These data were converted from the originally delivered Microsoft Access PLOTs database from the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Big Bend National Park. These comma-delimited data tables contain(s) vegetation mapping plot classification and accuracy assessment data, as well as summary information about the data itself. If a table is empty, then it was empty in the original database.

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 enormous size of the BIBE project area warranted the use of a modified or hybrid mapping approach. Early discussions determined the need to have an approach that included a coarse-level automated or machine-logic image processing stage and a fine-level stage that included vegetation signature interpretation and manual polygon delineation. Based on similar mapping work done by CTI in other desert environments, the automated stage would use multiresolution image segmentation routines to capture high contrast landforms and drainage/wash features, greatly reducing the time needed to delineate these by hand. The second phase would build off these segmented polygons to delineate the fine-level plant alliance/association based map units. For BIBE, 72 map units (62 vegetated and 10 land-use/land-cover) were developed. The final list of map classes/units was directly cross-walked or matched to corresponding plant associations and land use classes. BIBE map classes represent a compromise between the detail of the rUSNVC, new types found in the park (not currently in the rUSNVC), the needs of the resource management staff (e.g. detailed mapping of riparian, wetland, and non-native types), and the limitations of the imagery. An effort was made to crosswalk the final list of map classes/units to corresponding plant associations/alliances and land use classes. When a direct rUSNVC link to an association was not feasible, broader alliances or descriptive local map units (park specials) were created. In addition, some of the more widespread associations occurred across multiple map units.

These data were converted from the originally delivered Microsoft Access PLOTs database from the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Big Thicket National Preserve. These comma-delimited data tables contain(s) vegetation mapping plot classification and accuracy assessment data, as well as summary information about the data itself. If a table is empty, then it was empty in the original database.

This reference contains the imagery data used in the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Orthophotos, raw imagery, and scanned aerial photos are common files held here. To complete the automated phase, CTI subcontracted with Photo Science (based in Lexington, KY) to create a BIBE landform layer and a drainage/wash layer. Photo Science reviewed and acquired all National Elevation Dataset (NED) 10-meter DEMs for the project area and mosaiced them into a seamless coverage. The DEM data was then manipulated to create the following derived spatial layers: aspect, slope, three hillshade datasets (different azimuth angles), a contour range layer, and a compound topographic index (or wetness index) that models water flow and accumulation. Similarly, Photo Science also acquired the 2012 National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery for the entire project area as high-resolution (1-meter pixels) digital ortho quarter quadrangles (DOQQs). The NAIP DOQQs were mosaiced and resampled from 1-meter to 10-meter pixels to match the DEM resolution. Erdas Imagine software was then used to derive a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and a near infrared (NIR) band texture layer from the imagery using a 9x9 moving window. During the planning and coordination phase, CTI staff reviewed all available digital imagery for its potential use as the BIBE basemap. The most promising and easy to access was the data catalog found on the Texas Natural Resource Information System (TNRIS) website. Navigating to the orthoimagery-statewide web page, the list of existing imagery covering BIBE included multiple NAIP products. The corresponding 2010 and 2012 NAIP 1-meter DOQQs for BIBE were downloaded and used during the early planning stages of this project and to produce field maps and interim products.

This reference contains the imagery data used in the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Orthophotos, raw imagery, and scanned aerial photos are common files held here. To complete the automated phase, CTI subcontracted with Photo Science (based in Lexington, KY) to create a BIBE landform layer and a drainage/wash layer. Photo Science reviewed and acquired all National Elevation Dataset (NED) 10-meter DEMs for the project area and mosaiced them into a seamless coverage. The DEM data was then manipulated to create the following derived spatial layers: aspect, slope, three hillshade datasets (different azimuth angles), a contour range layer, and a compound topographic index (or wetness index) that models water flow and accumulation. Similarly, Photo Science also acquired the 2012 National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery for the entire project area as high-resolution (1-meter pixels) digital ortho quarter quadrangles (DOQQs). The NAIP DOQQs were mosaiced and resampled from 1-meter to 10-meter pixels to match the DEM resolution. Erdas Imagine software was then used to derive a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and a near infrared (NIR) band texture layer from the imagery using a 9x9 moving window. During the planning and coordination phase, CTI staff reviewed all available digital imagery for its potential use as the BIBE basemap. The most promising and easy to access was the data catalog found on the Texas Natural Resource Information System (TNRIS) website. Navigating to the orthoimagery-statewide web page, the list of existing imagery covering BIBE included multiple NAIP products. The corresponding 2010 and 2012 NAIP 1-meter DOQQs for BIBE were downloaded and used during the early planning stages of this project and to produce field maps and interim products.

These data were converted from the originally delivered Microsoft Access PLOTs database from the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. These comma-delimited data tables contain(s) vegetation mapping plot classification and accuracy assessment data, as well as summary information about the data itself. If a table is empty, then it was empty in the original database.

These data were converted from the originally delivered Microsoft Access PLOTs database from the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Badlands National Park. These comma-delimited data tables contain(s) vegetation mapping plot classification and accuracy assessment data, as well as summary information about the data itself. If a table is empty, then it was empty in the original database.

These data were converted from the originally delivered Microsoft Access PLOTs database from the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Badlands National Park. These comma-delimited data tables contain(s) vegetation mapping plot classification and accuracy assessment data, as well as summary information about the data itself. If a table is empty, then it was empty in the original database.

These data were converted from the originally delivered Microsoft Access PLOTs database from the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Pinnacles National Park. These comma-delimited data tables contain(s) vegetation mapping plot classification and accuracy assessment data, as well as summary information about the data itself. If a table is empty, then it was empty in the original database.

These data were converted from the originally delivered Microsoft Access PLOTs database from the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Pinnacles National Park. These comma-delimited data tables contain(s) vegetation mapping plot classification and accuracy assessment data, as well as summary information about the data itself. If a table is empty, then it was empty in the original database.