Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing (Dec 2024)
Human Impact Land Use Layer from the Canadian Forest Service National Forest Inventory
Abstract
The Human Impact Land Use Layer (HILL) dataset was developed with visual interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery. 26,388 2 × 2 km photo plots from the Canadian National Forest Inventory program were examined for any visible evidence of human impact within and outside of the photo plot boundary. The interpreter provided a detailed description of all human impacts and a measure of the total area of all the impacts in the plot. Human impact classes were developed from the interpreter’s plot descriptions. 45.7% of the photo plots have evidence of human impact within, or close to, the plot boundary. The HILL dataset could be used as a validation layer for human impact map products produced using Geographic Information System processes.