Land cover and land cover change maps were created within the European Commission's Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Service's Hot-Spot Monitoring framework program. During the program's first phase, a total of 560442km2 area in Sub-Saharan Africa was mapped, from which 153665km2 was mapped with 8 land cover classes while 406776km2 was mapped with up to 32 classes based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which thematic land cover and change maps were derived. Each map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve Copernicus' strict data quality requirements.Independent validation datasets for each KLCs were also collected and they are presented here. The validation datasets contain 35671 verified points for two dates (LC and LCC). Furthermore, a predefined symbology (QGIS legend file) for the land cover/change and validation datasets based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System is also shared here to ease the visualization of them. Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring, Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. There are twelve datasets shared as a supplement to the “Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring, Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa” publication here. Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon (LC/LCC dataset), point (validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover and land cover change dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous class,[mapcode_B] - modular class,[name_A] - corresponding dichotomous class names (KLCs classified only at the dichotomous level),[name_B] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus201X] - land cover,[plaus2000X] - land cover change.The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles – see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The Timor-Leste land cover and change dataset covers an area of 14 931km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes)and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover and change maps were derived (LC: 2016, LCC: 2000, 2005, 2010). The maps were fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 4413 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, Earth System Science Data).

Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset), Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326), Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover change Land cover/change dataset attributes: [map_codeA] - dichotomous level, [map_code} - modular level, [class_name] - corresponding modular class name. Validation dataset attributes (not all are present): [plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level [plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes [plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2016), modular level [plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2016), aggregated classes The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The Comoe-Mole land cover dataset covers an area of 40648km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) level based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2015). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 1264 verified land cover points based on the 8 dichotomous level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[name_A] - corresponding dichotomous class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2015] - dichotomous level,The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The Madagascar land cover and change dataset covers an area of 124 012km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover and change maps were derived (LC: 2017, LCC: 2000). The maps were fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 3995 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, [Earth System Science Data|https://www.earth-system-science-data.net/]). Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover changeLand cover/change dataset attributes:[map_codeA] - dichotomous level,[map_code} - modular level,[class_name] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes (not all are present):[plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level[plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes[plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), modular level[plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), aggregated classesThe naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The Wapok land cover and change dataset covers an area of 57 776km^2^ and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover and change maps were derived (LC: 2017, LCC: 2000). The maps were fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 3522 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, [Earth System Science Data|https://www.earth-system-science-data.net/]). Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover changeLand cover/change dataset attributes:[map_codeA] - dichotomous level,[map_code} - modular level,[class_name] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes (not all are present):[plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level[plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes[plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), modular level[plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), aggregated classesThe naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The Tai-Sapo land cover dataset covers an area of 40219km2 and mapped with both dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2016). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 4423 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci.Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[mapcode_B] - modular level (Mapcode),[name_B] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2016] - modular level (Mapcode),The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The Salonga land cover and change dataset covers an area of 66 625km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover and change maps were derived (LC: 2016, LCC:2019). The maps were fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 3069 verified land cover points based on the 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, [Earth System Science Data|https://www.earth-system-science-data.net/]). Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover changeLand cover/change dataset attributes:[map_codeA] - dichotomous level,[map_code} - modular level,[class_name] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes (not all are present):[plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level[plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes[plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2015), modular level[plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2015), aggregated classesThe naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The High Resolution Digital Elevation Model (HRDEM) product is derived from airborne LiDAR data (mainly in the south) and satellite images in the north. The complete coverage of the Canadian territory is gradually being established. It includes a Digital Terrain Model (DTM), a Digital Surface Model (DSM) and other derived data. For DTM datasets, derived data available are slope, aspect, shaded relief, color relief and color shaded relief maps and for DSM datasets, derived data available are shaded relief, color relief and color shaded relief maps. The productive forest line is used to separate the northern and the southern parts of the country. This line is approximate and may change based on requirements. In the southern part of the country (south of the productive forest line), DTM and DSM datasets are generated from airborne LiDAR data. They are offered at a 1 m or 2 m resolution and projected to the UTM NAD83 (CSRS) coordinate system and the corresponding zones. The datasets at a 1 m resolution cover an area of 10 km x 10 km while datasets at a 2 m resolution cover an area of 20 km by 20 km. In the northern part of the country (north of the productive forest line), due to the low density of vegetation and infrastructure, only DSM datasets are generally generated. Most of these datasets have optical digital images as their source data. They are generated at a 2 m resolution using the Polar Stereographic North coordinate system referenced to WGS84 horizontal datum or UTM NAD83 (CSRS) coordinate system. Each dataset covers an area of 50 km by 50 km. For some locations in the north, DSM and DTM datasets can also be generated from airborne LiDAR data. In this case, these products will be generated with the same specifications as those generated from airborne LiDAR in the southern part of the country. The HRDEM product is referenced to the Canadian Geodetic Vertical Datum of 2013 (CGVD2013), which is now the reference standard for heights across Canada. Source data for HRDEM datasets is acquired through multiple projects with different partners. Since data is being acquired by project, there is no integration or edgematching done between projects. The tiles are aligned within each project. The product High Resolution Digital Elevation Model (HRDEM) is part of the CanElevation Series created in support to the National Elevation Data Strategy implemented by NRCan. Collaboration is a key factor to the success of the National Elevation Data Strategy. Refer to the “Supporting Document” section to access the list of the different partners including links to their respective data.

The Garamba land cover and change dataset covers an area of 265 976km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover and change maps were derived (LC: 2017, LCC: 2000, 2019). The maps were fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 7168 (2000-2017) and 4647 (2017-2019) verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular (2000-2017) and [up to] 14 aggregated (2017-2019) level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, [Earth System Science Data|https://www.earth-system-science-data.net/]). Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover changeLand cover/change dataset attributes:[map_codeA] - dichotomous level,[map_code} - modular level,[class_name] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes (not all are present):[plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level[plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes[plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), modular level[plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), aggregated classesThe naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The Greater Virunga land cover dataset covers an area of 39062km2 and mapped with both dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2015). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 4630 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Two datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[mapcode_B] - modular level (Mapcode),[name_B] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2015] - modular level (Mapcode),The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The Caribbean land cover and change dataset covers an area of 89 883km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover and change maps were derived (LC: 2017, LCC: 2000). The maps were fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 4029 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, Earth System Science Data).

Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset), Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326), Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover change Land cover/change dataset attributes: [map_codeA] - dichotomous level, [map_code} - modular level, [class_name] - corresponding modular class name. Validation dataset attributes (not all are present): [plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level [plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes [plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), modular level [plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), aggregated classes The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The Niassa Selous land cover and change dataset covers an area of 139 163km² and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover and change maps were derived (LC: 2017, LCC: 2000). The maps were fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 3943 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, Earth System Science Data).

Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),
Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),
Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover change
Land cover/change dataset attributes:
[map_codeA] - dichotomous level,
[map_code} - modular level,
[class_name] - corresponding modular class name.
Validation dataset attributes (not all are present):
[plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level
[plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes
[plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), modular level
[plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2017), aggregated classes
The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The Yangambi land cover change dataset covers an area of 7276km2 and mapped with both dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover change map was derived (2019). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 2421 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 14 aggregated land cover change classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Zoltan; Brink, Andreas; Lupi, Andrea (2021): An update and beyond: key landscapes for conservation land cover and change monitoring, thematic and validation datasets for the African, Caribbean and Pacific region (in review, [Earth System Science Data|https://www.earth-system-science-data.net/]). Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC/LCC dataset), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Minimum mapping unit: 3ha for land cover and 0.5ha for land cover changeLand cover/change dataset attributes:[map_codeA] - dichotomous level,[map_code} - modular level,[class_name] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes (not all are present):[plaus200X] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), modular level[plaus200Xr] - corresponding class for the change map (i.e. 2000), aggregated classes[plaus20XX] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2015), modular level[plaus20XXr] - corresponding class for the land cover map (i.e. 2015), aggregated classesThe naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes and in the "3.5 Validation dataset production" section in the corresponding publication.

The Takamanda land cover dataset covers an area of 79534km2 and mapped with both dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2016). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 3862 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[mapcode_B] - modular level (Mapcode),[name_B] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2016] - modular level (Mapcode),The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The North and South Luangwa land cover dataset covers an area of 34880km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) level based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2015). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 1335 verified land cover points based on the 8 dichotomous level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[name_A] - corresponding dichotomous class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2015] - dichotomous level,The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The Lomami land cover dataset covers an area of 30924km2 and mapped with both dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2016). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 3690 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[mapcode_B] - modular level (Mapcode),[name_B] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2016] - modular level (Mapcode),The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

This layer presents the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) zones of the world. The layer symbolizes the 6-degree wide zones employed for UTM projection.To download the data for this layer as a layer package for use in ArcGIS desktop applications, refer to World UTM Zones Grid.

The teaser dataset of Tai-Sapo KLC covers an area of 9100km2 and mapped with both dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2016). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 1283 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[mapcode_B] - modular level (Mapcode),[name_B] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2016] - modular level (Mapcode),The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The Upemba land cover dataset covers an area of 47318km2 and mapped with both dichotomous (8 land cover classes) and modular (up to 32 land cover classes) levels based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2016). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 3786 verified land cover points based on the [up to] 32 modular level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[mapcode_B] - modular level (Mapcode),[name_B] - corresponding modular class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2016] - modular level (Mapcode),The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.

The Mbam Djerem land cover dataset covers an area of 11510km2 and mapped with dichotomous (8 land cover classes) level based on FAO's Land Cover Classification System (LCCS). High-resolution optical satellite imagery were used to generate dense time-series data from which the thematic land cover map was derived (2016). The map was fully verified and validated by an independent team to achieve the Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Programme's strict data quality requirements. An independent validation dataset was also collected and it is shared here. The validation dataset contains 1254 verified land cover points based on the 8 dichotomous level land cover classes. Furthermore, two predefined symbology (QGIS legend files) for the land cover and validation datasets based on FAO's LCCS is also shared here to ease the visualization of them (Dichotomous and Modular levels). Further details regarding the sites selection, mapping and validation procedures are described in the corresponding publication: Szantoi, Z., Brink, A., Lupi, A., Mannone, C., and Jaffrain, G.: Key Landscapes for Conservation Land Cover and Change Monitoring Thematic and Validation Datasets for Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12-3001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-3001-2020. Three datasets are shared here.Data format: vector (shapefile, polygon - LC datasets), vector (shapefile, point - validation dataset),Geographic Coordinate System (LC/LCC dataset): World Geodetic System 1984 (EPSG:4326) and its datum (EPSG:6326),Projected coordinate system (validation data): Africa Albers Equal Area Conic (EPSG:102022),Minimum mapping unit: 0.5-5ha.Land cover dataset attributes:[mapcode_A] - dichotomous level,[name_A] - corresponding dichotomous class name.Validation dataset attributes:[plaus2016] - dichotomous level,The naming of all attributes follow the same structure in all shapefiles - see Table 2 Dichotomous and Modular thematic land cover/use classes in the corresponding publication.