Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Montezuma Castle National Monument

This reference is an assemblage of field data collected as part the baseline vegetation inventory for the park unit. Typical files here are vegetation plot data, accuracy assessment data, field photos, PDF showing locations of vegetation plots and accuracy assessment data, and other data for this type. Vegetation mapping and characterization comprised three major field phases: (1) concurrent, field-based data collection and mapping from aerial imagery (map unit delineation), (2) development of vegetation community types at the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) association level, and (3) map accuracy assessment. Phase 1 was completed in late 2008 and early 2009. Community-type descriptions were drafted to meet the NVC standard and applied to each mapped area. This classification was developed concurrently from plot data and field-censused polygon data (map units). Network staff conducted a thematic accuracy check in spring 2014. This check provided useful information that improved both the detail of the association descriptions and the accuracy of the mapped polygons. Staff conducted a thematic validation check in Spring 2014. In the accuracy assessment, plots were distributed proportionally within each vegetation type and sampled by a separate team in an unbiased manner.