The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase. A vegetation classification and vegetation and land cover map of Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) was created from remotely sensed and ground-verified data. The project was undertaken to provide data for the National Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program (VMI) with which to inform local NPS management and the public. Products of the project include a digital vegetation and land cover map, a taxonomic classification, quantitative floristic vegetation plot data, and report. The map employed the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) to map 142,062 acres (57,491 hectares) of RNSP. Forty-five (45) vegetated map classes at the level of USNVC alliance and four non-vegetated land cover classes were mapped. Eighty-nine (89)% (126,796 acres) of RNSP mapped as forest or woodland, 0.9% (1,322 acres) was mapped as shrubland, 3.7% (5,294 acres) was mapped as herbaceous vegetation, 1.4% (2,053 acres) was mapped as barren, 4.2% (6,035 acres) was mapped as water, and 0.4% (562 acres) was not classified and was mapped as unknown land cover. A thematic accuracy assessment was conducted on the 30 most abundant vegetation classes, employing 512 observations throughout RNSP. The overall accuracy at the alliance level vegetation classes was found to be 65.5%. When the classes are aggregated to thematically coarser levels, the accuracy is 86.2% at the USNVC group level and 95.4% at the level of USNVC macrogroup.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. The products are designed with the goal of facilitating ecologically-based natural resources management and research. The vector (polygon) map is in digital format within a geodatabase structure that allows for complex relationships to be established between spatial and tabular data, and allows much of the data to be accessed concurrently. Each map unit has multiple photo attachments viewable easily from within the geodatabase, linked to their actual location on the ground. The Geographic Information System (GIS) format of the map allows user flexibility and will also enable updates to be made as new information becomes available (such as revised NVC codes or vegetation type names) or in the event of major disturbance events that could impact the vegetation. Unlike previous vegetation maps created by SODN, the map for Saguaro National Park was not created via in-situ mapping. Instead, we employed a remote sensing approach aided by our robust field dataset. The final version of the map was created in summer 2016. The map was created using the image-classification toolbox included in the spatial analyst extension for ArcMap (ESRI 2017). Using these tools, we performed a supervised classification with the maximum-likelihood classifier. This tool uses a set of user-defined training samples (polygons) to classify imagery by placing pixels with the maximum likelihood into each map class. We used a pixel size equivalent to the coarsest raster included in the classification, 30 meters.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. A final map of vegetation communities was created for Horseshoe Bend National Military Park (NMP) to the association level of the National Vegetation Classification System and in a 500-meter (1,640-foot [ft]) buffer zone around the park using the more general Anderson Level II classification. This map represents the vegetation found in the park during 2011, the year the images were acquired. We were provided with the vegetation communities occurring in the park, as determined by NatureServe from ground plots. We overlaid the location of the NatureServe plots on leaf-on color-infrared aerial photographs to determine the image signature of vegetation communities in terms of color, tone, texture, and topographic position. We also conducted our own field surveys to refine and verify photointerpretation. The park encompasses 829 hectares (2,049 acres [ac]) while the buffer alone covers 712 hectares (1,759 ac). Within the park boundary, there were 23 vegetation communities, with pine and hardwood forest communities dominating.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. The draft formation-level map was produced through limited field reconnaissance and visual interpretation of the pan-sharpened imagery and heads-up digitizing in ArcGIS to delineate polygons based on vegetation physiognomy. Spatial accuracy was assessed against 2006 digital orthophoto quarter quadrangle imagery, using 20 test points for each of the park’s three units. The maximum absolute error measured was less than 2 m ground distance, and maximum root mean square error was 1.03 m, well within the limits of the National Map Accuracy Standards.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Instrumental to the photo interpretive effort was the use of the GPS located vegetation plots collected by the field crew. These plots provided an idea of what the signatures of the individual map units should look like. In addition to the tablular data associated with each vegetation plot were five photographs collected at each plot. These photographs helped not only in identifying the immediate area but also provided us with a “look” at the areas surrounding the vegetation plot which might be a different map unit. These photographs may be “hyperlinked” within ArcMap to the salient vegetation observation point for a better concept of on the ground conditions.All interpreted mylar layers were scanned at 300 dpi. Each scanned mylar was then rectified to the NAIP base layer using recognizable ground features as registration points. The resulting scan produced a raster image that was subsequently vectorized. Each vectorized output was then extensively edited to produce clean digital vector lines. From the digitized vectors we created polygons by building topology in the GIS program. Finally, we created labels for each polygon and used these to add the attribute information. Attribution for all the polygons at CHIC included information pertaining to map units, NVC associations, Anderson land-use classes, and other relevant data. Attribute data were taken directly from the interpreted photos or were added later using the orthophotos as a guide.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Following the development of the vegetation classification, the vegetation map was further edited and refined in 2005 to develop an association-level vegetation map. Using ArcGIS 9.0, polygon boundaries were revised onscreen based on the plot data and additional informal field observations collected while in the field during plot sampling. Field notes and limited field mapping supplemented the GIS mapping. Given the large amount of time used in gathering plot data, further ground-truthing was minimal. Each polygon was attributed with the name of a USNVC association or a land use/land cover map class based on plot data, field observations, aerial photography signatures, and topographic maps. The vegetation is mapped to the association level with one exception—because of their small size and interdigitization on the landscape, three of the herbaceous wetland communities, Bluejoint Wet Meadow (CEGL005174), Medium-depth Emergent Marsh (CEGL006519), and Cattail Marsh (CEGL006513) were mapped as a single map class: the Emergent Marsh - Shrub Swamp System. The Enriched Hardwood Forest Seeps, small occurrences within upland forests that are distinguished by their herb flora, are less than the minimum mapping unit (0.5 ha) and were not mapped. The shapefile was projected in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 18 North, North American Datum (NAD) 1983.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Mapping and interpretation of JODA involved a five step process including: (1) field reconnaissance, (2) map class development, (3) image processing and interpretation, (4) draft map validation, and (5) spatial database development. Field reconnaissance was initiated by CTI and NMI staff in 2008 to quickly familiarize the mappers with the vegetation patterns and distribution at JODA. As the classification plot data were acquired later in 2008, feedback on the dominant and characteristic plant species was solicited from ORNHIC ecologists. boundary placement and labeling. Field notes were made directly on vegetation map copies and an additional 70 observation points were sampled to support the notations. Confusing sites were visited including the Picture Gorge area where shadows on the NAIP imagery prevented viewing the distribution of vegetation types. Ground data and ground photographs were collected to insure consistent mapping of confusing sites. Upon return to the office, minor updates of the draft vegetation map were completed prior to the AA task.