Geospatial data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Bryce Canyon National Park

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 mapping component of the BRCA project used a combination of methods to interpret and delineate vegetation and land use polygons. The USGS applied an electronic segmentation method (e-Cognition software) to create preliminary linework on features with high-contrast photo-signatures. Using the preliminary linework as a baseline starting point, the primary photointerpreter drew polygons directly on screen through heads-up digitizing using ArcGIS editing tools. Additionally, trained photointerpreters assisting the primary photointerpreter drew polygons on Mylar overlays covering 1m resolution, 1:12,000-scale, 9 x 9-inch true-color aerial photographs. This process enabled the photointerpreters to view the landscape in stereo in order to identify finer details. The linework drawn on Mylar overlays was then transferred into digital media by heads-up digitizing using ArcGIS software. The park and environs were interpreted and mapped to the same level of detail.