A LANDSAT-based rangelands monitoring system has been designed for semi-arid chenopod shrublands in southern Australia. Simultaneous ground and LANDSAT measurements were used to test multivariate calibration methods for estimating vegetation cover. Of three methods compared, the Lwin-Maritz and inverse estimators outperformed the classical approach. Data were analysed by rangeland type and as a combined set. Calibration curves, with errors of estimation, are presented for five major rangeland types.