The classification used in ALUM provides a nationally consistent way to collect and present land use information for a wide range of users across Australia. The classification is based on a scheme developed for the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (Baxter and Russell, 1994) and since refined in a collaborative Australian-State Government review process (ACLUMP). The latest version (Version 6) of the classification is the Australian Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI) standard for land use datasets.

The framework for assigning attributes addresses the following:

1. Level of intervention -the degree of modification to the 'natural' landscape. Precedence is also given to the modelling capabilities of data over monitoring capabilities, and monitoring capabilities over descriptive uses.
2. Generality -the classification is designed for users who are interested in both processes (eg land management practices) and outputs (eg commodities).
3. Hierarchical structure -facilitates and promotes aggregation / disaggregation of related land uses, the addition of levels or classes and relevance at a range of scales.
4. Prime use / Ancillary use -some land can be subject to a number of concurrent land uses. Land use class allocations are based on the primary land management objective of the nominated land manager. Ancillary or secondary uses can also be recorded