- Description
- MLCCS Map
Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) is a five-level numerical hierarchical system designed to distinguish land cover types. The distinction between classifying land cover rather than land use is the backbone of the MLCCS. The system is designed to allow a user to describe what is actually on the ground rather than how an area is used. A user gains more information for analysis, planning, monitoring, and modeling environmental change when accurate information is known about what is on the ground.
Instead of describing an area as "Urban," which is a common land use descriptor, the MLCCS describes the same area as "Short grasses and mixed trees" with 26% to 50% impervious cover. This example is a level 5 description and illustrates a residential area with managed turf, naturally growing or landscaped trees, and a percentage range of impervious surfaces like roads, driveways, and roofs. It is evident that there is far more descriptive information describing an area like this using the MLCCS rather than standard land use descriptors.
We map MLCCS cover types for SMSC on an annual basis (see [MLCCS Map] tab). Annual mapping is not feasible for most organizations because the land base is too large and the mapped areas need to be ground truthed for a truly accurate dataset. Other organizations map MLCCS cover types every five years, or some interval that is best suited for them. SMSC has a small land base, and it is feasible for Land Department staff to map MLCCS cover types annually. It is an excellent analytical tool to describe what is actually on the ground for tribal land acquisitions.
