Advancements in crop mapping through remote sensing: A comprehensive review of concept, data sources, and procedures over four decades

Abstract

Crop mapping, vital for informed decision-making in agricultural and food planning, relies on accurate and current information about the distribution of agronomic lands. Remote Sensing and Earth Observation technologies have emerged as indispensable tools, providing up-to-date data and images in diverse spatial and temporal resolutions, offering a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. This paper surveys over 400 publications spanning four decades, with a notable increase in studies after 2010, focusing on crop mapping and monitoring using remote sensing imagery. Categorizing these studies based on the type of remote sensing data utilized—optical, radar, or a combination thereof—it also delves into the diverse strategies employed, including attributes used, processing units, and classification algorithms. To date, there has not been a comprehensive review study specifically focused on crop mapping. This paper emphasizes the innovations and advancements in remote sensing technologies and their applications in crop mapping. It highlights the integration of cutting-edge deep learning techniques, the utilization of high-resolution satellite data, and the development of hybrid models that combine multiple data sources for enhanced accuracy. Furthermore, this review identifies emerging trends and future directions in the field, offering insights into the potential of new technologies and methodologies. Through this comprehensive overview of crop mapping studies published in reputable scientific journals between 1980 and 2024, we illuminate the dynamic landscape of this field and underscore the unique contributions of our review to the existing body of literature. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.