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. Large scale final map products were created within ArcMap and designed to show both the orthophoto coverage and the vegetation maps. For the vegetation maps, colors were assigned and the polygons labeled with the dominant vegetation and modifier and, where present, the second vegetation and modifier. For the orthophoto maps, the photos were simply plotted at the same scale and area coverage as the vegetation maps. Additional planimetric map data included roads, trails, hydrology, boundaries and a UTM coordinate grid. Legends are designed to provide full definitions of the vegetation and buffer classes and modifiers, as well as information about the park, map projection, data sources and authorship (Figure 19). All maps are projected to the Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System, North American Datum of 1984, in the local zone for the specific park.

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 late May and June of 1997, after a preliminary vegetation map had been prepared by the photointerpreter, a map validation step was performed in which further data were collected to obtain more information on the vegetation types and to better correlate the vegetation with the signatures on the aerial photographs. Sampling was conducted at points selected by the photointerpreter based on stratified random design in which more extensive vegetation types were allocated more points. This resulted in the collection of 36 observation points. At each point, the dominant species in each vegetation stratum were recorded with an estimated cover class. These extra points gave a better understanding of the variation within vegetation types and allowed sampling of three types that had not been found in the previous field season.

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. Imagery date: 10/25/2001 Area (ac): 307 Area (ha): 124 The polygons on the plastic overlays were then corrected using photogrammetric procedures and converted to vector format for use in creating a geographic information system (GIS) database for each park. In addition, high resolution color orthophotographs were created from the original aerial photographs for use in the GIS. Upon completion of the GIS database (including vegetation, orthophotos and updated roads and hydrology layers), both hardcopy and softcopy maps were produced for delivery.

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 was developed using a strategy that combined and automated digital image classification of satellite imagery with direct analog image interpretation. Two sets of satellite imagery were used for mapping: SpaceImaging’s IKONOS and Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper+ (ETM+). IKONOS was the primary imagery used because of its high-resolution 1 m panchromatic (Pan— a black and white panchromatic band) and 4 m Multi-Spectral (MS—three visible and one infrared band) data. Variations in plant reflection and absorption due to biochemical composition will vary within and among bands and generate distinct spectral “signatures” for various elements of interest). In this case, the signature of each picture element (pixel) in the image provides a quantitative measure of reflectance at specific wavelengths that can then be statistically analyzed to generate a vegetation map of spectrally similar vegetation communities. In addition, the high resolution of both the Pan and MS imagery enabled the visual differentiation of trees and shrubs from one another along with various physical features that allow the enhancement of the statistically generated map during the interpretation phase

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. Field reconnaissance is intended to familiarize the photo interpreter with the Monument, patterns of vegetation distribution, and environmental factors. During map class and attribute development, the mapping ecologist uses all available information, professional experience, and an inspection of the aerial imagery to develop map classes and appropriate attributes. Mapping is the process during which the photo interpreter uses field data, field notes, and characteristic photo signatures to draw consistent, homogenous polygons on the base photography. During spatial database development, attributes (e.g., vegetation height, land use category) and ancillary datasets (e.g., photos, map class descriptions) are linked to each point or polygon in the spatial layer. Because TICA is a small park, the first three steps were accomplished simultaneously during the plot data collection visit in June 2007.

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 consists of 267 polygons comprising an area of 1842.5 ha (4,552.8 ac) (Table 4). Average polygon size is 6.7 ha (16.6 ac). One-hundred-nineteen polygons were 100% dominated by one physiognomic vegetation class. The remaining polygons contain two physiognomic vegetation classes, of these: (1) 59 were 90% dominated by the primary physiognomic class; (2) 34 were 80% dominated by the primary class type; (3) 16 were 70% dominated by the primary class type; (4) 15 polygons were 60% dominated by the primary class type; and (5) 24 polygons had a 50/50 split between the two physiognomic vegetation class types present. Maps are produced in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates (NAD 83) with a 1:24,000 scale and a minimum mapping unit of 0.5 hectares (ha) (1.24 acres (ac)). This vegetation feature class was updated in 2017 to reflect the final Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve boundary approved by the U.S. Congress on December 19, 2014, which deviated slightly from the original proposed expansion boundary and project area used in the original vegetation mapping effort.

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 consists of 267 polygons comprising an area of 1842.5 ha (4,552.8 ac) (Table 4). Average polygon size is 6.7 ha (16.6 ac). One-hundred-nineteen polygons were 100% dominated by one physiognomic vegetation class. The remaining polygons contain two physiognomic vegetation classes, of these: (1) 59 were 90% dominated by the primary physiognomic class; (2) 34 were 80% dominated by the primary class type; (3) 16 were 70% dominated by the primary class type; (4) 15 polygons were 60% dominated by the primary class type; and (5) 24 polygons had a 50/50 split between the two physiognomic vegetation class types present. Maps are produced in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates (NAD 83) with a 1:24,000 scale and a minimum mapping unit of 0.5 hectares (ha) (1.24 acres (ac)). This vegetation feature class was updated in 2017 to reflect the final Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve boundary approved by the U.S. Congress on December 19, 2014, which deviated slightly from the original proposed expansion boundary and project area used in the original vegetation mapping effort.

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 FOBU vegetation mapping project area was divided into 1,709 polygons. A total of 1,687 map polygons represent 37 natural and semi-natural vegetation map classes. Two land use map classes describe 22 other polygons within the mapping area. Average polygon size across all map classes is 2.0 ha (5.0 acres). Natural and semi-natural vegetation classes cover 6,153 ha (15,205 acres; 98.7% of the project area). Land use polygons, including roads and NPS facilities, total 63.5 ha (156.9 acres; 1.3% of the project area). The most frequent vegetation mapping unit is the Low Sagebrush Shrubland (S-LOWS) with 646 polygons covering 2,161 ha (5,341 acres) or 35% of the project 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. 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. Fifty-one map classes were developed to describe the COLM vegetation mapping project area. Of these, 26 are NVC-based vegetation map classes, four are geology map classes, seven are vegetated land use map classes and 14 are non-vegetated land-use map classes. Of the 26 vegetation map classes, 16 represent single NVC plant associations; the other 10 map classes contain multiple plant associations. One map class consists of point data representing seep and spring vegetation. It is contained in a separate coverage from the polygon map classes.