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Land cover is foundational information for land managers, scientists, and the general public. Many types of scientific studies have applied annual land cover information including projecting future land use, documenting forest fragmentation or conservation practices, modeling wildfire hazards, tracking water quality and quantity, and understanding change in wildlife habitat and ecosystem disturbance/disease.
Annual NLCD offers a suite of six annual land use and land cover change in the conterminous United States. Annual NLCD Collection 1.1 is available now.
Annual NLCD Science Products are available for download from a variety of data download portals.
Science Product User Guide provides in-depth information on Annual NLCD products and methods and is available for download.
The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) has harnessed the full Landsat data record to provide timely, long-term, and detailed land surface change information. Annual NLCD uses an ensemble of classification and change algorithms to map, monitor, and synthesize the complexities of land use, cover, and condition change through time. The Annual NLCD product suite offers data that describe nationwide land cover and land change over nearly four decades. A new generation of USGS Land Cover mapping, introduced in the Annual NLCD Collection 1 release, leverages advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and runs within high-performance computing and cloud processing environments.
Annual NLCD is a new generation of land cover mapping that offers annual land cover and land change science products nationwide with nearly four decades of data. Click on the link below to learn more about Annual NLCD.
The Annual NLCD project has generated a product suite of six geospatial raster land use and land cover science products for the conterminous United States, available annually back to 1985. Annual NLCD products will be updated annually. Check out the Science Product User Guide for in-depth information about Annual NLCD.
A suite of six annual integrated land cover and land surface change products are available for the conterminous United States. Products for Alaska and Hawaii are planned. The product suite provides powerful time-series information at a 30-m spatial resolution about annual land cover and its change across time. Products can be accessed via the data access page.
Validation of land cover and land cover change information is essential for providing authoritative products to our user community. Validation reports provide estimates of the accuracies and uncertainties of the NLCD land cover products and are derived from well-documented independent reference data. Processing flows, product specifications, uncertainties and known issues are published in validation reports to ensure consistency. See the Reference and Validation products page for more information.
Additional information on Annual NLCD and Annual NLCD science products can be found in the Science User Product Guide. The Science User Product Guide contains in-depth information about Annual NLCD including characteristics of the science products, algorithm description, and accuracy assessment.
Citation
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2024, Annual NLCD Collection 1 Science Products: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P94UXNTS
References
Fleckenstein, R., Wellington, D.F., Jin, S., Tollerud, H.J., Brown, J.F., Dewitz, J.A., Pastick, N.J., Barber, C.P., O’Brien, A., and Spanier, M., 2026, A framework for integrating spatiotemporal deep learning methods with Landsat for annual land cover and impervious surface mapping: Remote Sensing of Environment, v. 338, article 115347, at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2026.115347.
Jin, S., Robinson, T., Dewitz, J.A., Smith, K., Danielson, P., and Postma, K., 2025, An automated compositing method for producing annual clear images from Landsat Collection 2 for annual NLCD production: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, v. 144, article 104920, at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104920.
U.S. Geological Survey, 2025, Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Collection 1.0 Reference Data Product: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P13EDMAF.
These are related science efforts related to Annual NLCD.
View or listen to additional Annual NLCD resources.
This video is a recording of a previous webinar entitled: “The New Annual (1985-2023) National Land Cover Database: Improving on a 30-year Legacy.” This webinar was recorded on October 24, 2024 at the USGS EROS. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center maintains one of the largest civilian collection of images of the Earth’s land surface. At...
This map, produced with Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Collection 1.1 data from 1985 to 2024, shows the growth in urban areas (development) across the United States. Various colors represent the year that new growth occurred in a particular spot.
This map, produced with Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Collection 1.1 data from 1985 to 2024, shows the growth in urban areas (development) across the United States. Various colors represent the year that new growth occurred in a particular spot.
The six different Annual NLCD science products are Land Cover, Land Cover Change, Land Cover Confidence Index, Fractional Impervious Surface, Impervious Descriptor, and Spectral Change Day of Year. Annual NLCD Collection 1 is available beginning with data from 1985. The Land Cover classes are based on a modified Anderson Level II classification system.
The six different Annual NLCD science products are Land Cover, Land Cover Change, Land Cover Confidence Index, Fractional Impervious Surface, Impervious Descriptor, and Spectral Change Day of Year. Annual NLCD Collection 1 is available beginning with data from 1985. The Land Cover classes are based on a modified Anderson Level II classification system.
