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 vegetation map for Pecos National Historical Park was developed using a combined strategy of automated digital-image classification and direct analog-image interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery. Initially, the aerial photography and satellite imagery were processed and entered into a GIS along with ancillary spatial layers. A working legend of ecologically based vegetation map units was developed using the vegetation classification described in Chapter 2 as the foundation. The intent was to develop map units that targeted the plant-association level wherever possible within the constraints of image quality, information content, and resolution. With the provisional legend and ground-control points provided by the field-plot data (the same data used to develop the vegetation classification), a series of automated image segmentation and supervised image classifications were conducted, followed by fine-scale map refinement using direct image interpretation and manual editing. The outcome was a vegetation map composed of a suite of map units defined by plant associations and represented by sets of mapped polygons with similar spectral and physical characteristics

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. Following the vegetation plot data analysis, the preliminary vegetation map was edited and refined to produce a revised preliminary vegetation map prior to thematic accuracy assessment (AA). Using ArcMap 9.2 (ESRI 1999-2006), polygon boundaries were revised on-screen using the newly acquired aerial orthophotography (digital photomosaic) based on the classification plot data, field observations, classification analyses, aerial photography signatures, and topographic maps. Each polygon was assigned the USNVC Community Element Global (CEGL) code of a preliminary vegetation association based on the information sources listed above. Second, third, and fourth CEGL code choices were entered in cases of uncertainty, or for polygons representing mosaics of two or more vegetation types.

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. Following the vegetation plot data analysis, the preliminary vegetation map was edited and refined to produce a revised preliminary vegetation map prior to thematic accuracy assessment (AA). Using ArcMap 9.2 (ESRI 1999-2006), polygon boundaries were revised on-screen using the newly acquired aerial orthophotography (digital photomosaic) based on the classification plot data, field observations, classification analyses, aerial photography signatures, and topographic maps. Each polygon was assigned the USNVC Community Element Global (CEGL) code of a preliminary vegetation association based on the information sources listed above. Second, third, and fourth CEGL code choices were entered in cases of uncertainty, or for polygons representing mosaics of two or more vegetation types.

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 draft final map was subjected to a heads-up screen digitizing edit using the most recent aerial photography. Accordingly, we accessed recent imagery through 2012 Microsoft Corporation Bing Imagery, available via ESRI ArcGis 10.0. As with all Bing imagery, the exact image date is not provided, but a search of the Digital Globe library indicates three possible dates: 2009-01-13, 2011-11-18, 2012-01-09, or a combination thereof. We think that it is not likely that the 2012 imagery had been posted to Bing, and that the 2011 imagery is the most likely candidate. We were also able to bring directly in additional 2009 New Mexico county imagery, and 2005 NAIP color-infrared and natural-color imagery at 1 m resolution. During the final edit, the thematic composition and number of Level 1 and 2 map units were finalized and the final map product produced using NPS cartographic standards. While the minimum mapping requirements were at 1:24,000 scale with map unit delineations or polygons at 0.5 ha or larger, most of the final line work was completed at an operational scale between 1:12,000 and 1:3,000. Hence, polygons down to 0.25 ha were often maintained. For final map production, adjacent polygons of the same class were merged. Final map products included the geodatabase and a 1:44,000 poster map at Level 1 and 2.

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 draft final map was subjected to a heads-up screen digitizing edit using the most recent aerial photography. Accordingly, we accessed recent imagery through 2012 Microsoft Corporation Bing Imagery, available via ESRI ArcGis 10.0. As with all Bing imagery, the exact image date is not provided, but a search of the Digital Globe library indicates three possible dates: 2009-01-13, 2011-11-18, 2012-01-09, or a combination thereof. We think that it is not likely that the 2012 imagery had been posted to Bing, and that the 2011 imagery is the most likely candidate. We were also able to bring directly in additional 2009 New Mexico county imagery, and 2005 NAIP color-infrared and natural-color imagery at 1 m resolution. During the final edit, the thematic composition and number of Level 1 and 2 map units were finalized and the final map product produced using NPS cartographic standards. While the minimum mapping requirements were at 1:24,000 scale with map unit delineations or polygons at 0.5 ha or larger, most of the final line work was completed at an operational scale between 1:12,000 and 1:3,000. Hence, polygons down to 0.25 ha were often maintained. For final map production, adjacent polygons of the same class were merged. Final map products included the geodatabase and a 1:44,000 poster map at Level 1 and 2.

