The transformation of the landscape associated with this growth is represented by changes to a number of classes. These changes are often found along major road and bridge construction, industrial and business development, and shopping plazas. The remaining area is usually vegetated cover. These changes occur with road and bridge construction, subdivision development, and divergent building construction. Change to grassland is witnessed when areas under development are converted to features such as lawns, parks, cemeteries, and golf courses.
Grassland is also a transitional feature related to development.
As the predominant land cover is removed grass is often planted to stabilize the soil while construction is taking place. Similarly, bare land is another transitional feature of development. A dominant feature of the South Carolina coast is the extensive salt marsh habitat. Salt marsh or estuarine emergent wetland is composed of expansive communities of smooth cordgrass growing on a tidally influenced substrate. This habitat can be seen behind the barrier islands and in the estuaries all along the coastline.