Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES,ENVIRONMENT AND THE ARTS 

Northern Territory 

Guidelines and 

Field Methodology 

for Vegetation Survey 

and Mapping 

P. Brocklehurst, D. Lewis, D. Napier and D. Lynch

ISBN 1 92077242 1 

TECHNICAL REPORT NO. 02/2007D 


Guidelines and Field Methodology 

for Vegetation Survey and Mapping 

P. Brocklehurst, D. Lewis, D. Napier and D. Lynch 

Land and Vegetation 

Land and Water Division 

This report may be cited as: 

Brocklehurst, P., Lewis, D., Napier, D., Lynch, D. (2007) Northern Territory Guidelines and Field 

Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping. Technical Report No. 02/2007D. Department of Natural 

Resources, Environment and the Arts, Palmerston, Northern Territory. 

This report is available from the DNRETA Library Resource Centre, First Floor Goyder Centre, Palmerston 

and can be accessed on the DNRETA website in PDF format: 

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/nativevegetation/vegmapping/methodology.html 

Inquiries should be directed to: 

Peter Brocklehurst 

Phone: +61 88999 3623 

Fax: +61 88999 3667 

e-mail: peter.brocklehurst@nt.gov.au 

Donna Lewis 

Phone: +61 88999 3690 

Fax: +61 88999 3667 

e-mail: donna.lewis@nt.gov.au 

Land and Vegetation 

Land and Water Division 

Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts 

4 th Floor Goyder Centre 

25 Chung Wah Terrace 

PO Box 30 

Palmerston NT 0831 

Australia

PREFACE 

This document describes the standard methods for collecting, describing, classifying and 

mapping vegetation in the Northern Territory compliant with the Australian Soil and Land 

Survey Field Handbooks (‘Yellow Book’ McDonald et al., 1990 & ‘Blue Book’ Gunn et al., 

1988) and in accordance with national standards of the National Vegetation Information 

System. 

This report is divided into two Sections: Section A - Guidelines and Section B - Field 

Methodology. Section A contains background information and the principles pertaining to 

vegetation survey and mapping. Section B describes methods for on-ground field 

assessment. Information contained in this document is not an exhaustive treatment of all 

vegetation survey and mapping aspects. Reference is given to appropriate publications 

throughout. 

The main objective is to recommend and promote the use of consistent methods, 

procedures and terminologies on vegetation survey and mapping to an Australian standard 

across all agencies in the Northern Territory. Amendments will be progressively made to 

comply with future national initiatives and developments. 

Northern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology 


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

The Guidelines and Field Methodology were made possible through the endeavours of 

numerous staff members of the Land and Water Division. Particular thanks go to Jason 

Hill, Dave Howe, Graeme Owen and Chris Mangion for providing content on soil and 

landform information to Australian standards and comment on the Guidelines and Field 

Methodology as a whole. Francis Wait is thanked for proof reading and editing the final 

draft of this document. 

Various Divisions of NRETA are acknowledged for providing comment including Ian Cowie 

and Dale Dixon of the Northern Territory Herbarium. Alison Derry and Keith Ferdinands of 

the Weed Management Branch are recognised for providing up-to date information on 

collecting weeds data in the NT. 



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CONTENTS 

PREFACE .............................................................................................................I 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................ II 

LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................ VI 

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................... VI 

ACRONYMS ................................................................................................... VII 

SECTION A: GUIDELINES ......................................1 

1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................. 1 

2.0 BACKGROUND................................................................................... 2 

3.0 PRINCIPLES AND TERMS.................................................................. 3 

3.1 Survey Design................................................................................................................................. 4 

3.2 Mapping and Map Production ....................................................................................................... 5 

3.3 Classification Systems and NVIS.................................................................................................. 5 

4.0 MAPPING PROCEDURES .................................................................. 7 

4.1 Map Scale ........................................................................................................................................ 7 

4.2 Interpretive Material........................................................................................................................ 7 

4.3 Defining Map Units ......................................................................................................................... 8 

4.4 Mosaics............................................................................................................................................ 9 

4.5 Accuracy Assessment ................................................................................................................... 9 

5.0 NVIS CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK AND NOMENCLATURE.. 10 

5.1 NVIS Structural Classification..................................................................................................... 10 

6.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND MAP ATTRIBUTION.................................... 16 

6.1 Floristic Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 16 

6.2 Structural Classification .............................................................................................................. 17 

6.3 Polygon/Map Attribution .............................................................................................................. 17 

6.4 Reporting....................................................................................................................................... 17 

7.0 DATA STORAGE .............................................................................. 18 



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7.1 Meta Data....................................................................................................................................... 18 

7.2 Site Data......................................................................................................................................... 18 

7.3 Polygon/Map Data......................................................................................................................... 19 

7.4 Database Integration .................................................................................................................... 20 

8.0 PRODUCTS....................................................................................... 22 

9.0 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.............................................................. 23 

9.1 Vegetation Condition.................................................................................................................... 23 

9.2 Non Native Vegetation Types ...................................................................................................... 25 

9.3 Definitive Vegetation Types......................................................................................................... 25 

9.4 Ecosystem Regionalisation......................................................................................................... 26 

9.5 Web Server Data Input Forms ..................................................................................................... 27 

SECTION B: FIELD METHODOLOGY .................. 28 

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................... 28 

2.0 SAMPLE SITES ................................................................................ 29 

2.1 Site Types and Dimensions......................................................................................................... 29 

2.2 Site Selection and Sampling Intensity........................................................................................ 30 

3.0 DESCRIBING VEGETATION............................................................ 31 

3.1 Species .......................................................................................................................................... 31 

3.2 Vegetation Profiles: Stratum Concept........................................................................................31 

3.3 Cover.............................................................................................................................................. 34 

3.4 Height............................................................................................................................................. 35 

3.5 Basal Area ..................................................................................................................................... 36 

3.6 Foliage Projective Cover.............................................................................................................. 37 

3.7 Growth Form ................................................................................................................................. 38 

4.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................. 39 

4.1 Integrated Information.................................................................................................................. 39 

4.2 Landform Element and Pattern ................................................................................................... 39 

4.3 Land Surface ................................................................................................................................. 40 

4.4 Soil ................................................................................................................................................. 40 

5.0 FIELD DATA VARIABLES................................................................ 42 

5.1 Habitat Sheet................................................................................................................................. 44 

5.2 Flora Sheet .................................................................................................................................... 51 

5.3 Foliage Projective Cover Sheet................................................................................................... 52 



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GLOSSARY.......................................................................................................53 

REFERENCES................................................................................................. 58 

APPENDICES ........................................................ 62 

APPENDIX 1: Primary Vegetation Datasets ..................................................................................... 62 

APPENDIX 2: Overview of Vegetation Survey and Mapping Procedures..................................... 63 

APPENDIX 3: Cover and Structural Formation Comparisons for Common Classification 

Systems ............................................................................................................................................... 64 

APPENDIX 4: Height Class Comparison for Common Classification Systems ........................... 65 

APPENDIX 5: Comparison of Classification Systems Codes and Descriptions.......................... 66 

APPENDIX 6: Vegetation Survey Report Formats........................................................................... 68 

APPENDIX 7: Metadata Attributes .................................................................................................... 72 

APPENDIX 8: Preliminary NT Vegetation Condition Indicators for Forests and Woodlands ..... 73 

APPENDIX 9: Example of Eucalyptus Open Forest Synthetic Benchmark .................................. 74 

APPENDIX 10: Definitive Vegetation Types Database Attributes - Example................................ 75 

APPENDIX 11: IUCN Red List Categories ........................................................................................ 79 

APPENDIX 12: Directions for the Collection of NT Weeds............................................................. 80 

APPENDIX 13: NT Weeds Data Collection Sheet............................................................................. 81 

APPENDIX 14: Landform Element and Pattern Codes and Descriptions ..................................... 82 

