11. Air Photo Number

Record the flight line and air photo number.

12. X/Y Co-ordinates

Using a plastic air photo grid overlay (2M-79), record values of X and Y co-ordinates for the intersecting lines closest to the plot location. Place the grid over the photograph with photo number viewed upright and the origin of grid axes aligned with the lower left-hand corner. Be sure to align centre and feducial points (points at corners or centre of each side of photograph).

13. Map Unit

If the plot is part of a mapping project, enter coding for the terrestrial ecosystem (TEM) or other map unit (eg., soils, terrain, etc.). TEM unit coding is as follows:

14. Site Diagram

A cross-sectional diagram of plot location in relation to the surrounding landscape is often most useful. Use the diagram to provide additional information about site features or to assist in locating the plot again. Stand structure, mesoslope position, physical features of the surrounding landscape, and plot location relative to identifiable landmarks such as bodies of water or roads can be depicted (Figure 1.1).

FIGURE 1.1 Examples of site diagrams.

15. Plot Representing

Briefly characterize the site. If the plot was not selected randomly or systematically, describe the key attributes for which it was chosen.
For example:

• Open Pl stand; kinnikinnick, lichens on FG terrace
• Young highly productive Fd stand on zonal site
• Sxw- horsetail-ladyfern, Hydromor, Humic Gleysol, on floodplain

16. Biogeoclimatic Unit

Enter a code for the biogeoclimatic zone and subzone. Include variant and phase where applicable. Ministry of Forests maps and regional field guides to site identification and interpretation are the best sources of information. A current listing of codes is given in Appendix 1.1.

• In areas distinctly transitional between two recognized biogeoclimatic units, enter the code for the dominant unit here and mark with an asterisk (*). Identify other unit and explain under "Notes" (Item 34).

17. Site Series

Enter a two-digit site series code and a letter code for site series phases, where recognized, from the appropriate MOF regional field guide to site identification and interpretation. Note the following special cases:

• If two or more distinct site series are present, list in order of predominance, followed by the proportion of the plot represented by each in percent. For example: 01a (70%), 05 (30%).
• Where site characteristics are uniform, but distinctly transitional between two recognized site series, indicate with a dash (e.g., 01a-05).
• If the ecosystem does not resemble a recognized site series, leave this field blank, and explain under "Notes".

18. Transition / Distribution Codes

For descriptions of complex sites in projects involving systematic or random sampling, enter a one-digit code indicating the proportional distribution of site series within the plot and the presence of transitional site series.

Mostly homogeneous plots (codes 1-3):

Transitional from one edge of the plot to the other (code 4):

Two or more distinct site series present (codes 5-8):

19. Ecosection

Enter a three-letter code for the ecosection. See Appendix 1.2 for a current listing of codes.

20. Moisture Regime

Enter a code (0-8) for moisture regime. Base the assessment on environmental factors, soil properties, and indicator plants relative to other sites within same biogeoclimatic unit. Classes are listed with brief descriptions in Table 1.1. Note the following special cases:

• If two or more areas of the plot have a distinctly different moisture regime, enter codes for the dominant and largest sub-dominant class, with the sub-dominant class in parentheses (e.g., 4 (5)).
• If a wide range of moisture regimes is present, list the dominant and sub-dominant class, followed by the range (e.g. 4 (5), 4-6).
• Where moisture regime is distinctly transitional between two classes, indicate with "+" or "-" (e.g., 4+).

TABLE 1.1. Soil moisture regime classes^a

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