Development and applications of a comprehensive land use classification and map for the US

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Urban Planning

Background:

• Traditional land cover maps inadequately capture low-density, widespread human development.
• Existing datasets lack the detail to fully understand human modification extent and complexity.
• Complementary land use data are crucial for a comprehensive view of land transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive land use classification system.
• To create a high-resolution land use map for the conterminous United States.
• To analyze patterns of human land use and their implications for natural resource management.

Main Methods:

• Spatial analysis of nearly two dozen national spatial datasets.
• Integration of census housing, employment, infrastructure, and satellite land cover data.
• Development of 79 distinct land use classes within five main groups: built-up, production, recreation, conservation, and water.

Main Results:

• Built-up areas constitute 13.6% of the mainland US, with low-density residential use dominating (9.1%).
• Intensive built-up land uses (commercial, industrial, institutional, infrastructure) comprise 4.5% of the US.
• Quantified ratios of various intensive land uses relative to urban/suburban residential areas.

Conclusions:

• The developed land use database offers a detailed understanding of human modification across the US.
• Findings highlight the significant extent of low-density development, impacting land use planning.
• The database supports diverse applications, including smart-growth planning, urban footprint analysis, and conflict area identification.