APPENDIX 15: Common Soil Orders in the NT................................................................................ 84 

APPENDIX 16: Field Data Proforma - Habitat Sheet........................................................................ 85 

APPENDIX 17: Field Data Proforma - Flora Sheet........................................................................... 87 

APPENDIX 18: Field Data Proforma - Vegetation Foliage Projective Cover................................. 90 

APPENDIX 19: NT Site Procedure and Equipment List .................................................................. 91 



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LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1. Comparison of NT vegetation data stored in numerous databases................................................ 18 

Figure 2. Proposed NRVIS data model. ......................................................................................................... 21 

Figure 3. Cumulative scoring method............................................................................................................. 25 

Figure 4. Sub-strata vegetation profiles for two vegetation communities (ESCAVI, 2003). ........................... 33 

Figure 5. Vegetation profile height types (ESCAVI, 2003). ............................................................................ 36 

Figure 6. Foliage projective cover transect set up and design. ...................................................................... 37 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1. Summary of primary vegetation datasets, 2006. ................................................................................ 2 

Table 2. Vegetation mapping terminology. ....................................................................................................... 3 

Table 3. Data resolution at various scales. ....................................................................................................... 9 

Table 4. The NVIS Information Hierarchy. ...................................................................................................... 11 

Table 5. NVIS height class codes and descriptions........................................................................................12 

Table 6. NVIS cover class codes and descriptions.........................................................................................12 

Table 7. NVIS growth form codes and descriptions........................................................................................ 12 

Table 8. NVIS Classification System structural formation classes. ................................................................ 14 

Table 9. NVIS height classes and corresponding growth forms. .................................................................... 15 

Table 10. Recommended sampling intensity for various scales of mapping.................................................. 30 

Table 11. Traditional stratum codes and NVIS sub stratum codes and descriptions. .................................... 32 

Table 12. Cover and abundance measures....................................................................................................34 

Table 13. Description of height types for stratum and growth form. ............................................................... 35 

Table 14. Basal area count and suggested transect length............................................................................ 38 

Table 15. Vegetation site data core attributes. ............................................................................................... 42 

Table 16. Data recorded on field data proformas for sampling full sites, check sites and road notes. .......... 43 



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ACRONYMS 

ANZLIC 

BRS 

DEH 

DEM 

DVT 

ERIN 

ESCAVI 

GIS 

GPS 

IBRA 

IUCN 

NDVI 

NFI 

NLWRA 

NRETA 

NRVIS 

NT 

NTG 

NVIS 

RAVS 

SLATS 

VAST 

WoNS 

Australian and New Zealand Land Information Council 

Bureau of Rural Sciences 

Department of Environment and Heritage 

Digital Elevation Model 

Definitive Vegetation Type 

Environmental Resources Information Centre 

Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information 

Geographic Information System 

Global Positioning System 

Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia 

International Union for the Conservation of Nature 

Normalised Difference Vegetation Index 

National Forest Inventory 

National Land and Water Resources Audit 

Dept. Natural Resources Environment and the Arts 

Natural Resource Vegetation Information System 


Northern Territory Government 

National Vegetation Information System 

Resource Assessment Vegetation System 

State-wide Landcover and Trees Study 

Vegetation Assets States and Transitions 

Weeds of National Significance 



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SECTION A: GUIDELINES

SECTION A: GUIDELINES 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

This Section provides information on vegetation survey and mapping in the Northern Territory (NT) 

as currently practised by Land and Vegetation of Department of Natural Resources, Environment 

and the Arts (NRETA). The Guidelines provide methods for the capture, interpretation and 

management of vegetation data and information in compliance with national standards of the 

National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) Framework (NLWRA, 2001; ESCAVI, 2003). 

A brief outline of each chapter is provided below. 

• Chapter 2 provides an historic synopsis of vegetation data collection in the NT. 

• Chapter 3 describes common principals and terminology associated with vegetation 

survey and mapping. 

• Chapter 4 explains vegetation mapping procedures with reference to other literature. 

• Chapter 5 outlines and describes vegetation classification systems and the NVIS 

nomenclature. 

• Chapter 6 outlines the processes involved in vegetation data analysis and map 

attribution. 

• Chapter 7 summarises the procedures required to document vegetation datasets 

(metadata) and the storage of site and polygon vegetation data. 

• Chapter 8 lists the products that can be generated from the derivation of vegetation 

survey and mapping data. 

• Chapter 9 describes future developments relative to native vegetation and the current 

status of national initiatives. 



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2.0 BACKGROUND 

Vegetation data is required for a number of purposes and at different levels of detail and similarly is 

required at various scales and levels of attribute information. Historically, the CSIRO Land 

Research Series and various sections of the former NT Conservation Commission have been the 

primary providers of NT vegetation data, and responsible for the provision of vegetation, land 

unit/system mapping, floristic and biodiversity surveys. 

Increasingly fine scale mapping is required for management purposes at scales such as 1:25 000 

and 1:50 000. Little spatial coverage of pure vegetation mapping is available at these scales for 

most of the NT (Table 1). A comprehensive list of primary vegetation datasets is provided in 

Appendix 1. Land unit and land system mapping contain vegetation information, however due to 

their integrated nature, polygon boundaries rarely equate with homogeneous vegetation 

communities. 

Table 1. Summary of primary vegetation datasets, 2006. 

Scale Area km 2 % NT Coverage Significance 

≤ 1:50 000 7 662 0.6 local 

1:100 000-1:250 000 100 898 7.5 regional 

1:1 000 000 1 346 200 100 national 

In the NT a number of private and NT Government (NTG) agencies collect vegetation data for 

various purposes. Biodiversity Conservation of NRETA collects and describes vegetation data with 

little emphasis on stratum and species dominance. Data is generally collected in conjunction with 

fauna surveys for habitat recognition and is usually at the association level (NVIS Level V). Data is 

stored in an Access database that includes floristics, structural characteristics and environmental 

information. 

The NT Herbarium is also a primary collector of floristic data, mostly with information on minimal 

structural characteristics and only broad descriptive information. In some instances data is 

collected in conjunction with Biodiversity Conservation data. The NT Herbarium maintains the 

floristic taxonomic specimen database (Holtze/Platypus) for the NT which will eventually be linked 

to various environmental databases across NRETA. Also maintained is a site database that 

incorporates a complete species list identified within 20m by 20m quadrats and geo-referenced 

data. A survey specific database for Nitmiluk National Park is also maintained and incorporates 

structural, floristic and environmental information. 

The NT, unlike many other States, has been mapping vegetation for a relatively short period of 

time so vegetation and land unit surveys are commonly of unmapped regions. Therefore very few 

areas have been re-assessed or mapped to record temporal changes in vegetation structure, 

composition or condition. 

Historically, the NT has mapped type and extent of vegetation with little emphasis on vegetation 

condition. Site disturbance attributes such as grazing, fire and introduced plants are recorded, 

although are difficult to extrapolate spatially and temporally across the landscape. 

Over the last 70 years fire regimes and introduced flora and fauna are considered to have had 

some impact on native vegetation although the extent of these impacts are yet to be fully 

understood. 

For future developments on vegetation condition refer to Chapter 9.1. 



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3.0 PRINCIPLES AND TERMS 

Vegetation in its most general term refers to the plant cover of the earth. Numerous terms are used 

to describe vegetation by practitioners of the science (Table 2). Some terminology is very specific 

while others are quite general. The following NVIS definition has been adopted as the underlying 

definition for NT vegetation survey and mapping; ‘A vegetation community is an assemblage of 

plant species which are structurally and floristically similar and form a repeating unit across the 

landscape’. It is this repeating unit in theory that is to be mapped, quantified and described. 

Throughout this document the term vegetation community will be used. 

Table 2. Vegetation mapping terminology. 

Term Description Source 

Vegetation 


Type 

All plants within a specified area. It is usually considered generally 

and not taxonomically. Lawrence, 1995 

A community that has a floristically uniform structure and 

composition, often described by its dominant species. 