Example of reference and validation plots in hi-rez imagery and on the map. For more information on LCMAP product validation, see the LCMAP Website.
Example of reference and validation plots in hi-rez imagery and on the map. For more information on LCMAP product validation, see the LCMAP Website.
Eyes on Earth tackles artificial intelligence (AI) in a 2-part episode. AI is quickly becoming a necessary part of geospatial work at EROS, helping us efficiently do science to better manage our world. In Part 1, EROS Director Pete Doucette discusses AI and its current and upcoming impact on our work at EROS.
Eyes on Earth tackles artificial intelligence (AI) in a 2-part episode. AI is quickly becoming a necessary part of geospatial work at EROS, helping us efficiently do science to better manage our world. In Part 1, EROS Director Pete Doucette discusses AI and its current and upcoming impact on our work at EROS.
Collage of an Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) map and land cover types produced at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center.
Collage of an Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) map and land cover types produced at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center.
Poster introducing the 2023 Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD). "Development and Cloud Implementation of the New Annual NLCD for the United States." Created by USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. Find full PDF here.
Poster introducing the 2023 Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD). "Development and Cloud Implementation of the New Annual NLCD for the United States." Created by USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. Find full PDF here.
Every pixel has a story. At least that’s how land remote sensing scientist Jo Horton sees it. The new Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) was just released in October 2024. NLCD is widely used for land cover and change research in the U.S.
Every pixel has a story. At least that’s how land remote sensing scientist Jo Horton sees it. The new Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) was just released in October 2024. NLCD is widely used for land cover and change research in the U.S.
In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk about the latest release of the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). More than just a map, NLCD is a stack of maps—a database. It has long been the foundational land cover source for scientists, resource managers, and decision-makers across the United States, and now the next generation of USGS land cover mapping is here.
In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk about the latest release of the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). More than just a map, NLCD is a stack of maps—a database. It has long been the foundational land cover source for scientists, resource managers, and decision-makers across the United States, and now the next generation of USGS land cover mapping is here.
Zoomed in image of Annual NLCD Land Cover in 1985 compared to the same area in 2023 for Silverdale, WA. Annual NLCD Land Cover science product represents the most likely thematic land cover type of the Anderson Level II classes. Notice the increase in development (shown in red) and the changed in forest in the west.
Zoomed in image of Annual NLCD Land Cover in 1985 compared to the same area in 2023 for Silverdale, WA. Annual NLCD Land Cover science product represents the most likely thematic land cover type of the Anderson Level II classes. Notice the increase in development (shown in red) and the changed in forest in the west.
The TimeSync tool is used to record attribute information for each plot. On the interface, the drop in NDVI values is noticeable. When you look at the Landsat images 1994 and 1995, there is a clear difference between the two images.
The TimeSync tool is used to record attribute information for each plot. On the interface, the drop in NDVI values is noticeable. When you look at the Landsat images 1994 and 1995, there is a clear difference between the two images.
Depicts the day-of-year (DOY) on which a significant deviation in Landsat surface reflectance was detected within the calendar year of an area around Marysville, WA
Depicts the day-of-year (DOY) on which a significant deviation in Landsat surface reflectance was detected within the calendar year of an area around Marysville, WA
Annual NLCD land cover confidence product provides the level of confidence that Annual NLCD land cover class per pixel values that matches the training data. The image shown is around Marysville, WA.
Annual NLCD land cover confidence product provides the level of confidence that Annual NLCD land cover class per pixel values that matches the training data. The image shown is around Marysville, WA.
Annual National Land Cover Database (Annual NLCD) land cover legend contains 16 land cover classes based on the Anderson Level II classification system.
Annual National Land Cover Database (Annual NLCD) land cover legend contains 16 land cover classes based on the Anderson Level II classification system.
Annual NLCD land cover change product shows the change between the current year’s primary land cover and the prior year’s land cover when there is a change in primary class. The area shown is around Marysville, WA.
Annual NLCD land cover change product shows the change between the current year’s primary land cover and the prior year’s land cover when there is a change in primary class. The area shown is around Marysville, WA.
Depicts the fractional surface area of the map unit (pixel) that is covered with artificial substrate or structures in an area around Marysville, WA.
