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. We converted the photointerpreted data into a format usable in a geographic information system (GIS) by employing three fundamental processes: (1) orthorectify, (2) digitize, and (3) develop the geodatabase. All digital map automation was projected in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), Zone 16, using the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). Orthorectify: We orthorectified the interpreted overlays by using OrthoMapper, a softcopy photogrammetric software for GIS. One function of OrthoMapper is to create orthorectified imagery from scanned and unrectified imagery (Image Processing Software, Inc., 2002). The software features a method of visual orientation involving a point-and-click operation that uses existing orthorectified horizontal and vertical base maps. Of primary importance to us, OrthoMapper also has the capability to orthorectify the photointerpreted overlays of each photograph based on the reference information provided. Digitize: To produce a polygon vector layer for use in ArcGIS (Environmental Systems Research Institute [ESRI], Redlands, California), we converted each raster-based image mosaic of orthorectified overlays containing the photointerpreted data into a grid format by using ArcGIS. In ArcGIS, we used the ArcScan extension to trace the raster data and produce ESRI shapefiles. We digitally assigned map-attribute codes (both map-class codes and physiognomic modifier codes) to the polygons and checked the digital data against the photointerpreted overlays for line and attribute consistency. Ultimately, we merged the individual layers into a seamless layer. Geodatabase: At this stage, the map layer has only map-attribute codes assigned to each polygon. To assign meaningful information to each polygon (e.g., map-class names, physiognomic definitions, links to NVCS types), we produced a feature-class table, along with other supportive tables and subsequently related them together via an ArcGIS Geodatabase. This geodatabase also links the map to other feature-class layers produced from this project, including vegetation sample plots, accuracy assessment (AA) sites, aerial photo locations, and project boundary extent. A geodatabase provides access to a variety of interlocking data sets, is expandable, and equips resource managers and researchers with a powerful GIS tool.

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. October 29, 1996: Aerial photography for Rock Creek Park is flown February 25, 1997: Initial meeting at Rock Creek Park headquarters - acquisition of aerial photography and ancillary data including existing vegetation maps March - April 1997: First cut delineations onto aerial photography of the photo signatures (see Figure 3 - Rock Creek Park Photo Index). May 12 - 16, 1997: Photointerpretation field reconnaissance trip, TNC training of park biologists in field sampling methodology May - June 1997: Develop initial list of photo signature types, Revise initial delineations based on field reconnaissance findings, Label existing polygons with photo signature types, Deliver copies of overlays to park biologists for plot selection and feedback June - September 1997: Park vegetation sampling effort February 19, 1998: Received draft TNC report of the vegetation classification for Rock Creek March 1998: Received final TNC report on the vegetation classification for Rock Creek, Received plot data and locations for vegetation sampling effort, Received TNC key for communities, Development of PI signature / TNC community lookup table, Polygons attributized with initial communities April 1998: Received DOQQ files (April 1989) May 11-12, 1998: Photointerpretation field verification trip May 1998: Revise photo signature / TNC community lookup table, Update and correct PI community calls and PI linework June - October 1998: Data rectification and conversion, Interim files and plots delivered to NPS-ROCR, Final documentation

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. October 29, 1996: Aerial photography for Rock Creek Park is flown February 25, 1997: Initial meeting at Rock Creek Park headquarters - acquisition of aerial photography and ancillary data including existing vegetation maps March - April 1997: First cut delineations onto aerial photography of the photo signatures (see Figure 3 - Rock Creek Park Photo Index). May 12 - 16, 1997: Photointerpretation field reconnaissance trip, TNC training of park biologists in field sampling methodology May - June 1997: Develop initial list of photo signature types, Revise initial delineations based on field reconnaissance findings, Label existing polygons with photo signature types, Deliver copies of overlays to park biologists for plot selection and feedback June - September 1997: Park vegetation sampling effort February 19, 1998: Received draft TNC report of the vegetation classification for Rock Creek March 1998: Received final TNC report on the vegetation classification for Rock Creek, Received plot data and locations for vegetation sampling effort, Received TNC key for communities, Development of PI signature / TNC community lookup table, Polygons attributized with initial communities April 1998: Received DOQQ files (April 1989) May 11-12, 1998: Photointerpretation field verification trip May 1998: Revise photo signature / TNC community lookup table, Update and correct PI community calls and PI linework June - October 1998: Data rectification and conversion, Interim files and plots delivered to NPS-ROCR, Final documentation

