Oklahoma Ecological Systems Mapping - Phase 1 dataset

The Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP) of the University of Missouri, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Biological Survey of the University of Oklahoma, produced a vegetation and landcover GIS data layer for the eastern portions of Oklahoma. This effort was accomplished with direction and funding from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and state and federal partners (particularly the Gulf Coast Prairie and Great Plains Landscape Conservation Cooperatives of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service). The legend for the layer is based on NatureServe’s Ecological System Classification, with finer thematic units derived from land cover and abiotic modifiers of the System unit. Data for development of a supervised classification of landcover was collected in the field by Oklahoma Biological Survey staff and through photo interpretation of aerial imagery by MoRAP staff. This data was used with decision tree classifier on 3 dates of LandSat imagery, abiotic data, and additional available data to perform a supervised classification to a simplified set of landcover classes. Improved thematic resolution was achieved using image objects at 10 m resolution based on NAIP imagery. The landcover classes, along with EPA Level IV Ecoregion, SSURGO soils, DEM-based, and hydrology variables, were applied to the image objects and were used to interpret ecological context and assign appropriate vegetation type or landcover to the objects. Vector data was then transformed to a 10 m raster product to simplify presentation and use. Project and partner ecologists have produced detailed descriptions of most Ecological Systems that were mapped in this effort. Project ecologists have also developed an Interpretive Booklet that includes a general description of each mapped type, a general range map for each type, and a photograph representing the type (when available). The interpretive booklet also includes detailed product methodology.