The feasibility of using false colour composite Landsat images as an aid for mapping some of the major lichen communities in the Namib Desert is shown. Inherent limitations and possible applications of the technique in other regions of the world are discussed. Keywords: Acarospora, Buellia, Bulk albedo values, CaIoplaca volkii, Caloptaca, Foggy days, Fruticose growth forms, GeographicaI distribution, Gypsum, Lecidea, Lecidella cristallina, Lichen growth, Mica rich coarse gravel, Recolonization, Satellite imagery, Saxicolous species, Xanthomaculina convoluta.