on the dominant land cover type within a distinct region or pixel. Such a classification disregards the diversity and intensity of human influence on land systems. In this paper we propose a novel way of classification and modeling land-use using a classification based on land-use systems (LUSs) that represent specific combinations of human-environment interactions. 

A cluster analysis was used to identify and map these LUSs. The analysis accounted for population density, accessibility to market places, land-use/cover types and livestock densities. A conceptual framework was developed to model dynamics in LUSs accounting for both land cover and land management changes. LUSs changes were simulated based on changes in both local socio-economic and biophysical conditions and regionalscale changes in demand for agricultural products. The new land-use systems change model was used in the context of the integrated assessment model IMAGE.

Authors

PBL Authors
Aurelien Letourneau Elke Stehfest
Other authors
Peter H. Verburg (VU Amsterdam)

Specifications

Publication title
A land-use systems approach to represent land-use dynamics at continental and global scales
Publication date
24 February 2012
Publication type
Article
Page count
18
Publication language
English
Magazine
Environmental Modelling & Software
Issue
Volume 33, July 2012, Pages 61–79
Product number
852