Meagher, 1991 


Type 

Plant 

Community 

Plant 

Community 


Community 

Alliance 

Society 

In NVIS, a vegetation type is commonly represented by a 

vegetation description. 

A natural aggregate of different species of organisms existing in 

the same environment. While species within the community 

interact with each other, forming food chains and other ecological 

systems, they do not generally interact with species in other 

communities. 

Is composed of a mixture of populations of different species, each 

of which has a finite longevity. 

For the purposes of NVIS, a community is described as an 

assemblage of plant species which are structurally and floristically 

similar and form a repeating unit across the landscape. See also 

vegetation type above. 

A group of floristically related associations of similar structure. 

The alliance takes its name from the most characteristic dominant 

species of its component associations. 

Or 

A series of climax plant communities which have (i) the same 

structural characteristics, (ii) related species as dominants in the 

upper most stratum, and (iii) possibly the same or related species 

in the understorey, can be grouped together under one alliance. 


structural characteristics, (ii) the same species as dominants in the 

uppermost stratum, and (iii) the same species prominent in the 

understorey, can be grouped together as a society 

ERIN* 

Meagher, 1991 

Specht & Specht, 

2002 

NVIS** 

Beadle & Costin, 1952 


Structural 

Formation 

A series of climax plant communities which have a similar 

assemblage of life forms in the overstorey stratum, although 

showing considerable diversity in the composition of the species 

that are prominent in both the overstorey and understorey. 

Beadle & Costin, 

1952; Specht et al., 

1974 & 1995 



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Structural 

Formation 

Formation classes defined by growth form and crown separation 

(woody plants) or foliage cover (ground stratum), and qualified by 

height class (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level II – Structural 

Formation; refer to Chapter 5.1). 

Walker & Hopkins, 

1990 

Association 

Association 

An association is defined as a climax community of which the 

dominant stratum has a qualitatively uniform floristic composition 

and which exhibits uniform structure as a whole. 

OR 


structural characteristics, (ii) the same species as dominants in the 

uppermost stratum, though (iii) possibly different floristic 

composition in the understorey, can be grouped together as an 

association. 

For each stratum, the association description of the vegetation 

type should include floristic information for the dominant and/or 

diagnostic species (maximum of three species per stratum) plus 

the structural formation (dominant growth form, cover, height are 

combined). A maximum of three strata (upper, mid & ground; 

Walker & Hopkins, 1990) are allowed and the dominant stratum is 

indicated by a plus symbol “+” (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy 

Level V – Association; refer to Chapter 5.1). 


NVIS** 

Sub- 

Association 

A sub division of the association determined by a variation in the 

most important subordinate stratum of the association, without 

significant qualitative changes in the dominant stratum. 


Sub- 

Association 

In NVIS, for each layer/sub-stratum, the sub-association 

description of the vegetation type should include floristic 

information for the dominant and/or diagnostic species (maximum 

of five species per sub-stratum) plus the structural formation 

(dominant growth form, cover & height) are combined. A maximum 

of eight sub strata are allowed and the dominant sub-stratum is 

indicated by a plus symbol “+” (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy 

Level VI – Sub-association; refer to Chapter 5.1). 

* ERIN: Department of Environment and Heritage – Environmental Resources Information Network 

** NVIS: Department of Environment and Heritage – National Vegetation Information System 

NVIS** 

3.1 Survey Design 

The design and implementation of a survey depend on: 

1. The purpose of a survey is influenced by the scale of mapping and data detail 

required. This is clearly defined at the beginning including geographic extent, type of 

mapping and classification system, and 

2. Resources available including funds, staff, equipment and vehicles. 

The major steps involved include: 

1. Establishing the aims and objectives of a survey and required outputs; 

2. Defining the methods and procedures to conduct the survey and analyse data; 

3. Undertaking an information search for available material and data to assist with all 

components of the survey; 

4. Undertaking the survey (preliminary mapping, field survey, data analysis, final 

mapping & attribution), and 

5. Presentation of results (reports, maps, & meta-data requirements). 



4


Currently, the majority of vegetation mapping in the NT is in an exploratory phase where new areas 

are being mapped rather than existing mapped areas being remapped. The NT therefore 

generates vegetation maps with static single point descriptions that rarely provide an assessment 

of baseline condition or trend in vegetation communities. 

For a diagrammatical overview of vegetation survey and mapping procedures refer to Appendix 2. 

3.2 Mapping and Map Production 

For the purpose of this document, the term unique mapping area and map unit can be used 

interchangeably. A map unit refers to the predefined delineation of vegetation communities 

visualised from interpretive material. 

It is important to note the mapping of vegetation is not an exact science, rather an applied science 

that imposes boundaries on a transition or continuum; often temporal as well as spatial. It attempts 

to capture, within a unique mapping area, boundaries that are not always distinctly definable in 

nature. This boundary or transition zone is called an ecotone and is often found to be more 

species-rich than either of the communities it separates. An ecotone can be recognised as a 

community itself, although it is generally difficult to delineate on interpretive material. Vegetation 

maps are produced assuming communities are established in a manner that can be visualised 

through interpretation of remote sensing data such as aerial photography or satellite imagery at a 

point in time. The boundary shown on a map between two vegetation communities is therefore a 

compromise. 

3.3 Classification Systems and NVIS 

Vegetation classification systems aim to characterise and standardise vegetation descriptions to 

allow comparison and meaningful groupings of plant species. Many different classification systems 

exist although most rely on various combinations of floristic and structural attributes (i.e. cover, 

height & growth form). Some classification systems also incorporate environmental variables such 

as climate and edaphic factors. 

Vegetation community composition and structure may vary in both time and space (Beadle & 

Costin, 1952) making attempts to classify vegetation into classes or categories somewhat arbitrary. 

Classification is a compromise between the preservation of naturally occurring vegetation 

communities as fluctuating entities and the need to subdivide them into units for descriptive, 

comparison or mapping purposes. 

There is an intimate relationship between classification and mapping; classification strongly affects 

a map and the purpose of generating a map determines the appropriate classification (Kuchler & 

Zonneveld, 1988). 

A diverse range of vegetation survey, classification and mapping systems are used across 

Australia making it difficult to compare and join vegetation datasets across State and Territory 

borders. As a result the need for a nationally consistent framework for vegetation survey and 

mapping was recognised. 



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The NVIS was developed to address this problem. Through partnerships between States, 

Territories and the Australian Government NVIS aims to develop: 

• Standards for the classification, attribution and storage of vegetation spatial data 

(polygons); 

• Nationally consistent standards for the survey and mapping of vegetation including data 

collection and classification (revised ‘Yellow Book’; Hnatiuk et al., in press & revised ‘Blue 

Book’; Thackway et al., in press), and 

• A number of national vegetation information products. 

NRETA is in the process of implementing the NVIS polygon attribute database. Once completed, it 

will provide on-line vegetation information and be linked to currently available vegetation mapping. 

Standards for the classification, attribution and storage of vegetation spatial data can be accessed 

from the following link: 

http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/avam/ 

National vegetation information products include: 

Map of the major vegetation groups in Australia: 

http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/publications/major-veg-map.html. 

Major vegetation groups and their status for the NT by bioregion: 

http://audit.ea.gov.au/ANRA/vegetation/docs/Native_vegetation/nat_veg_nt.cfm. 

Land and Vegetation of NRETA adhere to the national standards developed by NVIS and 

encourage other vegetation survey and mapping agencies to adopt them. The NVIS framework is 

explained in more detail in Chapter 5.0. 



6


4.0 MAPPING PROCEDURES 

This chapter provides a summary of the information on procedures used for the mapping 

component of vegetation surveys. It is a large topic and only some issues are discussed here. For 

further detail on this subject refer to Chapter 6 and 7 in the Australian Soil and Land Survey 

Handbook: Guidelines for Conducting Surveys ‘Blue Book’ (Gunn et al., 1988). For an overview of 

vegetation survey and mapping procedures refer to Appendix 2. 

