Methodology of the crops Acreage Estimation Using Remote Sensing and Survey Sampling in National statistical system of China

To acquire the planted acreage of major grain crops and their spatial distribution in an timely, accurate, quantitative and periodic way is of significance for making a socio-economic development plans at various levels of government, and improving the operational management for relevant enterprises and farmers. The National Bureau of statistics of China (NBS) aims to take the fully advantages of data source of remote sensing satellites for global earth observation, and NBS has developed a system of Cropland Acreage Estimation by Using Remote Sensing and Sample Survey (CAERSS) to produce the planted acreage of major crops at provincial level and county level. The CAERSS has been taken the considerations of the characteristics and difficulties encountered to Chinese crop production such as plant scattered, complex planting structure, division by the south and the north, multiply planted crops in a year, frequently clouding and raining. Taking the year 2011 autumn grain survey in Heilongjiang province as an example, this paper illustrates the whole procedures of the CAERSS. The result from the output of CAERSS has demonstrated that it could meet the requirements of business operation for agricultural statistics by the best use of remote sensing technology. With the advantages of producing results objectively and timely, the estimation results from CAERSS could completely satisfy the precision requirement of national agricultural statistics in China.