99th ESA Annual Meeting (August 10 -- 15, 2014)

OOS 39

Mapping with the National Vegetation Classification: Purpose, Value, and Method

The National Vegetation Classification has been implemented as the standard for all Federal and many State Agencies. Classification of vegetation takes place on the ground through analysis of field plots. Vegetation maps combine the heuristic definitions of the classification with visually and geographically distinct representations. The value of quantitatively defined and accurate vegetation maps has increased immensely as value and decisions about land use increases. The first talk will report on a recent survey of users of vegetation map products in California. The presentation discusses responses to surveys conducted on a variety of users with local to regional geographic focus and also provides an economic evaluation of the roles of such mapping. The next talks explore methods of vegetation mapping and their evolution over time since the first maps were completed 15 years ago. These talks will cover the technical and methodological breakthroughs and remaining constraints on expressing vegetation through digital geographic products. Following this, a series of talks will explore some of the specific uses of vegetation maps including evaluating habitat connectivity, niche definition of certain species, and as management and monitoring tools. The closing talk will summarize the state of the art and the likely progress of uses of vegetation mapping and its integration with landscape analysis and conservation, This OOS provides the opportunity to learn from an array of presenters who discuss the value, purpose, and successes of mapping from users and producers of these products. Its outcome will be a clearer picture of how specific analyses and techniques can be assisted by NVC-based mapping, and how these and other techniques may be improved for future uses.