The LCCS software contains four modules and tools:
- Classification module
- Legend module
- Link tool
- Translator module
1. Classification module
This module is used to define a land cover class according to two
main phases:
- Initial Dichotomous Phase: the user selects between two main land
cover type alternatives at each level, hence the term dichotomous.
After having determined the main land cover type, the user can
proceed to the next phase or can just define a generic class using
only the results of this initial phase.
- Modular-Hierarchical Phase: land cover classes are further defined
by the addition of classifiers. The classifiers available are dependent
on the main land cover type and the classifiers previously selected.
The system prevents the use of classifiers that are no longer valid.
2. Legend module
This module stores the identified land cover in a hierarchical structure
that groups the classes according to the main land cover type.
The Legend contains only a sub-set of all the possible classes, namely
those classes that are applicable in the area (to be) interpreted or mapped.
In addition to providing a hierarchical structure, the Legend also offers
the possibility to display, edit and add user-defined attributes to a
land cover class. It provides standard descriptions for the classes
identified and the classifiers used; all this information can be exported
in various formats.
In the legend section Mixed Mapping Units can be used, which comprise two,
three or more classes (depending upon the type of mixed coding option
selected).
3. Link tool
This tool is a new function introduced in version 2.0 of the software
which allows the user to establish a link between each single classifier
forming an LCCS class and any value linked to any biophysical characteristic
that can be related to land cover.
There are two types of links available in version 2.0:
- Encrypted link file, is set-up with a password given by the organization
to a specific individual or institutional users so that they can develop
specific standard links. This type of link can be downloaded and entered
in the software for later use by the end-user community.
- Text link file, This type of link is open to the whole end-user community.
Therefore each user can create any type of needed link.
4. Translator module
This module allows existing classifications and legends to be translated
into LCCS reference material. The system acts as a reference base allowing
correlation between classifications and legends.
The Translator Module offers the possibility to:
-translate classes of existing classifications and legends into LCCS;
-assess similarity of classes according to other classifications and
legends using LCCS as a reference base;
-compare classes of translated classifications and legends and their
attributes, using LCCS as a reference base, at the level of the individual
classifiers used;
-compare two land cover classes of LCCS.