Standards, guidelines and methodologies
Standards, guidelines and methodologies are being published at national and state or territory level to ensure Australia-wide consistency in vegetation mapping and information gathering work.
National publications
Australian Vegetation Attributes Manual
The Australian Vegetation Attributes Manual provides a guide to the capture, interpretation and management of existing and new vegetation information into a database.
Its primary purpose is to link the vegetation descriptions to map units (e.g. map legend information) in a geographic information system (GIS).
It provides nationally agreed guidelines for translating and compiling mapped vegetation datasets into the NVIS database through describing the NVIS attribute framework and links to the NVIS database.
Baobab woodlands
Photo: T. Rosling
'Yellow Book' for site data
The Field survey for vegetation classification (version 1) or the 'Yellow Book' provides national guidelines and methods for using vegetation site data that meet the requirements of the National Vegetation Information System. The aim is to assist vegetation scientists to survey, classify and map vegetation types to the association and sub-association level of detail.
'Blue Book' for combining site data and remote imagery
Condition Manual
Science for Decision Makers: Assessment of vegetation condition: an indicator of sustainable, productive ecosystems or the 'Condition Manual', informs national, regional and local policy makers, management agencies and land managers about approaches to evaluating vegetation condition.
Indicators and monitoring
Indicators for native vegetation communities' integrity: Indicator protocols (guidelines) can be accessed through the Australian Government NRM portal .
When finalised, indicators across a range of themes (i.e. matters for target) will be made available from the National Land and Water Resources Audit .
State and territory publications
Australian Capital Territory
Vegetation mapping and data collection standards
The ACT has adopted polygon- and plot-based survey methods for vegetation data collection. The polygon approach provides spatial extent, condition and habitat data. The quantitative plot method provides quadrant-based data, including structure, and is used for vegetation modelling.
Northern Territory
Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping
Survey standards and guidelines for vegetation survey and mapping that are consistent with the national standards.
Contact the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts for further information.
Contributions welcome
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Eucalypts
Photo: M. Fagg