Ministry of Environment Ecology

Accuracy Assessment

Both Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) and Predictive Ecosystem Mapping (PEM) are used throughout the province by many different user groups for many different reasons. Assessing the thematic accuracy of each individual mapping project is a key component in the determination of the appropriate interpretative uses of the data. It is required that any predictive ecosystem mapping (PEM) and/or terrestrial ecosystem mapping (TEM) which is to be used in timber supply applications, must meet a set of minimum map accuracy standards (click on preceding link then scroll down to bottom of page) set by the Ministry of Forests. This timber supply map accuracy standard should be viewed as a recommended level of acceptance regarding thematic map accuracy for all other interpretative uses.

The Ministry of Forests has also adopted a standard procedure for the Accuracy Assessment (AA) of Ecosystem Maps. A standardized AA approach allows for the comparison of results between different projects and/or areas of the province, and provides users with a quantitative sense of data quality.

The Accuracy Assessment Protocol discussed here can be used as part of a quality assurance procedure and/or as a component of quality control undertaken by a TEM or PEM practitioner.

Accuracy Assessment of RISC standard TEM and PEM project deliverables is completed by third party AA contractors. It is the responsibility of the client (via AA contractors) to ensure all applicable Accuracy Assessment documentation is submitted to the province in accordance with the procedures outlined in the following documents:

Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) - Digital Data Capture, Version 3.0 (RIC 2000), Errata No. 1.0 (PDF 239KB)

Standard for Predictive Ecosystem Mapping – Digital Data Capture, version 1.0 (RIC 2000), Errata No. 1.0 (PDF 205KB)

Accuracy Assessment information specific to individual mapping projects is accessible through the Data Warehouse.