Vegetation Mapping Inventory

The Vegetation Mapping Inventory classifies, describes, and maps vegetation communities in more than 270 national park units across the country.

Species and vegetation communities vary from park to park, and park managers, researchers, and ecologists all need and use this information. It helps them maintain plant biodiversity; better understand wildlife habitat; and manage challenges such as exotic species, insect outbreaks and diseases, and wildland fires.

The NPS Vegetation Mapping Inventory follows well-established procedures that are compatible with other agencies and organizations. The inventory uses the National Vegetation Classification Standard, a system that is integrated with the major scientific efforts in the taxonomic classification of vegetation, and it meets Federal Geographic Data Committee standards. Stringent quality control procedures ensure the accuracy and reliability of the vegetation data and associated maps and publications.