4.1 Map Scale 

The amount of detail that can be shown on a map is mostly a function of scale: detail diminishes as 

the scale decreases. The information on a small scale map is usually more generalised than on a 

large scale map. As the scale controls the linework/mapping unit detail, it also has a strong bearing 

on the level of attribute detail. 

Broad floristic formations (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level III – Broad Floristic Formation; 

refer to Chapter 5.1) are readily shown at small scales, where as small vegetation communities 

(i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level VI – Sub-association; refer to Chapter 5.1) require larger 

scale mapping (i.e. more spatial detail). This is reflected in the degree of homogeneity in the 

mapping unit. Often mapping will contain vegetation communities that are too small to define at the 

prescribed scale, these areas are mapped as mosaics. 

In other words, hierarchies of observation scale present problems as scale can be changed in a 

continuous manner, although hierarchies of vegetation classification systems emphasise the 

importance of distinguishing vegetation communities and describing them at a particular scale. For 

this reason, vegetation maps at different scales cannot be readily compared. If the scale is 

changed, both attributes (vegetation community description data) and line work may require 

reinterpretation. 

As well as determining the smallest area to be shown on a map, scale also influences the sampling 

intensity required and the homogeneity of the resulting map units. Prior to generating the mapping, 

size and scale of the final version of the map should be determined. Traditionally, the final scale of 

a map is double the scale of the interpretive material (i.e. 1:25,000 scale aerial photography 

produces a final map scale of 1:50,000). Often the availability, cost and resolution of the interpretive 

material may influence the final map scale. 

4.2 Interpretive Material 

The interpretive material used depends on available data, funding and the purpose of a survey. 

Two broad approaches are used to create vegetation maps (Neldner et al., 2003): 

1. Visual interpretation of patterns on aerial photography or image analysis of spatial or 

spectral attributes using satellite imagery, and 

2. Modelling patterns of the vegetation for a region using numerical relationships 

between site-based vegetation data and independent environmental variables to 

predict the environmental domains of individual species. 



7


Historically the NT adopted the first approach by using aerial photography and more recently 

satellite imagery for interpretation. Aerial photography involves stereoscopic interpretation of 

patterns on contact prints and then transferred to a geo-referenced digital base such as 

topographic maps. Aerial photography provides reasonable resolution, although is expensive. 

More recently digital aerial photography with on screen digitising and attribution has been used in 

conjunction with traditional stereoscopy methods. The process of scanning, geo-rectifying and 

generating mosaics to produce the digital aerial photography is time consuming. Fortunately future 

aerial photography will be flown digitally and geo-referenced to some degree. Software allowing 3D 

vision is available for on screen digitising, however is expensive. As an alternative, contact prints 

(stereo pairs) and a stereoscope are used to delineate unique mapping areas then digitised on 

screen using a Geographic Information System (GIS). This is a tedious and time consuming 

process. 

If aerial photography is the interpretive base, the oldest available is recommended to provide 

information on vegetation prior to clearing or modification. Pre-clearing and present vegetation can 

be mapped and updated with recent satellite imagery or land clearing data. The use of old aerial 

photography will depend on the purpose of a vegetation survey. The disadvantage of using old 

photography may potentially limit field navigation and site location. 

Innovative interpretive materials (i.e. high resolution satellite imagery) are becoming increasingly 

available. Some possess comparable resolutions to aerial photography (eg. SPOT5, QuickBird, 

IKONOS, ASTER, ALOS) and will potentially replace traditional aerial photography methods in the 

future. 

Higher powered computers combined with enhanced GIS specifications and the increasing 

integration of GIS with remote sensing has made computer based mapping more efficient. These 

methods still only provide a ‘pattern’ and require considerable ground-truthing. Ancillary data such 

as Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) can assist 

in mapping and field survey components; they can also be used for modelling. 

4.3 Defining Map Units 

The essential purpose of the mapping phase is to define unique mapping units, which are definable 

on the interpretive materials (by texture, colour, tone, canopy spacing, spectral signature etc), are 

a repeating unit /pattern across the mapped area, and which correlate to a greater or lesser degree 

with something tangible in the real world (i.e. a homogeneous vegetation community or a 

classification of that vegetation community). The boundaries marked should identify apparent 

changes in the vegetation communities. 

Each map unit/polygon is assigned a preliminary map unit code prior to field survey and reevaluated 

and attributed following field survey, analysis and classification of field data. Boundaries 

should also be checked in the field for attribute and spatial accuracy. 

Various protocols and specific formula exist for a minimum map unit size. Generally whatever 

correlates to an area larger than two by two millimetres on interpretive material is acceptable (eg. 

two by two millimetres on 1:50 000 aerial photography equates to 100 by 100 metres or one 

hectare on the ground; Table 3). 



8


Table 3. Data resolution at various scales. 

Description Size on Map 1:25 000 1:50 000 1:100 000 1:250 000 1:1 000 000 

Surface area of the 

smallest mapped 

feature 

Minimal area width for 

linear features 1mm 

wide (on the ground) 

2 x 2 mm 0.25 ha 1.0 ha 4 ha 25 ha 400 ha or 

4 km 2 

1 mm 25 m 50 m 100 m 250 m 1 km 

Source: Neldner and Butler (in prep) 

4.4 Mosaics 

Mosaic map units incorporate more than one vegetation community within a map unit boundary. 

Mosaics should be noted during the interpretation phase and were possible a percent proportion 

subscribed to each component vegetation community within the one map unit boundary. If the 

mosaic components are too small to map, or they are not feasible to map even as mosaics, they 

should still be assessed in the field and described in the survey report. 

For example, Queensland mapping is attributed with a code to provide a floristic association 

(i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level VI - Sub-association; refer to Chapter 5.1) and the 

proportion it occupies in each map unit. Each polygon is therefore individually assessed as 

opposed to identifying similar unique mapping areas and vegetation groupings as done in the NT. 

Map polygons are labelled with the dominant vegetation community. Spatially smaller units within 

the polygon boundary are referred to in the survey report. 

The NVIS framework allows for mosaic mapping units (ESCAVI, 2003; refer to Chapter 5.0). 

4.5 Accuracy Assessment 

On completion of a survey, the final mapping units should be assessed for reliability and accuracy. 

Maps should also be validated for spatial and attribute accuracy. 

Spatial accuracy refers to the accuracy of a map in terms of real world coordinates (georeferencing) 

usually measured in metres. It is applied to the entire map and individual polygon 

boundaries. Spatial accuracy can be assessed using global positioning system (GPS) ground 

control points or by comparison with geo-referenced GIS coverage’s (eg. satellite imagery, 

cadastral boundaries, digital topographic maps). Spatial accuracy can be corrected or improved 

with a selected geo-referenced base using GIS. 

Attribute accuracy is an estimate of how accurately vegetation communities have been depicted 

within map units. The process requires ground-truthing; a simple method is to select one hundred 

sites on a stratified random basis covering the survey area and individual vegetation communities. 

The sites are visited and evaluated to determine the correspondence with the assigned vegetation 

community. Accuracy can be measured as an overall percentage. Depending on scale, a map is 

rarely 100% correct at any given site location. 

For more detail refer to the Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook: Guidelines for Conducting 

Surveys ‘Blue Book’ (Gunn et al., 1988). 



9


5.0 NVIS CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK AND 

NOMENCLATURE 

Classification plays an important role in vegetation survey and mapping. The primary goal of a 

classification system is to define patterns and simplify complex vegetation data. 

