The RapeseedMap10 database: annual maps of rapeseed at a spatial resolution of 10 m based on multi-source data

Abstract

Abstract. Large-scale, high-resolution maps of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), a major oilseed crop, are critical for predicting annual production and ensuring global energy security, but such maps are still not freely available for many areas. In this study, we developed a new pixel- and phenology-based algorithm and produced a new data product for rapeseed planting areas (2017–2019) in 33 countries at 10 m spatial resolution based on multiple data. Our product is strongly consistent at the national level with official statistics of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Our rapeseed maps achieved F1 spatial consistency scores of at least 0.81 when compared with the Cropland Data Layer in the United States, the Annual Crop Inventory in Canada, the Crop Map of England, and the Land Cover Map of France. Moreover, F1 scores based on independent validation samples ranged from 0.84 to 0.91, implying a good consistency with ground truth. In almost all countries covered in this study, the rapeseed crop rotation interval was at least 2 years. Our derived maps suggest, with reasonable accuracy, the robustness of the algorithm in identifying rapeseed over large regions with various climates and landscapes. Scientists and local growers can use the freely downloadable derived rapeseed planting areas to help predict rapeseed production and optimize planting structures. The product is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.17632/ydf3m7pd4j.3 (Han et al., 2021).