Pinnacles National Monument Vegetation Mapping
From 2007 to 2009 AIS performed vegetation mapping services for Pinnacles National Monument (PINN) as part of the NPS Vegetation Inventory and Mapping Program (IMP).
AIS vegetation mappers, working in conjunction with park and local ecologists, performed reconnaissance surveys to correlate photo signatures to the appropriate vegetation type and ecological conditions. The vegetation interpretations were entered into the database using heads-up photo interpretive techniques developed by AIS for vegetation mapping projects. The interpreters used project specific digitizing tools and coding menus created by AIS programming staff for the PINN mapping effort to delineate the vegetation unit boundaries while viewing the digital project imagery on-screen. The vegetation units were classified with established National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) types or NVCS compliant photo interpretative mapping units.
The initial interpretations were reviewed for accuracy and compliance with the project criteria. Upon completion of the mapping, AIS, again in conjunction with the project ecologists, performed field verification surveys to confirm that the vegetation units were mapped correctly. Any outstanding photo interpretation related questions were answered at this time.
Accuracy assessment (AA) field sample site information was collected by AIS’ subcontractor, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS). The formal AA analysis found a global accuracy of 84% for the final mapped vegetation data.