Land cover is the observed biophysical cover on the Earth's surface. This includes native vegetation, soils, exposed rocks and water bodies as well as anthropogenic elements such as plantations, crops and built environments. The capacity to measure and report change and trend in land and ground cover over time is critical.
A national land cover information dataset has been developed by Geoscience Australia and the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) in partnership with state and territory agencies. It comprises a National Dynamic Land Cover Dataset (DLCD) for Australia, a series of derived mapping products and technical information. The products are located on Geoscience Australia's website and will be available late 2011.