Traditionally, NRETA Land and Vegetation have used a modified Carnahan/Specht (1981) 

classification system for pure vegetation mapping where vegetation is characterised by the tallest 

stratum. The tallest stratum is also considered to be the dominant stratum, provided canopy cover 

values are greater than 5%. For land unit mapping in the NT the Walker and Hopkins (1990) 

classification system also characterises vegetation by the tallest stratum. The two classification 

systems rely on slightly different criteria and once applied to a map are not directly comparable. 

Similarly at the national level, State and Territory agencies involved in vegetation survey and 

mapping have used different classification systems. Recognising this, a national standard, the 

NVIS framework, for classifying vegetation map units and descriptions was developed. 

The principle objective of vegetation survey is to identify vegetation communities with similar 

characteristics (i.e. floristic, structural formation & environmental attributes) by: 

1. Describing vegetation communities at a recognised classification level (i.e. NVIS 

Information Hierarchy Level V – Association & Level VI - Sub-association; refer to 

Chapter 5.1) for survey reports; 

2. Attributing preliminary unique mapping areas at a recognised classification level 

(generally Level V – Association; refer to Chapter 5.1) to establish regional patterns of 

vegetation community distribution, and 

3. Providing an understanding of ecosystem relationships by identifying links between 

individual species distribution and co-occurrence with a set of environmental factors 

(i.e. physical, biological & disturbance attributes). 

To achieve the above, field data is analysed and classified into floristic and structural groupings 

using a recognised classification system. 

5.1 NVIS Structural Classification 

The NVIS framework is based on an information hierarchy of six levels (Table 4) and a structural 

classification system. The purpose of the hierarchy is to define and standardise structural and 

floristic map unit information, provide a framework for quality control and assurance of vegetation 

description information and generate outputs at various levels (eg. map products). 

The NVIS Information Hierarchy (ESCAVI, 2003) has been adopted by NRETA Land and 

Vegetation to map and describe vegetation communities in the NT. A database has been built to 

accommodate this (refer to Chapter 7.3). A large amount of historic NT vegetation data has been 

translated into the NVIS classification system. Future vegetation mapping should adhere to the 

NVIS classification system. 



10


Table 4. The NVIS Information Hierarchy. 

Level Description Species Growth form Cover Height 

I CLASS* - 1 dominant 

growth form for 

the dominant 

stratum 

- - 

Example Tree 

II STRUCTURAL 

FORMATION* 

III 

IV 

V 

VI 

Example 

BROAD 

FLORISTIC 

FORMATION** 

Example 

SUB- 

FORMATION** 

Example 

ASSOCIATION** 

Example 

SUB- 

ASSOCIATION** 

Example 

- 1 dominant 


the dominant 

stratum 

Open woodland 

1 dominant genus 

name for the dominant 

stratum 

1 dominant 


dominant stratum 

Eucalyptus open woodland 

1 dominant genus 1 dominant 

name for each stratum growth form for 

(max 3 strata; i.e. for each stratum 

U, M, G where (max 3 strata) 

substantially present) 

1 cover class for 

the dominant 

stratum 


dominant stratum 


each stratum (max 

3 strata) 

1 height 

class for the 

dominant 

stratum 

1 height 

class for 

dominant 

stratum 

1 height 

class for 

each 

stratum 

(max 3 

strata) 

+Eucalyptus open woodland\Petalostigma tall sparse shrubland\Sorghum 

tussock grassland 

Up to 3 dominant Up to 3 dominant 1 cover class code 

species for each growth forms for for each stratum 

stratum (max 3 strata; each stratum (max 3 strata; i.e. 

i.e. for U, M, G where (max 3 strata; i.e. for U, M, G where 

present) 

for U, M, G where present) 

present) 

1 height 

class code 

for each 

stratum 

(max 3 

strata; i.e. 

for U, M, G 

where 

present) 

U+ ^Eucalyptus miniata, Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Erythrophleum chlorostachys 

\^tree\7\r;M ^Petalostigma pubescens, Buchanania obovata, Planchonia 

careya\^shrub\4\r;G ^Sorghum plumosum, Heteropogon triticeus, Chrysopogon 

latifolius\^tussock grass\2\c 

Up to 5 dominant 

species for each substratum 

(i.e. for U1, 

U2, U3, M1, M2, M3, 

G1, G2 where 

present) 

Indicate characteristic 

genus in each substratum 

with an up 

arrow or hat “^”. Must 

match characteristic 

growth form. 

* Walker and Hopkins (1990) 

** NVIS (defined for the NVIS Information Hierarchy) 

+ indicates dominant stratum 

Up to 5 dominant 

growth forms for 

each sub-stratum. 

Indicate 

characteristic 

growth form with 

an up arrow or 

hat “^”. Must 

match 

characteristic 

genus. 

1 cover class code 

for each substratum 

1 height 

class code 

for each 

sub-stratum 

U+ ^Eucalyptus miniata, Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, 

Corymbia foelscheana, Corymbia polysciada \^tree\7\r;M ^Petalostigma 

pubescens, Buchanania obovata, Planchonia careya, Livistona humilis, 

Terminalia grandiflora\^shrub,palm,tree\4\r;G ^Sorghum plumosum, 

Heteropogon triticeus, Chrysopogon latifolius, Distichostemon hispidulus, 

Erythrophleum chlorostachys\^tussock grass,forb,tree\2\c 



11


The NVIS structural classification is built from three components including height (linked to growth 

forms; Table 5), cover classes (Table 6) and growth forms (Table 7). NVIS classification crown 

cover categories ‘r’ and ‘bi’ have been modified in the NT (Table 8). Open woodlands need to have 

a cover of 5% or greater therefore category ‘r’ is 5-20% rather than 0.25-20% and category ‘bi’ 

0-5%. 

Table 5. NVIS height class codes and descriptions. 

Height Code 

Description 

8 Height range >30 m - Trees, Vines (in M & U), Palms (single-stemmed), Epiphytes. 

7 Height range 10-30 m - Trees, Vines (in M & U), Palms (single-stemmed), Mallee, Mallee 

Shrub, Epiphytes. 

6 Height range 2 m - Cycads, Grass-trees, Tree-ferns, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, 

Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire, Palms (multi-stemmed), Tussock and Hummock Grasses, 

Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Epiphytes (in G), Vines (in G). 

3 Height range 1-2 m - Cycads, Grass-trees, Tree-ferns, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, 


Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Epiphytes (in G), Vines (in G). 

2 Height range 0.5-1 m - Cycads, Grass-trees, Tree-ferns, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, 


Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Liverwort, Lichen, Moss, Seagrasses. 

1 Height range < 0.5 m - Cycads, Xanthorrhoea, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, 

Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire, Tussock and Hummock Grasses, 

Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Lichen, Bryophyte, Seagrasses, Epiphytes (in G), Vines (in G). 

Unknown 

Source: ESCAVI (2003) 

Unknown 

Table 6. NVIS cover class codes and descriptions. 

Cover Code 

Description 

d Foliage cover 70-100% - Crown cover 80-100% - Ground cover 70-100% 

c Foliage cover 30-70% - Crown cover 50-80% - Ground cover 30-70% 

i Foliage cover 10-30% - Crown cover 20-50% - Ground cover 10-30% 

r Foliage cover < 10% - Crown cover 0.25-20% - Ground cover


S 

Y 

Z 

C 

U 

Shrub 

Mallee Shrub 

Heath Shrub 

Chenopod Shrub 

Samphire Shrub 

Woody plants multi-stemmed at the base (or within 200mm from ground 

level) or if single stemmed, less than 2m. 

Commonly less than 8m tall, usually with 5 or more trunks, of which at least 3 

of the largest do not exceed 100mm at breast height (1.3m). 

Shrub usually less than 2m, with sclerophyllous leaves having high fibre: 

protein ratios and with an area of nanophyll or smaller (less than 225 sq. m.). 

Often a member of the following families: EPACRIDACEAE, MYRTACEAE, 

FABACEAE and PROTEACEAE. Commonly occur in nutrient-poor 

substrates. 

