Poster Session: Modeling Species Patterns

Using Ecological Cluster Zones: Creating Spatial Parameters for Accurate Land Cover Mapping. Kirby, Jessica ^*,1, ¹ Utah State University- RS GIS Lab, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT- The Southwest Regional Gap Project (SW Re-GAP) is developing an accurate land cover map at the finest resolution possible across a 5-state seamless landscape. The intent of the land cover portion is to accurately represent exiting vegetation using the National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) developed by Nature Serve. The NVCS enables SW Re-GAP to standardize modeled vegetation using an Ecological System (ES) label. Unlike previous GAP products that used the NLCD standard, the NVCS allows SW Re-GAP to classify vegetation using ecologically driven parameters. The ES label represents the assimilation of multiple ecological factors such as biotic composition, environmental settings and plant vigor. While the introduction of these ecological parameters has allowed for a detailed grouping of the otherwise coarse level NLCD, it has also introduced new modeling challenges. In many cases ES cover-types are not only ecologically unique but geographically diverse. The challenge lies in the fact that ecological characteristics are not, in most cases, spectral distinct. To ensure accurate land cover mapping using NVCS it is necessary to separate spectrally distinct cover-types into zones. Ecological cluster zones can be established by clustering ES with similar parameters. Clustering can be based on a number of factors such as Ecoregional Boundaries and Life Zone distributions. Once cluster zones have been established, they are used as a mask. The mask allows for limited distribution of ES cover types in the model output. This limited distribution ensures proper location of each individual ES, increasing overall accuracy and confidence in the final product.

KEY WORDS: Modeling, SWGAP, Vegetation , NVCS, Cluster