MapBiomas
Reveal territorial transformations through science with precision, agility, and quality, making knowledge about land cover and land use accessible to promote the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources as a means of combating climate change. MapBiomas operates as a global, multi-institutional network using open and collaborative science, integrating satellite imagery, machine learning, and cloud computing to generate the most up-to-date and detailed spatial database on land use in a country available worldwide.
Theory of Change
Inputs
Global satellite and spatial data sources
Expert contributor network (scientists, NGOs, tech firms)
Financial support from foundations and donors
Open-source machine learning and cloud computing platforms
Activities
Collaborative remote sensing analysis
Capacity building for biomes/themes
Open publication of data/methods
User engagement and scientific advisory
Outputs
Detailed annual maps and statistics of land cover/use in >14 countries
Public thematic databases (deforestation, water, fire, soil, mining, pasture, etc.)
Open methodology and software tools/questionnaires
Impact evaluation/evidence reports
Outcomes
Transparent, open, and rapid decision support for environmental conservation
Enabling cross-country and regional analyses of land use change
Empowering governments, communities, businesses, and academia to act on climate/environmental threats
Strong evidence base for sustainable development policy and investment
Programs
1. Annual Land Cover and Use Mapping (MapBiomas Collections)
Annual classification and mapping of land cover and land use for Brazil (and now other countries), providing datasets for over 40 years. Supports landscape monitoring, policy, academic research, and public awareness.
Satellite imagery (Landsat, Sentinel-2)
Expert teams (universities, NGOs, tech companies)
Cloud computing (Google Earth Engine)
Funding from foundations and supporters
Open-source algorithms
Automated pixel-by-pixel classification of images
Algorithm/methodology development
Data validation and peer review
Collaboration with biome experts
Releasing open data and documentation
Annual maps of land use/cover for Brazil (and 14+ countries)
Open datasets
Methodological documents
Technical reports and statistics
Widespread access to high-quality spatial data
Informed policy-making and environmental management
Increased public and scientific understanding of land use change
Support for sustainable management and climate action
2. MapBiomas Thematic Platforms (Water, Fire, Soil, Mining, Pasture, Urban, Degradation, Coral Reefs)
Dedicated platforms providing detailed annual and sometimes monthly maps and data on specific themes: water surface dynamics, fire scars, soil carbon, mining areas, pasture productivity, urban expansion, vegetation degradation, and coral reef mapping.
Specialist teams in each theme area
Satellite and field data
Platform/software development
Funding and technical partnerships
Theme-specific data processing/analysis
Validation and accuracy assessments
Development of web-based data visualization tools
Annual and monthly thematic maps and statistics for each area (available online)
Analytical tools for each platform
Training and documentation
Better understanding of dynamic environmental risks and resources (e.g., droughts, fires, deforestation)
Informed action for environmental protection and policy
Empowerment of communities, businesses, and public agencies with actionable data
3. MapBiomas Alert (and Specialized Monitors)
System for validation and refinement of alerts about deforestation, degradation, and regeneration of native vegetation using high-resolution satellite imagery. Specialized monitors include Rural Credit, Fire, Mining, and Recovery Monitors.
High-resolution satellite data
Algorithms for rapid alert generation
Expert review teams
Partnerships with enforcement and civil organizations
Real-time processing of satellite alerts
Validation of alerts with experts
Distribution via the MapBiomas Alert platform
Alert databases and interactive maps shared with the public
Validated notifications of environmental change for authorities
Faster and more credible response to environmental violations
Strengthened environmental enforcement and compliance
Increased transparency and support for legal/regulatory action
Other Information
Core Values
Open science and transparency
Scientific rigor and precision
Collaboration across disciplines and sectors
Social and environmental responsibility
Accessibility of data and findings to all stakeholders
Scale
Active in 14+ countries (South America and Indonesia)
Covers all of Brazil (biome, state, municipality, special territories)
Annual data collection from 1985 to present (>40 years of time series)
Provides 30+ classes in land cover/use mapping; tens of thousands of open datasets published
Received financial and technical support from over 20 institutions/foundations
Affected Users
Policymakers and government agencies
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Academic and research institutions
Teachers and students
Land managers and farmers
Companies and financial sector (risk, supply chain, compliance)
Environmental defenders and the general public
Geographical Areas
Brazil (all states and municipalities, covering Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Pampa, Pantanal biomes)
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
Indonesia
Amazon Basin
Gran Chaco
Atlantic Forest (Trinational)
Pampa (Trinational)
Contact Info
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