Learn More: Watershed Scale Land Use

Land use within a watershed has a major effect on the water quality, hydrology and ecology present in the waterbodies within it. Runoff from agriculture and the built (urban, suburban) environment may adversely affect water quality due to non-point source pollution, such as sediments and nutrients, while wetlands have a positive impact by serving to control flooding and to filter pollutants. When vegetation is removed from the landscape during development, the watershed's ability to absorb nutrients and trap sediments is diminished, while more fertilizers, car emissions, industrial and sanitary wastes, and debris are washed into surface and groundwater by stormwater runoff.

Land Use/Land Cover GIS data is photo-interpreted from current digital orthophotos, primarily by local Water Management Districts. The methods used differ by agency, but generally older land use/land cover layers are brought into GIS and compared to the current imagery. Changes are noted and reviewed, and ultimately updated within the GIS data. Land use classifications should adhere to the statewide classifications set forth with the Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS).

To learn more about individual methods used by each Water Management District for their most recent data, review the GIS metadata below:

SJRWMD 2014 Land Use and Land Cover

SWFWMD 2017 Land Use/Cover Classifications

Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System, a document prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation.

• 1994 Landsat Thematic Mapper Image of the Tampa Bay Region
• 2001-2002 Drought-Induced Imprint on Estuarine Processes?, A
• Atmosphere in Motion: Results from the National Deposition Monitoring Networks
• Better Assessment Science Integrating Point & Nonpoint Sources (BASINS)
• Environmental & Land Use Law Section of the Florida Bar
• Florida Vegetation 2003 and Land Use Change Between 1985-89 and 2003
• Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters
• Our Built and Natural Environments
• Protecting Florida's Communities: Land Use Planning Strategies and Best Development Practices
• Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices
• State of Florida Annual Report Nonpoint Source Management Program Jan.1-Dec. 31, 2010
• Understanding Color-infrared Photographs USGS Fact Sheet 129-01
• Water and Smart Growth: The Impacts of Sprawl on Aquatic Ecosystems
• Watersheds - SWFWMD