Native vegetation mapping techniques
The techniques used for mapping of South Australia's native vegetation include the following:
Existing vegetation communities
Biological Survey of South Australia data, combined with Landsat imagery and aerial photography, provides an understanding of the distribution and composition of existing vegetation communities across the state. The data is then spatially represented in a geographic information system and can be used to compare and understand ongoing modifications.
All DEW maps of current vegetation use the National Vegetation Information System, a national standard developed to describe vegetation mapping communities.
Pre-European Vegetation
Mapping of the state's pre-European vegetation is collected from an extensive range of historic and current information. Maps created for revegetation work, for example in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Region, can help create habitats to meet the needs of native species.
Roadside vegetation
Substantial areas of native vegetation can still be found along roadsides even in highly modified areas of the state. Management of roadside vegetation is the responsibility of local government bodies and state road authorities which must follow roadside vegetation management plans required under the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
Traditional methods mapping existing vegetation communities are unsatisfactory for roadside vegetation due to its finer scale and linear nature. DEWNR has developed a method to map the native vegetation remaining along roadsides throughout South Australia. It collects the features of specific roadside vegetation areas, including dominant native and weed species, the condition of the vegetation, and significance of the species and communities.
The following data are stored in the Roadside Vegetation Database:
- roadside vegetation survey methodology guide
- roadside vegetation surveys map
- roadside vegetation survey datasheets
If you are preparing a quote for a council or government agency to undertake a roadside vegetation survey to develop management plans, DEWNR provides field-based methodology training, database training, spatial data conversion and mapping services on a fee for service basis. Please fill in the Roadside Vegetation Survey Quote Form , which enables data to be entered into DEWNR’s Roadside Vegetation Database and fulfils a council’s obligation as outlined by Native Vegetation clearance processes.
For general enquires or to submit completed forms, please email DEWBio
DataSupport@sa.gov.au.
Native Vegetation Mapping Data is available within NatureMaps.
