Sample data for thematic accuracy assessment in QGIS

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We present an approach that is widely used in the field of remote sensing for the validation of single LUC maps. Unlike other chapters in this book, where maps are validated by comparison with other maps with better resolution and/or quality, this approach requires a ground sample dataset, i.e. a set of sites where LUC can be observed in the field or interpreted from high-resolution imagery. Map error is assessed using techniques based on statistical sampling. In general terms, in this approach, the accuracy of single LUC maps is assessed by comparing the thematic map against the reference data and measuring the agreement between the two. When assessing thematic accuracy, three stages can be identified: the design of the sample, the design of the response, and the estimation and analysis protocols. Sample design refers to the protocols used to define the characteristics of the sampling sites, including sample size and distribution, which can be random or systematic. Response design involves establishing the characteristics of the reference data, such as the size of the spatial assessment units, the sources from which the reference data will be obtained, and the criteria for assigning labels to spatial units. Finally, the estimation and analysis protocols include the procedures applied to the reference data to calculate accuracy indices, such as user’s and producer’s accuracy, the estimated areas covered by each category and their respective confidence intervals. This chapter has two sections in which we present a couple of exercises relating to sampling and response design; the sample size will be calculated, the distribution of sampling sites will be obtained using a stratified random scheme, and finally, a set of reference data will be obtained by photointerpretation at the sampling sites (spatial units). The accuracy statistics will be calculated later in Sect. 5 in chapter “Metrics Based on a Cross-Tabulation Matrix to Validate Land Use Cover Maps” as part of the cross-tabulation exercises. The exercises in this chapter use fine-scale LUC maps obtained for the municipality of Marqués de Comillas in Chiapas, Mexico. eng