Depicts the fractional surface area of the map unit (pixel) that is covered with artificial substrate or structures in an area around Marysville, WA.
The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) impervious descriptor product generates a raster layer that differentiates between urban and road surfaces. The area depicted is around Marysville, WA
The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) impervious descriptor product generates a raster layer that differentiates between urban and road surfaces. The area depicted is around Marysville, WA
Annual NLCD generates a product suite of six land use and land cover themes from 1985-2023. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product Depicts the predominant thematic land cover class within the mapping year with respect to broad categories of artificial or natural surface cover. The image shows an area around Marysville, WA.
Annual NLCD generates a product suite of six land use and land cover themes from 1985-2023. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product Depicts the predominant thematic land cover class within the mapping year with respect to broad categories of artificial or natural surface cover. The image shows an area around Marysville, WA.
An animation of images from the Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for every year from 1985 through 2023 showing land cover changes and the progression of growth of urban areas (in red) in the northern Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metropolitan area.
An animation of images from the Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for every year from 1985 through 2023 showing land cover changes and the progression of growth of urban areas (in red) in the northern Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metropolitan area.
An Annual NLCD Land Cover map of centered around Lake Stevens, WA depicting 16 land cover classes.
An Annual NLCD Land Cover map of centered around Lake Stevens, WA depicting 16 land cover classes.
The Annual NLCD product suite offers six different land use and land cover products. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product depicts the predominant thematic land cover of 16 Anderson Level II classes within the current mapping year. The Annual NLCD Land Cover of the conterminous United States shows all Anderson Level II classes.
The Annual NLCD product suite offers six different land use and land cover products. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product depicts the predominant thematic land cover of 16 Anderson Level II classes within the current mapping year. The Annual NLCD Land Cover of the conterminous United States shows all Anderson Level II classes.
Terry Sohl helped develop the National Land Cover Database, NLCD, when he first arrived, and now he’s overseeing significant improvements to the widely used product. But that’s just one part of his new role.
Terry Sohl helped develop the National Land Cover Database, NLCD, when he first arrived, and now he’s overseeing significant improvements to the widely used product. But that’s just one part of his new role.
News items related to Annual NLCD.
Land cover is foundational information for land managers, scientists, and the general public. Many types of scientific studies have applied annual land cover information including projecting future land use, documenting forest fragmentation or conservation practices, modeling wildfire hazards, tracking water quality and quantity, and understanding change in wildlife habitat and ecosystem disturbance/disease.
Annual NLCD offers a suite of six annual land use and land cover change in the conterminous United States. Annual NLCD Collection 1.1 is available now.
Annual NLCD Science Products are available for download from a variety of data download portals.
Science Product User Guide provides in-depth information on Annual NLCD products and methods and is available for download.
The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) has harnessed the full Landsat data record to provide timely, long-term, and detailed land surface change information. Annual NLCD uses an ensemble of classification and change algorithms to map, monitor, and synthesize the complexities of land use, cover, and condition change through time. The Annual NLCD product suite offers data that describe nationwide land cover and land change over nearly four decades. A new generation of USGS Land Cover mapping, introduced in the Annual NLCD Collection 1 release, leverages advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and runs within high-performance computing and cloud processing environments.
Annual NLCD is a new generation of land cover mapping that offers annual land cover and land change science products nationwide with nearly four decades of data. Click on the link below to learn more about Annual NLCD.
The Annual NLCD project has generated a product suite of six geospatial raster land use and land cover science products for the conterminous United States, available annually back to 1985. Annual NLCD products will be updated annually. Check out the Science Product User Guide for in-depth information about Annual NLCD.
A suite of six annual integrated land cover and land surface change products are available for the conterminous United States. Products for Alaska and Hawaii are planned. The product suite provides powerful time-series information at a 30-m spatial resolution about annual land cover and its change across time. Products can be accessed via the data access page.
Validation of land cover and land cover change information is essential for providing authoritative products to our user community. Validation reports provide estimates of the accuracies and uncertainties of the NLCD land cover products and are derived from well-documented independent reference data. Processing flows, product specifications, uncertainties and known issues are published in validation reports to ensure consistency. See the Reference and Validation products page for more information.
Additional information on Annual NLCD and Annual NLCD science products can be found in the Science User Product Guide. The Science User Product Guide contains in-depth information about Annual NLCD including characteristics of the science products, algorithm description, and accuracy assessment.
