Unbiased Area Estimation Using Copernicus High Resolution Layers and Reference Data

Abstract

Land cover area estimates can be derived via design-based approaches using a probability (random) reference sample. The collection of samples is usually costly and requires an effective sampling design. Earth-Observation-based mapping approaches do not have this requirement but can be biased in providing area estimates. Combining reference samples with remote sensing products can reduce sampling efforts and provide a more effective method to estimate land cover. The Copernicus High-Resolution Layer (HRL) provides remote-sensing-based data across Europe to support area estimation. Different methods are tested to estimate areas of imperviousness in four selected countries in Europe to demonstrate the use and shortcomings of existing reference information from the LUCAS survey program and the HRL Imperviousness products from 2015 and 2018.