The LANDFIRE existing vegetation layers describe the following elements of existing vegetation for each LANDFIRE mapping zone: existing vegetation type, existing vegetation canopy cover, and existing vegetation height. Vegetation is mapped using predictive landscape models based on extensive field reference data, satellite imagery, biophysical gradient layers, and classification and regression trees. DATA SUMMARY: The existing vegetation type (EVT) data layer represents the current distribution of the terrestrial ecological systems classification developed by NatureServe for the western Hemisphere (http://www.natureserve.org/publications/usEcologicalsystems.jsp). A terrestrial ecological system is defined as a group of plant community types (associations) that tend to co-occur within landscapes with similar ecological processes, substrates, and/or environmental gradients. EVTs are mapped in LANDFIRE using decision tree models, field reference data, Landsat imagery, digital elevation model data, and biophysical gradient data. Decision tree models are developed separately for each of the three life-forms -tree, shrub, and herbaceous - using C5 software. Life-form specific cross validation error matrices are generated during this process to assess levels of accuracy of the models. Decision tree relationships are then used to generate life-form specific EVT spatial data layers. The final EVT and Environemtanl Site Potential (ESP) layers are compared and rectified through a series of QA/QC measures. Values of one or more of these data layers are adjusted based on a hierarchical decision tree ruleset in order to align the respective life-forms and life-zone of each ESP and EVT category. The EVT layer is used in many subsequent LANDFIRE data layers. Refer to spatial metadata for date ranges of field plot data and satellite imagery for each LANDFIRE map zone.