Citation
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2024, Annual NLCD Collection 1 Science Products: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P94UXNTS
References
Fleckenstein, R., Wellington, D.F., Jin, S., Tollerud, H.J., Brown, J.F., Dewitz, J.A., Pastick, N.J., Barber, C.P., O’Brien, A., and Spanier, M., 2026, A framework for integrating spatiotemporal deep learning methods with Landsat for annual land cover and impervious surface mapping: Remote Sensing of Environment, v. 338, article 115347, at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2026.115347.
Jin, S., Robinson, T., Dewitz, J.A., Smith, K., Danielson, P., and Postma, K., 2025, An automated compositing method for producing annual clear images from Landsat Collection 2 for annual NLCD production: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, v. 144, article 104920, at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2025.104920.
U.S. Geological Survey, 2025, Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Collection 1.0 Reference Data Product: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P13EDMAF.
These are related science efforts related to Annual NLCD.
View or listen to additional Annual NLCD resources.
This video is a recording of a previous webinar entitled: “The New Annual (1985-2023) National Land Cover Database: Improving on a 30-year Legacy.” This webinar was recorded on October 24, 2024 at the USGS EROS. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center maintains one of the largest civilian collection of images of the Earth’s land surface. At...
This map, produced with Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Collection 1.1 data from 1985 to 2024, shows the growth in urban areas (development) across the United States. Various colors represent the year that new growth occurred in a particular spot.
This map, produced with Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) Collection 1.1 data from 1985 to 2024, shows the growth in urban areas (development) across the United States. Various colors represent the year that new growth occurred in a particular spot.
The six different Annual NLCD science products are Land Cover, Land Cover Change, Land Cover Confidence Index, Fractional Impervious Surface, Impervious Descriptor, and Spectral Change Day of Year. Annual NLCD Collection 1 is available beginning with data from 1985. The Land Cover classes are based on a modified Anderson Level II classification system.
The six different Annual NLCD science products are Land Cover, Land Cover Change, Land Cover Confidence Index, Fractional Impervious Surface, Impervious Descriptor, and Spectral Change Day of Year. Annual NLCD Collection 1 is available beginning with data from 1985. The Land Cover classes are based on a modified Anderson Level II classification system.
Example of reference and validation plots in hi-rez imagery and on the map. For more information on LCMAP product validation, see the LCMAP Website.
Example of reference and validation plots in hi-rez imagery and on the map. For more information on LCMAP product validation, see the LCMAP Website.
Eyes on Earth tackles artificial intelligence (AI) in a 2-part episode. AI is quickly becoming a necessary part of geospatial work at EROS, helping us efficiently do science to better manage our world. In Part 1, EROS Director Pete Doucette discusses AI and its current and upcoming impact on our work at EROS.
Eyes on Earth tackles artificial intelligence (AI) in a 2-part episode. AI is quickly becoming a necessary part of geospatial work at EROS, helping us efficiently do science to better manage our world. In Part 1, EROS Director Pete Doucette discusses AI and its current and upcoming impact on our work at EROS.
Collage of an Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) map and land cover types produced at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center.
Collage of an Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) map and land cover types produced at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center.
Poster introducing the 2023 Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD). "Development and Cloud Implementation of the New Annual NLCD for the United States." Created by USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. Find full PDF here.
Poster introducing the 2023 Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD). "Development and Cloud Implementation of the New Annual NLCD for the United States." Created by USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. Find full PDF here.
Every pixel has a story. At least that’s how land remote sensing scientist Jo Horton sees it. The new Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) was just released in October 2024. NLCD is widely used for land cover and change research in the U.S.
Every pixel has a story. At least that’s how land remote sensing scientist Jo Horton sees it. The new Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) was just released in October 2024. NLCD is widely used for land cover and change research in the U.S.
In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk about the latest release of the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). More than just a map, NLCD is a stack of maps—a database. It has long been the foundational land cover source for scientists, resource managers, and decision-makers across the United States, and now the next generation of USGS land cover mapping is here.
In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we talk about the latest release of the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). More than just a map, NLCD is a stack of maps—a database. It has long been the foundational land cover source for scientists, resource managers, and decision-makers across the United States, and now the next generation of USGS land cover mapping is here.
