The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles.

The mapping component of the NABR project used a combination of methods to interpret and delineate vegetation polygons. A trained interpreter visually examined the 9 x 9-inch photographs in stereo to identify vegetation polygons. Polygons were drawn on Mylar overlays that were later scanned, or digitally on a computer screen. Digitizing was performed using vector editing in ArcGIS. Each vegetation and land use polygon so produced was given map class and other descriptive attributes. The Monument and an area of environs surrounding it were interpreted and mapped to the same level of detail. Each polygon was assigned a map class number, alpha code and name, Anderson land use class, and vegetation density, pattern, and height attributes. In order to improve the utility of the map and related data, the spatial database was moved into a geodatabase format. This format allows text and image information to be incorporated and linked to spatial coordinates. Twenty map classes were developed to describe the NABR vegetation mapping project area. Of these, 17 are vegetation map classes and 3 are non-vegetated land-use map classes. Of the 17 vegetation map classes, one is represented by points only, one is a single polygon, and three represent single NVC plant associations. The remaining 12 vegetation map classes contain multiple plant associations.