The Region 8 SPB Hazard map is a compilation of 8 models run across 15 broad ecological zones, where SPB Hazard is defined as: The degree of vulnerability of a stand to SPB, based on stand and physiographic attributes.
In several models, SPB establishment was considered a precursor to SPB hazard; here, separate susceptibility and vulnerability models were constructed. Models were developed from variations of existing SPB hazard rating systems developed for the coastal plain, piedmont, and mountains:
www.clemson.edu/extfor/publications/forlf11
www.barkbeetles.org/spb/spbbook/Chapt4.html
Each model is constructed at a 30-meter resolution within a GIS environment using a set of forest parameter layers (Basal Area, Diameter, Stand Density Index etc.) and a multi-criteria modeling framework.
Host Mapping Methods Paper (1 MB PDF)
The multi-criteria framework used on this project was developed during the construction of the 2006 National Insect and Disease Risk map (NIDRM).
NIDRM Methods Paper (1.5 MB PDF)
All model outputs were reviewed by local subject area experts and in some cases adjustments were made. In several regions field work was conducted to assess the "usefulness" of both the hazard and forest parameter maps. |