The Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics launched an AI-driven land use capability mapping system in 2025 that uses machine learning and freely available open-source satellite imagery (such as Sentinel and Landsat) to automatically analyze and classify land cover. This approach was essential for accurately identifying key land types—agriculture, forests, grasslands, built-up infrastructure, and water bodies—across multiple time periods. By leveraging free satellite data and automating the analysis, the system enables cost-effective, scalable, and timely assessments to support sustainable land use planning and crop suitability mapping.

My progress target: 2021 - Cloudy

This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Vanuatu statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Vanuatuan statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Vanuatu-specific metadata information.

Proxy

No
Definition

The “Establishment of Land Use Capability Mapping Systems to Determine Which Crops and Farming Systems Are Best Suited to Different Areas” indicator measures the development and implementation of mapping systems designed to assess land use capabilities. These systems analyze soil types, topography, climate, and other environmental factors to identify the most suitable crops and farming systems for different regions within a country or area.
Concept

This indicator focuses on the establishment of tools and methodologies that allow for the systematic assessment of land’s agricultural potential. Land use capability mapping systems are essential for optimizing agricultural productivity by ensuring that land resources are used in a manner that maximizes crop yields and sustainability. These systems help in matching specific crops and farming practices to the most appropriate areas based on environmental conditions and land characteristics.
Disaggregation

Region
Rationale

Monitoring the establishment of land use capability mapping systems is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture and efficient land use management. By aligning agricultural activities with the land’s natural capabilities, these systems help to increase productivity, reduce environmental degradation, and promote the efficient use of resources. Monitoring this indicator helps assess the progress of efforts to enhance agricultural planning and sustainability through science-based land management practices.
Method of Computation

Method of computation: To assess the “Establishment of Land Use Capability Mapping Systems to Determine Which Crops and Farming Systems Are Best Suited to Different Areas,” first determine whether the mapping systems have been fully developed, including the analysis of environmental and soil factors. Then, verify that these systems are operational and being used to guide agricultural planning and decision-making. If the systems meet both criteria—development and operational status—they are categorized as “established and operational.”

Formula: This indicator is typically qualitative rather than quantitative, and it does not require a mathematical formula. Instead, it involves a checklist or categorical assessment based on the following criteria: mapping system development, implementation, and use
Sustainable Development Goal Indicator Alignment

12.8.1, 12.a.1 & 14.4.1
Unit of Measurement

Yes/No
Frequency of Collection

Annually
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