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. Our final map product is a geographic information system (GIS) database of vegetation structure and composition across the Crater Lake National Park terrestrial landscape, including wetlands. The database includes photos we took at all relevé, validation, and accuracy assessment plots, as well as the plots that were done in the previous wetlands inventory. We conducted an accuracy assessment of the map by evaluating 698 stratified random accuracy assessment plots throughout the project area. We intersected these field data with the vegetation map, resulting in an overall thematic accuracy of 86.2 %. The accuracy of the Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation map unit was difficult to assess, as only 9% of this vegetation type was available for sampling due to lack of access. In addition, fires that occurred during the 2017 accuracy assessment field season affected our sample design and may have had a small influence on the accuracy. Our geodatabase contains the locations where particular associations are found at 600 relevé plots, 698 accuracy assessment plots, and 803 validation plots.

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. Our final map product is a geographic information system (GIS) database of vegetation structure and composition across the Crater Lake National Park terrestrial landscape, including wetlands. The database includes photos we took at all relevé, validation, and accuracy assessment plots, as well as the plots that were done in the previous wetlands inventory. We conducted an accuracy assessment of the map by evaluating 698 stratified random accuracy assessment plots throughout the project area. We intersected these field data with the vegetation map, resulting in an overall thematic accuracy of 86.2 %. The accuracy of the Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation map unit was difficult to assess, as only 9% of this vegetation type was available for sampling due to lack of access. In addition, fires that occurred during the 2017 accuracy assessment field season affected our sample design and may have had a small influence on the accuracy. Our geodatabase contains the locations where particular associations are found at 600 relevé plots, 698 accuracy assessment plots, and 803 validation plots.

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. All classification plot information sampled in 2009 was documented, summarized, and geo-processed into a GIS shapefile that could be overlain on the NAIP ortho-imagery. CTI created preliminary map classes (also known as map units) based largely on whether the vegetation surrounding the plot locations could be readily identified and delineated on the NAIP imagery (i.e. photo signature development). Once the photo signatures were inventoried they were matched or cross-walked back to the preliminary list of plant associations prepared in the project work plan. Supplemental land-use and land-cover classes (Anderson 1976, amended 2002) were added to classify non-vegetated areas such as developments, roads, streams, ponds, bare ground, and active agricultural areas. All obvious land-use features were manually digitized and incorporated with the project boundary into a draft GIS layer. Initial interpretation and mapping focused only on delineating obvious landforms (e.g., geologic exposures and land use) and physiognomic features (e.g., grasslands versus shrublands versus woodlands).

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. All classification plot information sampled in 2009 was documented, summarized, and geo-processed into a GIS shapefile that could be overlain on the NAIP ortho-imagery. CTI created preliminary map classes (also known as map units) based largely on whether the vegetation surrounding the plot locations could be readily identified and delineated on the NAIP imagery (i.e. photo signature development). Once the photo signatures were inventoried they were matched or cross-walked back to the preliminary list of plant associations prepared in the project work plan. Supplemental land-use and land-cover classes (Anderson 1976, amended 2002) were added to classify non-vegetated areas such as developments, roads, streams, ponds, bare ground, and active agricultural areas. All obvious land-use features were manually digitized and incorporated with the project boundary into a draft GIS layer. Initial interpretation and mapping focused only on delineating obvious landforms (e.g., geologic exposures and land use) and physiognomic features (e.g., grasslands versus shrublands versus woodlands).

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. All of the interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) databases using ArcMap© software and are included in a comprehensive geodatabase. Draft maps created from the vegetation classification were field-tested and revised before independent ecologists conducted an assessment of the map’s accuracy during 2014.

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. All of the interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) databases using ArcMap© software and are included in a comprehensive geodatabase. Draft maps created from the vegetation classification were field-tested and revised before independent ecologists conducted an assessment of the map’s accuracy during 2014.

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. A digital vegetation map for GARI was developed as a personal geodatabase using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software. The geodatabase includes a point feature class for locations of plots and two polygon-feature classes (clipped by the park boundary and unclipped) for vegetation, including non-vegetated land cover. The vegetation map includes 31 map classes. Upland communities comprise about 86% of the park area and are represented by 13 map classes. Two upland map classes each include patches of two associations, all others represent single associations.