Evaluating esri 10-m land use/land cover (lulc) products for moroccan mountainous landscapes
https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-4217
Abstract
The task of precise Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) mapping in mountainous areas is a significant challenge due to the complexity of the terrain and spectral confusion. High-resolution global products like Esri’s 10-m LULC maps present valuable opportunities, yet their performance in these contexts remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating and improving the precision of Esri 10-m LULC datasets (2017 and 2021) in the mountainous areas of Morocco. The results of this study are of practical significance for more accurate land use monitoring. To maximize map coherence, we used stratified random sampling and high-resolution Google Earth imagery to assess classification accuracy, then refined the classification. The results revealed a wide range of classification accuracy for mountainous units (OA ranges between 69.3% and 93.4%), and the misclassification of the “Built Area” class was also found. Particularly in more diverse landscapes, the calibration steps significantly improved accuracy and visual coherence. Analysis of Esri’s 10-m LULC maps further showed substantial LULC changes, including losses of forests, water bodies and expansion of rangelands and built-up areas. In light of the observed limitations, especially in detecting fine-scale anthropogenic features, we propose the integration of artificial intelligence tools—alongside remote sensing data and field verification—as a promising approach to improve the detection and delineation of critical land features, thereby reinforcing the reliability of LULC products in complex mountainous terrains.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: The authors thank Esri and Impact Observatory for providing access to the Land Cover dataset used in this study. Their high-resolution data greatly contributed to the analysis and evaluation of land use/land cover changes.
About the Authors
Mustapha Hmamou
Laboratory of Reconstruction of Space and Sustainable Development, Department of Geography, University Chouaib Doukkali
Morocco
Morocco
Avenue Jabir Ibnou Hayane, El Jadida, 24000
Bakkar El Mourtaji
Independent Researcher
Morocco
Morocco
Guelmim, 81000
Boujemaa Bounakaya
Governance of Territories and Societies Research Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Safi, Cadi Ayyad University
Morocco
Morocco
BP 4162, Safi, 46000Plaça Ferrater i Mora, 1, 17004 Girona, Catalonia
Josep Vila-Subirós
University of Girona, Department of Geography and Institute of the Environment
Spain
Spain
Plaça Ferrater i Mora, 1, 17004 Girona, Catalonia
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For citations:
Hmamou M., El Mourtaji B., Bounakaya B., Vila-Subirós J. Evaluating esri 10-m land use/land cover (lulc) products for moroccan mountainous landscapes. GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY. 2026;19(3):18-27. https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-4217
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