Zoomed in image of Annual NLCD Land Cover in 1985 compared to the same area in 2023 for Silverdale, WA. Annual NLCD Land Cover science product represents the most likely thematic land cover type of the Anderson Level II classes. Notice the increase in development (shown in red) and the changed in forest in the west.
Zoomed in image of Annual NLCD Land Cover in 1985 compared to the same area in 2023 for Silverdale, WA. Annual NLCD Land Cover science product represents the most likely thematic land cover type of the Anderson Level II classes. Notice the increase in development (shown in red) and the changed in forest in the west.
The TimeSync tool is used to record attribute information for each plot. On the interface, the drop in NDVI values is noticeable. When you look at the Landsat images 1994 and 1995, there is a clear difference between the two images.
The TimeSync tool is used to record attribute information for each plot. On the interface, the drop in NDVI values is noticeable. When you look at the Landsat images 1994 and 1995, there is a clear difference between the two images.
Depicts the day-of-year (DOY) on which a significant deviation in Landsat surface reflectance was detected within the calendar year of an area around Marysville, WA
Depicts the day-of-year (DOY) on which a significant deviation in Landsat surface reflectance was detected within the calendar year of an area around Marysville, WA
Annual NLCD land cover confidence product provides the level of confidence that Annual NLCD land cover class per pixel values that matches the training data. The image shown is around Marysville, WA.
Annual NLCD land cover confidence product provides the level of confidence that Annual NLCD land cover class per pixel values that matches the training data. The image shown is around Marysville, WA.
Annual National Land Cover Database (Annual NLCD) land cover legend contains 16 land cover classes based on the Anderson Level II classification system.
Annual National Land Cover Database (Annual NLCD) land cover legend contains 16 land cover classes based on the Anderson Level II classification system.
Annual NLCD land cover change product shows the change between the current year’s primary land cover and the prior year’s land cover when there is a change in primary class. The area shown is around Marysville, WA.
Annual NLCD land cover change product shows the change between the current year’s primary land cover and the prior year’s land cover when there is a change in primary class. The area shown is around Marysville, WA.
Depicts the fractional surface area of the map unit (pixel) that is covered with artificial substrate or structures in an area around Marysville, WA.
Depicts the fractional surface area of the map unit (pixel) that is covered with artificial substrate or structures in an area around Marysville, WA.
The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) impervious descriptor product generates a raster layer that differentiates between urban and road surfaces. The area depicted is around Marysville, WA
The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) impervious descriptor product generates a raster layer that differentiates between urban and road surfaces. The area depicted is around Marysville, WA
Annual NLCD generates a product suite of six land use and land cover themes from 1985-2023. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product Depicts the predominant thematic land cover class within the mapping year with respect to broad categories of artificial or natural surface cover. The image shows an area around Marysville, WA.
Annual NLCD generates a product suite of six land use and land cover themes from 1985-2023. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product Depicts the predominant thematic land cover class within the mapping year with respect to broad categories of artificial or natural surface cover. The image shows an area around Marysville, WA.
An animation of images from the Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for every year from 1985 through 2023 showing land cover changes and the progression of growth of urban areas (in red) in the northern Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metropolitan area.
An animation of images from the Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for every year from 1985 through 2023 showing land cover changes and the progression of growth of urban areas (in red) in the northern Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metropolitan area.
An Annual NLCD Land Cover map of centered around Lake Stevens, WA depicting 16 land cover classes.
An Annual NLCD Land Cover map of centered around Lake Stevens, WA depicting 16 land cover classes.
The Annual NLCD product suite offers six different land use and land cover products. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product depicts the predominant thematic land cover of 16 Anderson Level II classes within the current mapping year. The Annual NLCD Land Cover of the conterminous United States shows all Anderson Level II classes.
The Annual NLCD product suite offers six different land use and land cover products. The Annual NLCD Land Cover product depicts the predominant thematic land cover of 16 Anderson Level II classes within the current mapping year. The Annual NLCD Land Cover of the conterminous United States shows all Anderson Level II classes.
Terry Sohl helped develop the National Land Cover Database, NLCD, when he first arrived, and now he’s overseeing significant improvements to the widely used product. But that’s just one part of his new role.
Terry Sohl helped develop the National Land Cover Database, NLCD, when he first arrived, and now he’s overseeing significant improvements to the widely used product. But that’s just one part of his new role.
News items related to Annual NLCD.
