In the framework of the FAO-SIFISIA program, the land cover database of South Sudan, already created under the GLCN East Africa Module (Africover, circa 2000), was targeted for update. The new dataset provides reliable information on the current state of land cover and distribution of major land cover classes. The updated land cover is instrumental to supporting agricultural statistical analysis as well natural resources assessment, monitoring and management. The Land Cover Atlas of the Republic of South Sudan provides information on the land cover distribution by administrative and sub-basin divisions.

The dataset was created using the FAO/GLCN methodology and tools. Main data sources include satellite imagery from SPOT and Global Land Survey (GLS) Landsat, existing Africover land cover database and ancillary data. The legend was prepared using the Land Cover Classification System (LCCS).