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 project team also developed a spatial vegetation map database representing MEVE, with three different map-class schemas: base, group, and management map classes. The base map classes represent the finest level of spatial detail. Initial polygons were developed using Definiens Professional (at the time of our use, this software was called eCognition), assisted by interpretation of 1:12,000 true-color digital orthophoto quarter quadrangles (DOQQs). These polygons (base map classes) were labeled using manual photo interpretation of the DOQQs and 1:12,000 true-color aerial photography. Field visits verified interpretation concepts. The vegetation map database includes 46 base map classes, which consist of associations, alliances, and park specials classified with quantitative analysis, additional associations and park specials noted during photointerpretation, and non-vegetated land cover, such as infrastructure, land use, and geological land cover. The base map classes consist of 5,007 polygons in the project area. A field-based accuracy assessment of the base map classes showed overall accuracy to be 43.5%. Seven map classes comprise 89.1% of the park vegetated land cover.

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.

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.

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 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 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 products are designed with the goal of facilitating ecologically-based natural resources management and research. The vector (polygon) map is in digital format within a geodatabase structure that allows for complex relationships to be established between spatial and tabular data, and allows much of the data to be accessed concurrently. Each map unit has multiple photo attachments viewable easily from within the geodatabase, linked to their actual location on the ground. The Geographic Information System (GIS) format of the map allows user flexibility and will also enable updates to be made as new information becomes available (such as revised NVC codes or vegetation type names) or in the event of major disturbance events that could impact the vegetation. Unlike previous vegetation maps created by SODN, the map for Saguaro National Park was not created via in-situ mapping. Instead, we employed a remote sensing approach aided by our robust field dataset. The final version of the map was created in summer 2016. The map was created using the image-classification toolbox included in the spatial analyst extension for ArcMap (ESRI 2017). Using these tools, we performed a supervised classification with the maximum-likelihood classifier. This tool uses a set of user-defined training samples (polygons) to classify imagery by placing pixels with the maximum likelihood into each map class. We used a pixel size equivalent to the coarsest raster included in the classification, 30 meters.

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 products are designed with the goal of facilitating ecologically-based natural resources management and research. The vector (polygon) map is in digital format within a geodatabase structure that allows for complex relationships to be established between spatial and tabular data, and allows much of the data to be accessed concurrently. Each map unit has multiple photo attachments viewable easily from within the geodatabase, linked to their actual location on the ground. The Geographic Information System (GIS) format of the map allows user flexibility and will also enable updates to be made as new information becomes available (such as revised NVC codes or vegetation type names) or in the event of major disturbance events that could impact the vegetation. Unlike previous vegetation maps created by SODN, the map for Saguaro National Park was not created via in-situ mapping. Instead, we employed a remote sensing approach aided by our robust field dataset. The final version of the map was created in summer 2016. The map was created using the image-classification toolbox included in the spatial analyst extension for ArcMap (ESRI 2017). Using these tools, we performed a supervised classification with the maximum-likelihood classifier. This tool uses a set of user-defined training samples (polygons) to classify imagery by placing pixels with the maximum likelihood into each map class. We used a pixel size equivalent to the coarsest raster included in the classification, 30 meters.

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. Aerial digital ortho-photography was the foundation imagery for map development. For Abó, the photography was acquired on April May 15, 2002 at a scale of approximately 1:3,000; for Quarai and Gran Quivira it was flown on April 2, 2003 at scales of 1:3,600 and 1:3000, respectively. The 2002-03 digital imagery has a base pixel resolution of 1.0 m. We also made use of statewide 1-meter resolution, true-color imagery from 2005 that became available in 2006 through the New Mexico Resource Geographic Information System. A 10 m spatial resolution USGS Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used, in conjunction with ground data, to help discriminate between vegetation types based on elevation gradients and terrain. All imagery and other spatial data layers were compiled into a geodatabase and GIS using ArcGIS 9.3 (ESRI 2008).