6.0 Mapping and Field Survey Procedures

Outlined here are the major steps required to develop an ecosystem map, from the project planning stage to production of the final map (Figure 6.1). Clearly understanding and adhering to all of these steps is critical to ensure the final map and interpretative products meet the project objectives, fulfill the needs of clients, and conform to provincial standards.

6.1 Project Planning

Project planning is the most important step in a mapping and inventory project. It sets the scene for the entire mapping project from defining objectives for the study and ensuring the involvement of all necessary individuals and clients, to determining what map and interpretative products are needed and deciding how those will be achieved.

6.1.1 Defining objectives and developing a working plan

The following guidelines can help the mapper develop a work plan for a mapping project:

Define the purpose and objectives of the project.
Determine the products required by clients (e.g., maps, interpretations, reports, legends, database, summary statistics, etc.).
Plot study area boundaries on an overview map
Determine the scale and survey intensity level to use.
Develop sampling plan.
Determine the attributes to be collected and mapped.
Determine project personnel, budgets, and scheduling of fieldwork and product completion.
Determine GIS/digital requirements.
Follow provincial standards set out for data collection, classification, mapping and presentation.

Objectives of a mapping project should be determined through co-ordination and consultation with clients, regional and provincial co-ordinators, and the mapping team. The objectives of an ecosystem mapping project need to be clearly defined and documented, to ensure they address the specific needs of the clients and meet provincial mapping standards. Well-defined objectives serve as benchmarks for contract managers and mapping personnel.

Once survey objectives are defined, a decision about scale of mapping and survey intensity must be made. Both must ensure that a balance is achieved between the desired map product and available budget. Section 6.3.1 provides some guidelines for determining appropriate survey intensity levels for ecosystem mapping.

Figure 6.1

Summary of mapping and field survey procedures

6.1.2 Compiling existing data

The following guidelines can help the mapper compile existing data for a study area:

Determine what resource information and maps exist for the study area and adjacent areas, and assess their utility.
Determine the appropriate base map to use (keeping in mind that TRIM is the preferred base where available).
Review available aerial photography and obtain photographs that provide the appropriate scale, coverage, and quality.

Review ecosystem classification and data relevant to the study area, including its ecoregion and biogeoclimatic classification (using appropriate regional field guides).

Contact the Ministry of Forests Regional Ecologist for assistance in understanding the distinguishing characteristics between biogeoclimatic units and similar site series, and in understanding how well defined the ecosystem classification is for the study area.

After an area has been selected for ecosystem mapping, all relevant map and point source data must be compiled. This should include information on vegetation ecology, climate, forest cover, Vegetation Resource Inventory (if available), bedrock and surficial geology, soils, hydrology, satellite imagery, topography, and other resource information required to serve the objectives of the project. Appendix B outlines the common data sources available and where they may be obtained.

Aerial photographs, of the kind and scale specified in the work plan, must be obtained. It is preferable to have photographs that are equal to, or larger than, the scale at which the final map will be presented. Data points should be transferred from previous ecological sampling to the alternate (non-typed) aerial photographs. Adjacent mapping projects of similar methodology and scale should be reviewed and, if appropriate, the borders matched between the two study areas. Satellite imagery can provide additional overview information of the types of landscapes and general vegetation cover present in the study area.

6.1.3 Conducting field reconnaissance

A field reconnaissance is essential to begin establishing relationships between aerial photograph features and ecosystem characteristics on the ground. Field reconnaissance should be carried out after all relevant information has been collated and aerial photos have been obtained. Field reconnaissance gives the mapper time to develop a preliminary understanding of:

ecosystem (site series) distribution and observable landscape features in the study area (e.g., microclimate effects, soils, bedrock geology, surficial geology, vegetation succession, disturbance history);
biogeoclimatic and ecoregion relationships in the study area;
relationships between aerial photograph features and ground features; and
access and logistics for field sampling.

The reconnaissance is also an opportunity for obtaining information on ecological classification and sampling requirements and planning the tentative location of sampling transects. Some aerial photo pre-typing is necessary before field reconnaissance (see section 6.2).

The project objectives and working plan may have to be adjusted depending on the complexity initially observed. It is important that the entire mapping team take part in the initial reconnaissance so that members can correlate observations of ecological processes in the study area. Even in remote areas where access is difficult and costly, field reconnaissance is recommended.

6.1.4 Developing the working legend

The following guidelines can help the mapper create a working legend:

Develop an initial list of ecosystem units (site series, site modifiers, structural stages, etc.) present or expected in a study area, and identify their relationships to topographic and terrain features in the area.
Complete landscape sketches, portraying ecosystem and landform relationships, to help develop mapping concepts and ensure consistency in mapping.
Initiate discussions with Regional Ecologists regarding existing ecological classification and defining new units for study area.

Field reconnaissance and pre-typing provide the basis for development of the working legend. Once the field reconnaissance has been completed, a tentative legend can be established, linking ecosystem units to recognizable terrain, landscape, and biological characteristics. These include such terrain and landscape attributes as surficial material and surface expression, soil drainage, soil depth, slope, aspect, and slope position, and such biological characteristics as overstory tree species and stand density. The working legend should list all ecosystem units that are expected to occur in the study area, and should include codes and names (Table 6.1).

Table 6.1

Example working legend for mapping ecosystem units

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