Interpretation of maps on the assessment of the human-environment system productivity into dedicated land degradation maps

Land degradation is a complex and multidimensional issue. Mapping active degradation at continental or global level is virtually impossible given the local scale of the processes involved. However, patterns of human-environment interactions that are likely to lead to land degradation can be identified. The combination of spatial(-ised) indicators of these patterns with land productivity dynamics derived from Earth observation can be interpreted to highlight places where land degradation may be ongoing. Further small scale investigation is needed to determine the gravity of the potential land degradation locally.