OOS 39-1
The heuristic and economic values associated with vegetation mapping in California using the national vegetation classification
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (DFW) Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP) (DFW.ca.gov/biogeodata/vegcamp/) has developed a vegetation classification standard for all natural and semi-natural vegetation communities present in California that complies with the National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS). As approximately 25% of the state has been mapped to standards in this ad hoc approach, and maps of some areas are approaching ten years old or are at coarser scales than desirable, the implementation of a state-wide map/GIS dataset and classification is desired. The availability of such a dataset would save significant time and money in decisions relating to land acquisition, land management, regional planning, endangered species conservation, and emergency preparedness on a local, regional and state level.
Because of the relatively large upfront costs of collecting and classifying vegetation data, it has been deemed necessary to produce a solid business case to justify this undertaking on a statewide basis. As such, the Center for Geographical Studies (CGS) at CSU, Northridge has developed a Business Plan that defines vegetation mapping products called for by the state standard, provides business case studies where vegetation mapping has improved the efficiency and efficacy of government processes, establishes a demand for high resolution vegetation mapping, and provides a cost-benefit analysis for an ongoing vegetation mapping program.
Results/Conclusions
CGS researchers (including GIS professionals and an economist) conducted online surveys, and in-person and teleconference interviews with numerous agencies and organizations around the state and country to produce a comprehensive business plan. The online survey inventoried and summarized the needs and uses of existing and potential users of vegetation data and established that there is a high demand for high resolution vegetation data. Via interviews, researchers documented case studies illustrating applied uses of data/maps and where efficiencies and cost savings were created. Results strongly support the fact that the availability of such a dataset would save time and resources and allow users to achieve results they might otherwise have not been able to with courser/outdated maps. Analysis of collected research provided for a synthesis of tangible and intangible returns on investment (ROI) for producing this layer. Tangible returns included identification of both quantitative and qualitative benefits. Quantitative benefits were identified via the analysis of time and cost savings and development of ROI models.