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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, in cooperation with private, state, and federal partners, has produced a new land classification map for Texas, based on the NatureServe Ecological System Classification System as described by Comer (2003).
Mapping Sub-systems were identified using ecological systems as a starting point. Data was collected in the field and from aerial photography to implement a supervised classification. This land cover data was combined with ecoregions, SSURGO soils, DEM-based variables, and hydrology to help interpret the ecological meaning of final mapping targets.
Improved thematic and spatial resolution was achieved using a decision tree classifier with both remotely sensed and abiotic variables, map objects generated at 10 m resolution, and the modeling of mapping targets using ecological site descriptions from SSURGO soils and data from the NatureServe systems classifications.
Project and partner ecologists have produced detailed descriptions of all Ecological Systems and Mapping Sub-systems that occur throughout the state. This includes floristic details refined by field data collected by project personnel, along with ecological processes such as fire, grazing, flooding that formed or maintains the systems, and the soils and geology that influence the systems.
Project ecologists have also developed an Interpretive Guide that includes a general description of each Ecological System and subordinate Mapping Sub-systems, a representative photo of most Mapping Sub-systems, a list of public properties where an example of each system may be viewed, and a map showing the mapped distribution of each sub-system. The interpretive guide also includes a detailed project methodology and ecological information on select eco-regions.