New 500m spatial resolution land cover map of the western insular Southeast Asia region

Abstract

This letter presents the methodology and accuracy assessment of a new 500 m spatial resolution land cover map of the western part of insular Southeast Asia. The map was produced using 250 Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images (acquired 1 January-2 July 2007), elevation information and peatland maps. The map covers the Malaysian Peninsula and the major islands of Sumatra, Java and Borneo, in addition to numerous smaller islands. The classification scheme of 12 classes reflects the special characteristics of land cover of insular Southeast Asia. With an overall accuracy of 82%, the map provides reliable new information on the current land cover distribution in this region, which is experiencing rapid land cover changes.