Single or multi-stemmed, semi-succulent shrub of the family 

CHENOPODIACEAE exhibiting drought and salt tolerance. 

Genera (of Tribe SALICORNIOIDEAE, viz: Halosarcia, Pachycornia, 

Sarcocornia, Sclerostegia, Tecticornia and Tegicornia) with articulate 

branches, fleshy stems and reduced flowers within the CHENOPODIACEAE 

family, succulent chenopods. Also genus Sueda. 

G Tussock Grass 

Forms discrete but open tussocks usually with distinct individual shoots, or if 

not, then forming a hummock. These are common agricultural grasses. 

H Hummock Grass 

Coarse xeromorphic grass with a mound-like form often dead in the middle; 

genera are Triodia and Plectrachne. 

W Other grass 

Member of the family POACEAE, but having neither a distinctive tussock nor 

hummock appearance. 

V Sedge 

Herbaceous, usually perennial erect plant generally with a tufted habit and of 

the families CYPERACEAE (true sedges) or RESTIONACEAE (node 

sedges). 

R Rush 

Herbaceous, usually perennial erect monocot that is neither a grass nor 

sedge. For the purposes of NVIS, rushes include the monocotyledon families 

JUNCACEAE, TYPHACEAE, LILIACEAE, IRIDACEAE, XYRIDACEAE and 

the genus Lomandra (i.e. “graminoid” or grass-like genera). 

F Forb 

Herbaceous or slightly woody, annual or sometimes perennial plant (usually a 

dicotyledon). 

D Tree-fern 

Characterised by large and usually branched leaves (fronds), arborescent 

and terrestrial; spores in sporangia on the leaves. 

E Fern 

Ferns and fern allies. Characterised by large and usually branched leaves 

(fronds), herbaceous and terrestrial to aquatic; spores in sporangia on the 

leaves. 

B Bryophyte 

Mosses and Liverworts. Mosses are small plants usually with slender leafbearing 

stem with no true vascular tissue. Liverworts are often moss-like in 

appearance or consisting of a flat, ribbon-like green thallus. 

N Lichen 

Composite plant consisting of fungus living symbiotically with algae; without 

true roots, stems or leaves. 

K Epiphyte 

Epiphytes, mistletoes and parasites. Plant with roots attached to the aerial 

portions of other plants. Often could also be another growth form, such as 

fern or forb. 

L Vine Climbing, twining, winding or sprawling plants usually with a woody stem. 

P Palm 

Palms and other arborescent monocotyledons. Members of the 

ARECACEAE or the genus Pandanus (Pandanus is often multi-stemmed). 

X Grass-tree Australian grass trees. Members of the family XANTHORROEACEAE. 

A Cycad Members of the families CYCADACEAE and ZAMIACEAE. 

J Seagrass 

Flowering angiosperms forming sparse to dense mats of material at the subtidal 

and down to 30m below MSL. Occasionally exposed. 

Q Aquatic 

Plant growing in an inland waterway or wetland with the majority of its 

biomass under water for most of the year. Fresh, saline or brackish water. 

O Lower Plant Alga, fungus. 


The three components are combined to generate structural formation classes (Table 8). 



13

Table 8. NVIS Classification System structural formation classes. 


Cover Characteristics 

Foliage cover * 70-100 30-70 10-30 80 50-80 20-50 0.25-20 80 50-80 20-50 0.25-20


The structural formation classes in conjunction with a height qualifier (Table 9) and species 

information are used to generate Levels I to VI of the NVIS Information Hierarchy (Table 4). 

A program SAVEG version 1.1 has been built to allow entry of the three components and species 

information to build the six level NVIS hierarchy automatically. For manual building of the hierarchy 

and full details of NVIS and core attributes see the NVIS Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual 

Version 6.0 (ESCAVI, 2003). 

Comparisons of common classifications systems and criteria (Walker & Hopkins, 1990; Specht, 

1970; NVIS) are provided in two categories: cover and structural formation (Appendix 3) and height 

classes (Appendix 4). Appendix 5 is a useful table to translate codes and descriptions from the 

Walker and Hopkins (1990) classification system to NVIS. 

Table 9. NVIS height classes and corresponding growth forms. 

Height 

Class 

Height 

Height 

Range (m) 

tree, vine (M 

& U), palm 

(single 

stemmed). 

shrub, heath 

shrub, 

chenopod 

shrub, ferns, 

samphire 

shrub, cycad, 

tree-fern, 

grass-tree, 

palm (multistemmed) 

Applicable Growth Forms 

tree mallee, 

mallee shrub 

tussock 

grass, 

hummock 

grass, other 

grass, 

sedge, rush, 

forbs, vine 

(G) 

8 >30 Tall NA NA NA NA 

7 10-30 Mid NA Tall NA NA 

6


6.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND MAP ATTRIBUTION 

Data analysis and map attribution can be complex processes. This is a large topic and only a brief 

outline of how NRETA Land and Vegetation does this is provided. Four main steps are involved in 

data analysis and map attribution: 

1. Floristic Analysis: Determine floristic affinities between sites to produce floristic 

groupings. 

2. Structural Classification: Assign structural attributes to floristic groups and place 

them into a classification system. 

3. Polygon Attribution: Relate structural and floristic groups to the mapping. 

4. Reporting: Document vegetation community descriptions, floristic lists with frequency 

of occurrence, structural summary and environmental attributes in a survey report. 

6.1 Floristic Analysis 

Various numerical techniques have been devised to sort floristic data in an attempt to define 

homogenous plant assemblages. The approach used and outputs resulting from analysis is 

primarily influenced by the level of site data detail, the accuracy required for the scale of mapping 

and the time of year data is collected. The process is iterative where a number of analyses are 

performed on the same dataset or sub sets of data. Of the many analytical techniques available, 

those commonly used for vegetation data are relatively simple, employing some type of association 

technique, and generally biased towards floristics. 

Association analysis is a statistical technique for generating floristic groupings based on 

presence/absence and/or abundance of species derived from site data. Sites are partitioned into 

two groups on the basis of their possession of species (i.e. species showing the highest overall 

association with other species). The analysis proceeds by treating each subset of sites as an initial 

set and further sub-dividing until resultant subsets represent a series of sites with reasonably 

uniform species composition (Specht & Specht, 2002). During the primary analysis, sites are 

grouped purely on species association and abundances. Further exploration of the data may 

include environmental attributes. 

Preferably the person who collects the data should also analyse it given floristic analysis often 

requires expert input to produce final site groupings. 

Five steps are used to determine floristic site groupings: 

1. Presence/absence on a subset of data based on frequency of occurrence for the upper 

stratum (eg. species occurring in more than 5% of sites); 

2. Quantitative measure using basal area for the upper stratum; 

3. Repeat step one for the ground stratum and compare with output groupings for the 

upper stratum; 

4. Repeat steps one and two for the mid stratum and compare with output groupings for 

upper and ground strata/sub strata, and 

5. Undertake a number of analyses for a series of subset data to decide the total number 

of groupings (vegetation communities). Note: the larger the dataset, the more analysis 

required. 



16


Vegetation site data can be analysed using statistical packages including PATN, 

PRIMER, SYSTAT. PATN is the most powerful and has recently been released in a windows 

format, suitable for large datasets. For smaller datasets SYSTAT and PRIMER are adequate for 

association analysis. For further information refer to Belbin (1988); Specht and Specht (2002); 

Clarke and Gorley (2001) and Hill (1979). 

6.2 Structural Classification 

The structure of vegetation at each site is evaluated on the basis of floristic groupings derived from 

the association analysis. A final group is assigned to each site incorporating both structural and 

floristic information. The structural information is determined by height and cover values coupled 

with growth form then translated to the NVIS classification system structural formation and height 

classes (Table 8 & 9). For each grouping of sites, floristic information and structural formation and 

height classes define the vegetation community description. 

Site groupings may also be appraised based on environmental attributes such as soil and 

landform. Assigning the final site groupings is often iterative. 

