The Italian Land Use Inventory for assessing land use changes in Italy during last decades

The aim of this paper was to collect research regarding the analysis of land use and land cover changes (LULCC) made with the different approaches and methodologies in the last few years on the Italian territory. The LULCC can be analysed using both cartographic and inventory approaches. The latter, in particular, provide estimates of the accuracy of the sampling strategy adopted , allowing objective and scientifically sound comparisons of the estimates at different times. The possibility to assess the statistical accuracy and the possibility of frequent updates, suggest the inventory approach as a valid and reliable instrument for the LULCC assessment. The evaluation of LULCC and the selection of a reliable and accurate approach usable as a standard for a large series of experiences, plays a primary role as a support for future land use planning. In this perspective, the Italian Inventory of Land Use has been further implemented during last years to better understand LULCC, their causes and possible effects on ecosystem services, thus offering a valuable support for future land use planning