Why does Annual NLCD use WGS84 as its datum?
World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) was adopted by the Landsat program as the base for the Albers projection. Landsat uses WGS84 because it is the globally recognized standard coordinate system, ensuring consistency and interoperability with other data sources.
This allows for accurate geolocation and seamless integration with other mapping systems, particularly those utilizing GPS technology, which also rely on WGS84 as their reference point. Essentially, WGS84 provides a single, widely accepted framework for mapping the Earth's surface across different applications and uses. NLCD adopted this standard to be able to use an Albers projection that did not require resampling.
Related
Annual National Land Cover Database
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...
Related
Annual National Land Cover Database
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...