6.3 Polygon/Map Attribution 

Preliminary map units are then evaluated according to the final vegetation community groupings. 

Mapping units may need to be split or amalgamated, or boundaries altered to reflect the final 

vegetation group. In some instances, vegetation communities determined from the association 

analysis may not relate to a mapping area boundary or may be too small to map (dependant on 

scale). These spatially small vegetation communities need to be described in the survey report and 

attributed on the final map as a mosaic. 

6.4 Reporting 

Once final vegetation communities are determined, floristic and structural information is 

downloaded from the site database to describe each vegetation community. Information 

summarised from the site data include modal growth-form, mean cover, mean height and cover 

and height ranges for up to three dominant strata. This information places vegetation communities 

into a classification system and forms the vegetation community description for survey reports and 

polygon attribution. The information should be described at the association (NVIS Level V) or subassociation 

level (NVIS Level VI) provided adequate sites and data have been sampled. 

Vegetation communities are described textually and tabularly in a survey report including the 

following information. For vegetation survey report format examples refer to Appendix 6. 

• Structural classification code and description for the dominant stratum; 

• Dominant species and frequency of occurrence for each stratum/ sub stratum; 

• Number of sites representing community and list of corresponding sites; 

• Common species list with frequency of occurrence for each stratum/ sub stratum; 

• Average and mean heights and height ranges for each stratum/sub stratum; 

• Average and mean cover and cover ranges for each stratum/sub stratum; 

• Dominant growth form for each stratum/sub stratum; 

• Structural classification code for each stratum/sub stratum, and 

• Environmental information (i.e. landform, soils, drainage). 



17


7.0 DATA STORAGE 

7.1 Meta Data 

Metadata provides a structured description and summary of a dataset. All vegetation survey and 

mapping projects on completion should be placed on the NT Spatial Data Directory and completed 

to ANZLIC standards (ANZLIC, 2001). The majority of NT survey reports contain metadata defining 

content, currency, access, availability and quality of the data. 

The NVIS data base also contains basic metadata information (ESCAVI, 2003). 

7.2 Site Data 

Numerous vegetation site databases exist in the NT. The data is stored in various formats and at 

different locations. 

Vegetation data across NRETA is currently stored in a number of databases including Database 

for Ecological Community Data (DECODA), Resource Assessment Vegetation System (RAVS), 

Microsoft Excel and Access and various ARC/INFO-ARCMAP data formats. A significant amount 

of vegetation data is not currently digital equating to 34% of all known NT vegetation datasets 

(Figure 1). 

A vegetation site data inventory was undertaken to establish the extent and quality of NT data by 

Brocklehurst (2003). Approximately 30,000 sites from 240 surveys were assessed. A simple 

Access database was designed to store metadata information containing a number of look up 

fields (Appendix 7). Future NT vegetation site data should be entered into this database as a 

standard survey procedure in the NT. A web accessible front end is to be developed. 

Digital Data Storage Systems 

19% 

3%0% 7% 

2% 

25% 

15% 

2% 

27% 

DECODA/ARCINFO DECODA nil 

RAVS Foxpro-Access Access 

Excel Oracle Unknown 

Figure 1. Comparison of NT vegetation data stored in numerous databases. 



18


Resource Assessment Vegetation Information System (RAVS) 

Land and Vegetation of NRETA recognised the inconsistency of vegetation site data management 

and initiated the development of a corporate vegetation site database. 

RAVS is an oracle database that has spatial links to map units based on individual survey and site 

information. RAVS is presently a dichotomy controlled database in a multi document interface 

window environment allowing users to access contents of multiple tables simultaneously. 

RAVS stores core and optional attributes pertaining to: 

• Survey (site ID, survey ID/type, quadrat size, NVIS code/description); 

• Geo-referencing (zone, coordinates, datum, aspect, aerial photograph, topographic 

map sheet/scale); 

• Physical environment (soil, geology, drainage); 

• Disturbance (grazing, fire); 

• Landform (element, pattern); 

• Ground cover (bare soil, vegetation litter, rock, gravel, crust, vegetation); 

• Broad vegetation structure (stratum summary, growth form, crown separation), and 

• Floristics and structural formation (plant species, cover, height, basal area). 

Vegetation site data core attributes have been defined in Lewis et al., (in prep). 

Species are stored against a taxonomic code where the taxonomy is irregularly updated. Updating 

taxonomic lists requires reloading the current dataset and making editions to accommodate 

taxonomic revisions. The NT Herbarium maintains a taxonomic plant name database and regularly 

updates it. This database will be incorporated into RAVS to overcome the issue of intermittently 

reloading and editing datasets. 

RAVS will require modification to incorporate other attributes and the NVIS polygon database 

through: 

• Incorporating NVIS and other attributes into RAVS; 

• Developing input/output routines from RAVS to analytical packages such as the windows 

based PATN, and 

• Developing input/output routines from RAVS to the NVIS database. 

7.3 Polygon/Map Data 

NVIS polygon database 

The NVIS polygon database was primarily developed to provide a standard method of polygon 

attribution within a standard classification framework. The database contains a large number of 

attributes covering vegetation, survey procedure, environmental parameters, meta-data, 

references and provides a hierarchy of detail, from summary information to well detailed floristic 

information. 

The NVIS database is currently being developed within NRETA to become the main storage and 

attribution tool for vegetation polygon mapping datasets. It resides on an oracle platform and will 

be linked to digital mapping, providing more on-line vegetation detail than presently available. A 

large number of NT vegetation surveys have already been translated into the NVIS classification 

system and reside in the database. 



19


The NVIS Version 3.0 vegetation data set, resident on NRETA servers, represents the most up to 

date standardised broad scale mapping of the whole NT. Two polygon coverage’s exist; vegetation 

pre-clearing and vegetation extant. The dataset is essentially the NT Vegetation Map (1:1,000,000) 

with monsoon vine-forests, melaleuca forests, lancewood forests, mangrove forests and clearing 

imbedded. Attribution is as per the NVIS Information Hierarchy (Table 4). 

A recently developed program (SAVEG Version 1.1) has been designed to allow entry of structural 

and species information to build the six level NVIS Information Hierarchy automatically. Various 

xml and Microsoft Access input and output routines have been developed to process other core 

attributes. For manual building of the hierarchy and for full detail of the NVIS framework and core 

attributes see the NVIS Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual Version 6.0 (ESCAVI, 2003). 

http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/publications/avam/index.html 

NRETA Polygon Data 

For individual vegetation surveys, GIS data is currently stored in the NRETA Spatial Data Directory 

and will be made available on the website through NRETA Maps. 

http://nretaintranet.nt.gov.au/onlinesystems/nretamaps.html 

7.4 Database Integration 

The RAVS site database and NVIS polygon data base are currently being integrated. The model is 

referred to as the Natural Resources Vegetation Information System (NRVIS) and is designed to 

provide the following efficiencies: 

• Proficient entry of site data; 

• Data manipulation and output to various analysis packages (i.e. PATN, TWINSPAN, 

PRIMER); 

• Input from analysis packages; 

• Calculation of floristic and structural statistics based on groupings of site data; 

• Automated output of summary data into survey report formats, and 

• Automated output of data into the NVIS polygon database. 

The aim of NRVIS is to automate future inclusions of NVIS spatial and attribute data in an 

Australian-wide vegetation dataset. Site data will be derived from RAVS then analysed to develop 

linkages with NVIS attributes to provide polygon attribution back into RAVS with updated plant 

names from the yet to be developed Bio-link database (Figure 2). 



20


DATA ENTRY 

Manual, Batch/Script 

MANAGMENT SYSTEM 

ORACLE 

RAVS INTERFACES NT DVT 

Other Databases 

NVIS 

B 

I 

O 

L 

I 

N 

K 

T 

A 

X 

O 

N 

O 

M 

I 

C 

SPATIAL 

SYSTEM 

ORACLE 

GIS 

INFORMATION 

XML Export 

D 

B 

A 

S 

E 

Internet 

Reports 

Document 

Worksheet 

Figure 2. Proposed NRVIS data model. 

