The purpose of this study was to apply thematic mapping using satellite imagery in assessing land-use patterns in W. Messinia, Greece. Various land-use classes of Messinia were mapped by using visual interpretation of false-colour composites based on Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and SPOT data. An identification, classification and mapping methodology was needed for the land-use forms that could be found in Greek territories with ecological and geological characteristics similar to those of Messinia.