Vegetation Information System: Classification

The standard operational classification hierarchy for native vegetation in NSW incorporates three nested classifications as shown in Figure 1. The plant community types and their relationships to vegetation formations and classes are maintained in the Vegetation Information System (VIS) Classification database (version 2.0).

Figure 1: NSW vegetation classification hierarchy

NSW plant community type classification

The NSW plant community type (PCT) classification was developed in 2011 to establish an unambiguous master community-level classification for use in vegetation mapping programs, BioMetric-based regulatory decisions, and as a standard typology for other planning and data gathering programs.

The PCT classification consolidates two existing community-level classifications:

• The NSW Vegetation Classification and Assessment database (Benson 2006 & 2008) developed by the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, provides a list and detailed descriptions for plant communities in western and central-western NSW.
• The Biometric Vegetation Types database (part of Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology) includes a list and abbreviated descriptions for plant communities across NSW. This data is used in NSW regulatory processes including property vegetation planning and BioBanking.

The PCT classification is now maintained in the VIS Classification database (version 2.0). All changes to the PCT classification will be evidence based, and moderated by the Plant Community Type Change Control Panel chaired by the NSW Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust. A series of classification projects are planned to upgrade the PCT classification on the NSW east coast.

BioMetric vegetation types and BioMetric condition benchmarks are also maintained in the VIS Classification database (version 2.0) and exported periodically for upload to the regulatory tools.
More information on PCTs is included in the Frequently asked questions section.

VIS Classification database (version 2.0)

Information about PCTs and their relationship to vegetation formations and classes (Keith 2004) is now managed in the VIS Classification database (version 2.0), along with the BioMetric Vegetation Types classification and the Biometric Vegetation Condition Benchmarks database.

The VIS Classification database (version 2.0) provides several significant benefits, including:

• the provision of a definitive and accessible NSW master PCT classification
• a streamlined maintenance process for the PCT classification that facilitates coordinated and timely updates into the BioMetric-based regulatory tools such as the BioBanking Credit Calculator and PADACS (property vegetation plans, including agreements, data and customer service) database
• a streamlined maintenance process that establishes more effective synchronisation between PCTs, BioMetric vegetation types, BioMetric vegetation condition benchmarks and threatened species profiles. (Note: the latter is managed in the Threatened Species Profile module of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife)
• the introduction of PCT lineage change tracking that establishes a mechanism for maintaining vegetation type maps that use the PCT classification.

Accessing the VIS Classification database (version 2.0)

Anyone can register online as a public user of the VIS Classification database, which will allow them to search the database for communities, produce reports and export data. The database supports ‘editor users’, but this role is restricted to approved specialist users.

• Register or login as a public user
• Guidelines for public users - NSW VIS Classification (VCA Web 2.0): Public user manual (20110952VISClassificationPublicUserManual.pdf, 1.81MB).
• Alterations to the data in the database can only be undertaken by registered editor users via the VIS Classification Edit User interface.

Transitional arrangements

Registered users of the NSW Vegetation Classification and Assessment (VCA) application (VCA 1.1) have been migrated to the VIS Classification (version 2.0) application so they can access the new system using their existing user name and password. The VCA 1.1 application has been retired.

The approved PCT classification has not yet been uploaded into the BioMetric regulatory tools. This is expected to occur in the first half of 2012. Once this occurs, the VIS Classification (version 2.0) and BioMetric tools will be fully synchronised.

More information

For more information or support please contact vis@environment.nsw.gov.au.

References

Benson JS 2006, ‘New South Wales Vegetation Classification and Assessment: Introduction - the classification, database, assessment of protected areas and threat status of plant communities’, Cunninghamia 9(3): 331-381, Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney.

Benson JS 2008, ‘New South Wales Vegetation Classification and Assessment: Part 2 Plant communities in the NSW South-western Slopes Bioregion and update of NSW Western Plains plant communities. Version 2 of the NSWVCA database’. Cunninghamia 10(4): 599-673, Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney.

Keith D 2004, Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes: the native vegetation of New South Wales and the ACT, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney.

Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information (ESCAVI) 2003, Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual: National Vegetation Information System, Version 6.0, Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra.