The first detailed land-cover map of Socotra Island by Landsat/ETM+ data

Present study has produced first detailed land-cover map of Socotra Island. A Landsat 7 ETM+ dataset was used as a main source of remotely sensed data. From numerous reference points ( more than 250) coming from the ground data verification the set of training fields and the set of evaluation fields were digitised. As a classification method the supervised maximum likelihood classification without prior probabilities was used in combination with rule-based post-classification sorting, providing results of sufficient accuracy and subject resolution. Estimates of the area and degree of coverage of particular land-cover classes within Socotra Island have brought excellent overview on state of island biotopes. Overall accuracy of the map achieved is more than 80%, 19 terrestrial land-cover classes (including three types of Shrublands, three types of Woodlands, two types of Forests and Mangroves) have been distinguished. It consequently allows estimates of the current and potential occurrence of endemic plant populations, proposals of management and conservation plans and agroforestry planning.