Abstract

This manual provides a mapping and database system and methodology for large scale (typically 1:5,000) mapping of estuaries. This standard provides an overview of the mapping system, and describes the methodology, database structure and mapping procedures of the system.
The system builds upon an estuarine classification developed by the Ministry of Environment in 1983 (Hunter et al 1983) and integrates components from the following RIC standards:

• British Columbia Physical Shore-Zone Mapping System (Howes et al., 1994),
• British Columbia Biological Shore-zone Mapping System (Searing and Frith, 1995),
• Wetland and Riparian Ecosystem Classification (MacKenzie & Banner, in preparation) and
• Standards for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping for British Columbia (Resource Inventory Committee, 1998).
• Terrain Classification System (Howes and Kenk, 1997)

This standard is composed of seven databases that separate biotic from abiotic attributes and point from polygon attributes. The design of this system permits the comparison of estuaries throughout the province, and can easily be updated to incorporate changes in any of the existing standards this work is based upon. It has been developed and structured in a manner that facilitates the incorporation of data from this standard into a GIS. Lastly, this standard is applicable for research or scientific applications, as data collection methods are rigorous and the database and mapping structure has been designed with research needs in mind.