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.

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. GRBA’s spatial database and map layer was produced from high-resolution 2007 Digital Map, Inc. imagery provided to CTI by the NPS. By comparing the signatures on the imagery to field and ground data, 64 map units (48 vegetated, four barren geology and snow, and 12 land-use / land-cover) were developed and the vegetation map units were directly cross-walked or matched to their corresponding rUSNVC plant associations. The interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial geodatabases and maps were printed, field tested, reviewed, and revised.

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. GRBA’s spatial database and map layer was produced from high-resolution 2007 Digital Map, Inc. imagery provided to CTI by the NPS. By comparing the signatures on the imagery to field and ground data, 64 map units (48 vegetated, four barren geology and snow, and 12 land-use / land-cover) were developed and the vegetation map units were directly cross-walked or matched to their corresponding rUSNVC plant associations. The interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial geodatabases and maps were printed, field tested, reviewed, and revised.

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 final BITH map consists of 51 map classes. Land cover classes include five types: pasture / hay ground agricultural vegetation; non – vegetated / barren land, borrow pit, cut bank; developed, open space; developed, low – high intensity; and water. The 46 vegetation classes represent 102 associations or park specials. Of these, 75 represent natural vegetation associations within the USNVC, and 27 types represent unpublished park specials. Of the 46 vegetation map classes, 26 represent a single USNVC association/park special, 7 map classes contain two USNVC associations/park specials, 4 map classes contain three USNVC associations/park specials, and 9 map classes contain four or more USNVC associations/park specials. Forest and woodland types had an abundance of Pinus taeda, Liquidambar styraciflua, Ilex opaca, Ilex vomitoria, Quercus nigra, and Vitis rotundifolia. Shrubland types were dominated by Pinus taeda, Ilex vomitoria, Triadica sebifera, Liquidambar styraciflua, and/or Callicarpa americana. Herbaceous types had an abundance of Zizaniopsis miliacea, Juncus effusus, Panicum virgatum, and/or Saccharum giganteum.

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 final BITH map consists of 51 map classes. Land cover classes include five types: pasture / hay ground agricultural vegetation; non – vegetated / barren land, borrow pit, cut bank; developed, open space; developed, low – high intensity; and water. The 46 vegetation classes represent 102 associations or park specials. Of these, 75 represent natural vegetation associations within the USNVC, and 27 types represent unpublished park specials. Of the 46 vegetation map classes, 26 represent a single USNVC association/park special, 7 map classes contain two USNVC associations/park specials, 4 map classes contain three USNVC associations/park specials, and 9 map classes contain four or more USNVC associations/park specials. Forest and woodland types had an abundance of Pinus taeda, Liquidambar styraciflua, Ilex opaca, Ilex vomitoria, Quercus nigra, and Vitis rotundifolia. Shrubland types were dominated by Pinus taeda, Ilex vomitoria, Triadica sebifera, Liquidambar styraciflua, and/or Callicarpa americana. Herbaceous types had an abundance of Zizaniopsis miliacea, Juncus effusus, Panicum virgatum, and/or Saccharum giganteum.

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.

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. Vegetation mapping for BADL falls under the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program’s general task of completing all the National Parks within the Great Plains Ecosystem. Other Parks in this region that have been mapped or are currently in progress include: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Scott’s Bluff National Monument, and Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Thirty-three map classes or units were recognized and used for BADL (Table 4). These were divided into 23 vegetation units and ten Anderson Level II (Anderson et al. 1976) land use classes. Map units were developed through a combination of fieldwork, preliminary photo-interpretation, and the NVCS for BADL. Deviations from the NVCS occurred when distinct photo signatures could not be discerned from aerial photography, such as some of the grassland and badlands types. Also, some map units did not directly correspond to the USGS-NPS vegetation-mapping program but were included to aid with BADL’s management needs.

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. Vegetation mapping for BADL falls under the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program’s general task of completing all the National Parks within the Great Plains Ecosystem. Other Parks in this region that have been mapped or are currently in progress include: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Scott’s Bluff National Monument, and Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Thirty-three map classes or units were recognized and used for BADL (Table 4). These were divided into 23 vegetation units and ten Anderson Level II (Anderson et al. 1976) land use classes. Map units were developed through a combination of fieldwork, preliminary photo-interpretation, and the NVCS for BADL. Deviations from the NVCS occurred when distinct photo signatures could not be discerned from aerial photography, such as some of the grassland and badlands types. Also, some map units did not directly correspond to the USGS-NPS vegetation-mapping program but were included to aid with BADL’s management needs.

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. Photo interpretation was conducted through an on-screen heads-up digitizing method using ArcMap. The study area was divided into several modules. The individual modules were interpreted using the primary and supplemental imagery, reconnaissance and relevé data, and other ancillary data, including elevation contours and fire history. Each polygon was assigned the appropriate attribute code string (mapping classification types, conifer, hardwood and shrub percent cover, and land use). A total of 6,141 map polygons representing 34 vegetation map classes (including tree and shrub cover), 14 land use map classes and 7 miscellaneous classes were developed for the PINN vegetation mapping project. Of the 6,141 mapped polygons 115 were assigned to both a land use class and a vegetation class. Average polygon size across all map classes is 3 ha (7.3 acres). Natural and semi-natural vegetation classes cover 17,953 ha (44,362 acres), or 98.6% of the project area. Land use polygons including ranch developments, agriculture and Park facilities cover 250 ha (617 acres), or 1.4 % of the project area.