Research Task: 8327CM0.1.0
Task Manager: Bob Waltermire
The USGS-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program (USGS-NPS VMP) is in the process of developing vegetation cover maps for most units in the National Park system. New methodologies are needed to increase the speed and accuracy of vegetation mapping, reduce the cost, and produce a quantitative-based vegetation database. Working with the USGS-NPS VMP, FORT is comparing the widely used, traditional aerial photo-interpretation methodology with the relatively new Discrete Classification Mapping Methodology (DCMM). The DCMM may be a more accurate and efficient mapping methodology that the USGS-NPS VMP will want to consider for mapping other medium-to-large parks. This collaborative effort involves FORT, USGS-NPS VMP, Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Klamath Network, engineering-environmental Management, Inc. (e2M), and Geographic Resource Solutions (GRS). e2M will perform the photo-interpretation, FORT will automate the interpreted data into a GIS, and GRS will perform the DCMM. FORT personnel will conduct a comparison of the two resulting GIS datasets.
For more information contact Bob Waltermire