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. In order to accommodate the complex vegetation patterns often found in National Park units and generally maintain a minimum mapping unit of 0.5 ha, a three-tiered scheme was developed for attributing vegetation polygons. Where appropriate, secondary and tertiary vegetation classes are added to describe mixed-plant communities within the polygon. Secondary and tertiary classes were especially useful for describing ecotones, and for polygons with a patchwork of communities below the minimum mapping unit size. Final products included seamless park-wide GIS databases in ArcGIS geodatabase and ArcView shapefile formats of detailed overstory vegetation communities, along with vegetation statistics, hardcopy maps and orthophoto images plotted at large scale corresponding to the park area.

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. In order to accommodate the complex vegetation patterns often found in National Park units and generally maintain a minimum mapping unit of 0.5 ha, a three-tiered scheme was developed for attributing vegetation polygons. Where appropriate, secondary and tertiary vegetation classes are added to describe mixed-plant communities within the polygon. Secondary and tertiary classes were especially useful for describing ecotones, and for polygons with a patchwork of communities below the minimum mapping unit size. Final products included seamless park-wide GIS databases in ArcGIS geodatabase and ArcView shapefile formats of detailed overstory vegetation communities, along with vegetation statistics, hardcopy maps and orthophoto images plotted at large scale corresponding to the park area.

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. To produce the digital map, a combination of 1:12,000-scale ortho imagery acquired in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and all of the GPS-referenced ground data were used to interpret the complex patterns of vegetation and land-use. All imagery was acquired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Farm Service Agency’s Aerial Photography Field Office and the National Agriculture Imagery Program. In the end, 32 map units (13 vegetated and 19 land-use) were developed and directly cross-walked or matched to corresponding plant associations and land-use classes. All of the interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) databases using ArcGIS© software. Draft maps were printed, field tested, reviewed, and revised. One hundred-twenty four accuracy assessment (AA) data points were collected in 2006 and used to determine the map’s accuracy. After final revisions, the accuracy assessment revealed an overall thematic accuracy of 89%. Project Size = 6,784 acres San Antonio Missions National Historical Park = 844 acres Map Classes = 32 13 Vegetated 19 Non-vegetated Minimum Mapping Unit = ½ hectare is the program standard but this was modified at SAAN to ¼ acre. Total Size = 1,122 Polygons Average Polygon Size = 6 acres Overall Thematic Accuracy = 89%

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. To produce the digital map, a combination of 1:12,000-scale ortho imagery acquired in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and all of the GPS-referenced ground data were used to interpret the complex patterns of vegetation and land-use. All imagery was acquired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Farm Service Agency’s Aerial Photography Field Office and the National Agriculture Imagery Program. In the end, 32 map units (13 vegetated and 19 land-use) were developed and directly cross-walked or matched to corresponding plant associations and land-use classes. All of the interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) databases using ArcGIS© software. Draft maps were printed, field tested, reviewed, and revised. One hundred-twenty four accuracy assessment (AA) data points were collected in 2006 and used to determine the map’s accuracy. After final revisions, the accuracy assessment revealed an overall thematic accuracy of 89%. Project Size = 6,784 acres San Antonio Missions National Historical Park = 844 acres Map Classes = 32 13 Vegetated 19 Non-vegetated Minimum Mapping Unit = ½ hectare is the program standard but this was modified at SAAN to ¼ acre. Total Size = 1,122 Polygons Average Polygon Size = 6 acres Overall Thematic Accuracy = 89%

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. Forty-two polygons were mapped within the project boundary: 27 at the main unit and 15 at the Adamsville proposed expansion area. In total, 15 distinct types were identified across the study area. Seven of these types are Anderson Land Use Classes or variations thereof; the others are natural vegetation classes following the NVCS. Map classes were described at the alliance or association level; where known, alliance descriptions also include recognized associations. Due to the small area involved in this project, and to its relatively simple floristic attributes, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the map classes presented here and the community types described. A total of 35 species were recorded during the sampling efforts. Alliances and associations marked with (P) are proposed, not yet accepted into the NVC. In addition, summarized local descriptions, with example satellite image/signatures and representative photos for each alliance or association, follow this section.