This publication presents a new concept of land cover classification, which uses a set of independent diagnostic criteria, the so-called classifiers, rather than being nomenclature based. This approach allows correlation with existing classifications and legends so the system could serve as an internationally agreed reference base for land cover. The methodology is applicable at any scale and is comprehensive in the sense that any land cover identified anywhere in the world can be readily accommodated. A software program has been developed to assist in land cover interpretation, thus standardizing this process and contributing to its consistency. Despite the huge number of classes that can be generated, the user deals with only one classifier at a time and a land cover class is built up by a stepwise selection in which a number of classifiers are aggregated to derive the class. The software contains four modules comprising classification, legend, storage of field data and translation/correlation of classes at the class level or at the level of the classifiers. It also contains a glossary with definitions of all terms used.