Remote sensing and GIS are closely linked technologies. Remote sensing can be used to efficiently update GIS data layers, and GIS can improve the interpretability of remote sensing data. A widely used land use/land cover classification system developed by the USGS meets criteria such as having at least 85% accuracy and being applicable over large areas. A case study of Hyderabad City in India found rapid urban growth is resulting in loss of agricultural land and environmental issues, demonstrating the need for accurate and regular land use/land cover data.