1. Point 3.3 of the agenda Future actions and strategy
WORKING GROUP "Land Cover/Use Statistics" 20 October 2009,Luxembourg,
LUCAS TEAM 1

2. Objectives of the new-LUCAS
New-LUCAS survey provides harmonised EU-wide statistical data on:
land cover/use status and changes.
landscape and agro-environmental parameters
For instance, that the new-LUCAS data can be used for the implementation of some IRENA agro-environmental indicators (Land use change -9 - Landscape – state and diversity soil quality -26).
Specific topics (i.e. soil sample collection)

3. Future Eurostat plans Eurostat intends to:
continue and plan in advance new-LUCAS survey
with a 3 year round cycle; this cycle being preferred by most LUCAS data users for data synchronisation reasons.
Thus next new-LUCAS round is foreseen for 2012

4. Possible sample sizes for future new-LUCAS campaigns
Different sampling sizes can be foreseen at European level (different combination of precision requirements and land cover areas thresholds).
Land Cover
Upper-bounds of CV (CV%) A B C
Arable land
10% 5%
Permanent crops
25%
15%
20%
Grassland
7.5%
Forest and shrubland
Bareland
Artificial
Water
Sampling sizes
Precisions at NUTS2 level
Costs

5. Features to be reinforced or put in place for the next new-LUCAS rounds:
LUCAS dataset represents an important step toward the set up of an integrated statistical system on land cover/use in EU
LUCAS grid represents a unique platform for collecting in-situ data in Europe
area frame methodology could be complemented by recourse to promising remote sensing approaches
connection with the main data users should be clearly tightened.
dialogue and co-operation with the Member States has be reinforced

6. New-LUCAS as the core of LC/LU statistical system
LUCAS dataset represents an important step toward the set up of an integrated statistical system on land cover/use in EU
The plan is to promote the incorporation of main official statistical data sources in this system thereby stimulating the Member States to participate in an integrated and harmonised activity.

7. New-LUCAS grid as platform for collecting in-situ data in Europe
Soil composition
Pollution
Biodiversity
Landscape

8. Recourse to new techniques and technologies
Since the technology in the geo-spatial domain is rapidly evolving, a door should be kept opened about the possibility to make recourse to:
promising remote sensing approaches
(see JRC presentation);
other techniques to be used in combination
with area sampling methods.

9. Re-enforcement of connection with data users
Creation of a European level
new-LUCAS Advisory Board
to pass the user needs to Eurostat and to assure as wide as possible dissemination and proper use of the LUCAS data

10. Cooperation with Member States
Integration of the national/regional sources with new-LUCAS: how to proceed?
National statistics
on LC/LU
Regional statistics
on LC/LU
Other EU
institutions
New-LUCAS