Canyonlands National Park Vegetation Mapping Project - Spatial Vegetation Data
Vegetation Inventory
Dates
Publication Date
2012-03-28
Time Period
2002-06-25
Summary
This polygon feature class represents vegetation communities mapped at Canyonlands National Park. The polygons were generated using guidelines set by the Standardized National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995). A combination of methods were used to map Canyonlands. The USGS used e-Cognition software to create segments. The segments created were then looked at and extensively edited by the vegetation mappers. Some mapping was done on screen, using the 2002 imagery. Hard copy 9X9 photography was used for photo interpretation. 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, [...]
Summary
This polygon feature class represents vegetation communities mapped at Canyonlands National Park. The polygons were generated using guidelines set by the Standardized National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995). A combination of methods were used to map Canyonlands. The USGS used e-Cognition software to create segments. The segments created were then looked at and extensively edited by the vegetation mappers. Some mapping was done on screen, using the 2002 imagery. Hard copy 9X9 photography was used for photo interpretation. 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, geography, and ground-collected vegetation information. 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.
This polygon layer represents vegetation communities found at Canyonlands National Park. The intended use of all data in the park's GIS library is to support diverse park activities including planning, management, maintenance, research, and interpretation.
