| Summary: | This seamless, generalized and consistent vegetation map covers the entire Svalbard archipelago. The map is based on a total of 13 Landsat TM/ETM+ images from the years 2000-2002. The images were processed through six operational stages: (1) spectral classification, (2) spectral similarity analysis, (3) generation of classified image mosaics, (4) ancillary data analysis, (5) contextual correction, and (6) standardization of the final map products. The three first stages in this process constitute the pre-classification process, while the post-classification process (stages 4 and 5) involves the integration of different types of ancillary data. In the final standardization stage (6) the separated classes were related to map schemes valid for the mapping area. The scale of the map is 1:50.000 and smaller. Specific documentation of the process is available in the linked report (in Norwegian). 85 % of the land area in the Svalbard archipelago is covered by glaciers, barrens and sparsely vegetated areas. Only 3.2 % of the total area on Svalbard is covered with rich vegetation such as moss tundra, mires, fens, swamps and grassy heaths. 11.7 % of the total area consists of heaths and polar deserts.
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