The New Zealand Land Cover Database

What is it?

The New Zealand Land Cover Database (LCDB) is a Crown database that translates satellite images of New Zealand into information on the different types of land cover that exist on the ground. This information can be used, over time, to monitor and report on the changes to the state of our environment and provide the basis for better resource management decisions, more efficient use of natural resources and improved environmental management.

Examples for its use

Some examples of uses for the database are:

To show and monitor the extent of native and exotic forests, pastureland, wetlands, coastal sand dunes and urban land that we have throughout New Zealand.
To calculate the amount of carbon locked up in vegetation.
To identify changes in vegetation in areas that are vulnerable to erosion or fire.
To monitor changes in land use, for example, between farming and forestry, and to show the rate and degree of urbanisation.
To identify the condition of our biodiversity, areas at risk from development, and opportunities for protection and enhancement.

More information

More information on the background and uses for the database as well as an update on the project and a table of the land cover classes is provided below:

For further information contact landcoverdatabase@mfe.govt.nz.