The Role of Vegetation Analysis in Land Classification

Abstract

Environmental factors important in controlling the vegetation pattern change in nature with the scale of observation. Failure to recognize this has been a major stumbling block in carrying out reconnaissance surveys. Vegetation analysis can contribute most in 1) detailed ecological surveys at scales below 1:50,000, to recognize differences in soil moisture and fertility, microclimate, and history of disturbance, and 2) at reconnaissance levels to indicate changes in regional climate. This paper discusses vegetation properties which are useful in detecting and mapping vegetation patterns at various scales. To detect changes in regional climate, a study of the vegetation of comparable parent materials and topographic sites is essential. Vegetation criteria indicative of climatic changes of different magnitudes are discussed.