ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses and clarifies the important issues and challenges of semantic plasticity when it comes to forest classification and geographical information. It highlights the need for awareness regarding semantic plasticity and necessary improvements for a successful international data harmonization and implementation. The chapter focuses on the concept of forest that is so well known, and yet so elusive and complex when it comes to definitions and semantic plasticity. The Nordic region, except Iceland, has much in common regarding physical conditions as well as cultural historical development and biodiversity status, which in several aspects differ from the rest of Europe. In support of international agreements on environmental assessment and policy making, decision makers need access to reliable, quality assessed, and up-to-date geographic information about the distribution, pattern, and key properties of land cover and land use, both at the regional and local levels.
