Bryce Canyon National Park Vegetation Mapping Project - Spatial Vegetation Data
Vegetation Inventory
Dates
Publication Date
2011-03-01
Time Period
2002-01-01
Summary
This polygon feature class represents the vegetation and land-use geo-spatial data for Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA) and surrounding areas. The polygons were generated using guidelines set by the Standardized National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995). Polygons were created on screen by digitizing of vegetation map types using 2002 imagery flown for the vegetation mapping project. Hard copy 9x9 photography was used for photo interpretation as well. Traditional image interpretation cues were used to develop the polygons, such as shape, size, pattern, tone, texture, color, and shadow. Additional data layers were used in aiding the interpretation, such as slope, hydrology, soils, geography, and ground-collected vegetation [...]
Summary
This polygon feature class represents the vegetation and land-use geo-spatial data for Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA) and surrounding areas. The polygons were generated using guidelines set by the Standardized National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995). Polygons were created on screen by digitizing of vegetation map types using 2002 imagery flown for the vegetation mapping project. Hard copy 9x9 photography was used for photo interpretation as well. Traditional image interpretation cues were used to develop the polygons, such as shape, size, pattern, tone, texture, color, and shadow. Additional data layers were used in aiding the interpretation, such as slope, hydrology, soils, geography, and ground-collected vegetation information. The minimum mapping unit was 1/2 hectare. The attributed vegetation classes were subjected to an accuracy assessment, following which final adjustments were made to the vegetation classes. As with any digital layer, this layer is a representation of what is actually occurring on the ground; errors are inherent in any interpretation of ground qualities. Due to the "snapshot" nature of the DOQs, this vegetation layer reflects conditions that existed when the imagery was collected.
The NPS Vegetation Inventory Program goals are, among others, to consistently classify, map and document the vegetation of all National Park Service units with a resource component, thereby creating a baseline vegetation inventory. The purposes of this specific mapping effort are varied and include the following: 1) provide support for NPS Resource Management, 2) promote vegetation-related research, 3) provide support for NPS Planning and Compliance, 4) add to the information base for NPS Interpretation, 5) provide a vegetation baseline inventory for the Park, and 6) assist in overall NPS Operations.
