What Is a Vegetation Map?

The plant community distribution map is a map showing the specific geographical distribution of various plant communities (vegetation units). It is a map showing the spatial distribution of various vegetations or plant communities and their ecological environment. Thematic maps showing the spatial distribution, ecological characteristics, changes and divisions of various vegetation types. It includes comprehensive vegetation maps and specialized vegetation maps. ^[1]

The plant community distribution map is also called vegetation map or vegetation type map. The vegetation map of an area is the crystallization of vegetation research in the area. The content on the map and the results displayed depend on the depth and research level of vegetation understanding in the area. . ^[1]

(1) Can provide us with an image and complete concept of the spatial distribution characteristics of the community;

(2) can help to understand theoretical issues such as vegetation classification, origin, dynamics, and relationships between communities;

(3) The vegetation map reflects the distribution of vegetation resources and the current status of plant resource utilization, and evaluates the rationality of land use and layout.

(4) The vegetation map is also the basis for the development and utilization of natural vegetation and ecological restoration. ^[1]

According to different uses, vegetation maps can generally be divided into three categories.

Mapping requirements for plant community maps

1. First of all, determine the scale. The choice of the scale depends on the size of the study area, what should be represented on the map, and what problems should be explained and solved.

2. The proportion of vegetation map is usually divided into four categories according to its size:

(1) Small scale vegetation map: The scale scale is 1: 1000 000 pairs or less, which can only represent the dominant vegetation units. The above picture units can only represent vegetation types or subtypes, but they are generalized, simple and clear at a glance. Characteristics can clearly show the horizontal and vertical zonality of vegetation.

(2) Medium scale vegetation map: The scale is between 1: 100 000 and 1: 1000 000. The unit in the figure above can be a vegetation subtype or a group of groups. To some extent, both the accuracy of large-scale drawings and the generality of small-scale drawings are required.

(3) Large scale vegetation map: The scale is between 1:10 000 and 1: 100,000. Represents most types of plant communities, can provide the distribution of clusters and clusters in ecological series and complexes, and can be used to develop more intensive land use plans.

(4) Large scale vegetation map: It is a vegetation map with a scale of 1: 1000 or 1: 5000. This map is only drawn for special purposes, and is generally used for vegetation surveys in nature reserves and certain key research areas. It can be used for background conditions and monitoring basis of nature reserves.

3. Both large-scale and extra-large-scale maps require direct surveying and mapping in the field, and the community boundaries can be determined with the help of "spatial positioning technology"; medium- and small-scale maps are compiled indoors based on existing data. Generally speaking, the scale of the nationwide survey can be 1: 1000 000-1: 4000 000, the provincial level can be 1: 250 000-1: 500 000, and the county level can be 1:50 000-1: 100 000.

Even if we choose an appropriate scale, the area occupied by community units at the same level cannot be the same. In addition, from the base map to the map, the size is reduced, and some types with too small area cannot be represented on the map. Generally, it can be explained in the description of the figure. If it is a community complex, you can use the complex to map it; if it does not belong to the above situation, and this type is very important and must be reflected on the map, you can use the "over-scale legend". ^[1]

Mapping steps for plant community maps

1.Select basemap

The base map made by the vegetation map is the topographic map. To ensure accuracy, the basemap should be twice as large as the map. For example, to develop a vegetation map of 1: 250 000, the scale of the basemap should be 1: 50,000.

2, the simplicity of the figure

It combines and simplifies some minor details according to the selected scale and the unit shown above. For example, the low-level units are integrated into the high-level units, and typical vegetation types are selected and transitional vegetation types are removed. The purpose is to make the figure prominent and legible.

The simplified figure should be accurately numbered, and the spot should match the legend.

There must be special terrain and feature signs, such as the names of important landmarks such as houses, roads, rivers, reservoirs, and command points.