Ministry of Environment Ecology

Methods & Standards

Maps

1:250,000 Broad Ecosystem Mapping
There are generally nine steps in ecosystem mapping from the initial request to the final product. The process integrates science and technology, incorporating manual mapping using satellite imagery and air photos, and data capture and analysis in a geographical information system. Attribute data is stored in a database which can be manipulated to produce thematic maps.

Topographic Map
Before a project can be initiated, a number of decisions must be made that will define the scope of the project and the specific steps necessary to complete that project. Specifically, these decisions encompass choosing appropriate scale, determining required survey intensity and reliability, choosing presentation format and choosing desired interpretations. A 1:250,000 map can be used for overview or regional strategic planning. This scale would enable the production of a broad overview habitat map, but would not have the detail of a site series or ecosystem level map of 1:20,000.

Ecosection and Biogeoclimatic Zone Map

Biophysical habitat mapping done by the Habitat Inventory Section is oriented toward identifying habitat for selected species and providing a framework to assess the suitability and capability of the land for supporting these animals. When a mapping project has been requested, a team consisting of a wildlife biologist, vegetation ecologist and pedologist map physical and biological elements to form an ecosystem unit. To do this, the team requires a mylar copy of the appropriate mapsheet showing lakes, major rivers, ecosection lines (purple) and biogeoclimatic lines (red).

Satellite Images
The plotted base map is overlayed onto satellite photos so ecosystem units can be delineated. Occasionally, air photos are used to supplement information that may not be provided by the satellite image. The satellite image is based on reflectance of wavelength values that come from the surface of the earth, that are recorded by sensors on the satellite. Satellite images are captured roughly every seventeen days for any location in British Columbia, however, many of the images are not suited for habitat mapping due to cloud, fog, snow cover or shadows.

Ecosystem Unit Map

The ecosystem classification system is a hierarchical approach where each unit is subdivided based on more detailed parameters. In this way global ecosystems will ultimately be defined by site units. This map shows the hierarchical approach to ecosystem unit mapping. The ecosection lines (purple) are the broadest unit at this scale of mapping. Within the ecosection lines are the biogeoclimatic units (red) which integrate climatic, vegetation and site classifications at a regional level. The ecosystem unit (green) is the smallest unit at this scale and is nested within the biogeoclimatic unit which is nested within the ecosection unit. These lines will be entered into a Geographical Information System.