Source: Lewis (2006) 

There are three main stages to the NRVIS development: 

1. Develop an information database incorporating simple menu interfaces for the following 

capabilities: navigation, data entry, editing, importing and exporting. This has been 

developed May 2005; 

2. Provide spatial linkages to other databases such as BIOLINK (NT Herbarium 

taxonomic specimen database), RAVS and NT definitive vegetation types (refer to 

Chapter 9.3), and 

3. Create a visualisation interface tool between the three stages for NRETA view only 

including a web based version. 

NRETA is committed to establishing the NVIS attribute framework and the NRVIS database as part 

of the corporate vegetation management system. NRVIS will be used to store polygon data on a 

project survey basis and in a format suitable for transferring to relevant agencies (i.e. 

Commonwealth). Application and database components will be maintained on the corporate 

server. At a later stage it is envisaged a developed, distributed system can be accessed by the 

Commonwealth on NRETA servers. Similarly, a database containing information on a systematic 

taxonomy of vegetation types (i.e. definitive vegetation types; refer to Chapter 9.3) has been 

developed and will need to be linked to the NRVIS in the future. 



21


8.0 PRODUCTS 

A number of products can be developed and made available from the vegetation data and 

environmental attributes collected. 

Common products produced from a vegetation survey may include: 

• Vegetation community maps at given scales; 

• Supplementary survey report, and 

• Interactive CD’s (maps, survey report & site photos). 

Interpretive products are more recently being generated and may include the following (dependant 

on data collected): 

• Threatened flora; 

• Introduced plants; 

• Pasture potential; 

• Sensitive ecosystems; 

• Landform, and 

• Soil drainage. 

For primary vegetation mapping datasets in the NT go to: 

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/nativevegetation/vegmapping/datasets.html 

For more information on data products in the NT go to NRETA Maps: 

http://nretaintranet.nt.gov.au/onlinesystems/nretamaps.html?submit.x=40&submit.y=11 

For NVIS products generated for use at a national scale go to: 

http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/mvg/index.html 

For the Australian Native Vegetation Assessment 2001 major vegetation groups and their status in 

the NT go to. http://audit.ea.gov.au/ANRA/vegetation/docs/Native_vegetation/nat_veg_nt.cfm 



22


9.0 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 

9.1 Vegetation Condition 

The NT covers a range of environments and climatic regimes from arid to tropical. Ecosystem 

function varies across this region. In comparison to other States and Territories, the NT still has 

large areas of native vegetation. This vegetation although not pristine, could be regarded as 

relatively 'intact' with fire and grazing (feral & domestic) perceived as the greatest modifiers. The 

degree of vegetation ‘intactness’, or lack of, across the whole NT has not yet been assessed. 

There is a growing demand for information on vegetation condition, for various purposes at local, 

regional and national levels. In collaboration with the Department of Environment and Heritage 

(DEH - Australian Government), a pilot study is being undertaken to develop a set of on-ground 

indicators to reflect the condition of NT vegetation types, specifically in terms of bio-diversity. 

Indicators will reflect the degree of difference from a 'benchmark type' of vegetation. The 

‘benchmark type’ represents its most natural or least disturbed state. Vegetation condition 

indicators have been developed, or are in the process of development by all States and Territories. 

There are three components to developing an assessment for vegetation condition: 

1. Develop on-ground vegetation condition indicators, methods for field assessment and 

describe condition classes or ‘states’; 

2. Define the ‘benchmark’ vegetation types and criteria that the indicators are measured 

against, and 

3. Spatially extrapolate vegetation condition classes across the landscape for each 

benchmark vegetation type. 

Vegetation Condition Indicators 

A preliminary list of indicators and their score weightings have been developed for the woodland 

and forest vegetation types in the NT (Appendix 8). Indicators for the non-woody grasslands are to 

be developed. Riparian condition indicators and methods for assessment have been developed; 

Tropical Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (TRARC) (Dixon et al., 2006). 

The indicators are based on quantitative analysis of vegetation structural components, growth 

forms and perceived disturbance at a site and scored to a maximum of 100. On the basis of the 

score, the vegetation will be placed within five condition classes (low to high). 



23


The indicators developed for the NT are relatively simple in comparison to those developed by 

other States and Territories. They are selected based on what would best reflect, or highlight the 

possible processes leading to modification of a particular vegetation type, with the least number of 

measurements needed in the field (ie have been subjectively selected to target modifying 

processes). 

A preliminary field assessment method has been developed consisting of one to a number of 100 

metre transects. Growth forms and canopy cover are measured at intervals along each transect. 

Regeneration counts are made in 100x50 metre quadrat placed adjacent to transect. Two basal 

area sweeps are used measure tree density and health. The method is based on a modified 

SLATS (State-wide Land-cover and Trees Study) approach (Kuhnell et al., 1998). 

For more information follow the links. 

Land and Water Australia TRARC Technical Guideline 2006 and score sheets. 

http://savanna.ntu.edu.au/publications/lwa_trarc_guide.html 

TRARC User Manual will be hosted at: 

http://savanna.cdu.edu.au/ 

Benchmark Vegetation Types 

Vegetation condition indicator values measured in the field are compared to the values expected 

for each ‘benchmark’ vegetation type and scored accordingly. The values for each indicator and 

vegetation type need to be identified before comparisons can be made. A number of approaches 

have been tried using existing site data for a number of vegetation types. The definitive vegetation 

types (refer to Chapter 9.3) were also considered as the basis for benchmark types. Both 

approaches proved too complex, would create too many benchmark types and be extremely time 

consuming to develop benchmark criteria for all vegetation types in the NT. 

Alternatively, ‘synthetic’ vegetation types for each major structural vegetation type existing in the 

NT will be produced. The synthetic vegetation types are a series of ‘condition’ states that the 

vegetation may reflect, either temporally or due to recent anthropogenic change. The premise is 

that these ‘condition’ states are reflected in the structural components of the vegetation and 

represent the best condition ‘state’ of a vegetation type through to the poorest. One of these 

‘condition’ states can be used to determine the benchmark criteria (see Appendix 9 for an 

example). 

The ‘synthetic’ approach is biased towards the structural attributes of vegetation rather than 

species occurrence. It is perceived due to the relative ‘intactness’ of NT vegetation, the majority of 

dominant species of the defining strata should still be present. 

Spatial Extrapolation of Condition Classes 

Spatially extrapolating the condition of vegetation measured at a site across the whole range of a 

vegetation type is problematic. Given most of the NT lacks in fine scale mapping, it is difficult to 

extrapolate from site based assessment across the whole range of a particular vegetation type as 

done with other methods such as Habitat Hectares (Parkes et al., 2003). 

For various approaches to this refer to Ecological Management and Restoration: Linking Science 

and Practice – Mapping Vegetation Condition Volume 7 Supplement 1 (June, 2006). 

An interim method at the landscape level has been developed. It is a top down approach using 

various spatial data sets that can be used as surrogates for condition (eg. fire frequencies). Each 

dataset is scored against criteria as indicated in Figure 3. The criteria for all datasets can be 

combined to provide an overall condition score. Alternatively, datasets can be pre-classified into 

categories based on VAST (Vegetation Assets, States & Transitions) approach (Thackway & 

Lesslie, 2005 & 2006). 



24


Satellite platforms are also suitable for assessments across large areas and for monitoring over 

time, although are limited in the characteristics of vegetation they can detect. These platforms can 

be used to detect broad changes in cover (i.e. NDVI) to reflect changes on the ground. Both 

approaches are suitable for highlighting regions where modification of vegetation is taking place 

and can be researched in more detail. 

Condition of habitat / ecosystem / vegetation type 

G 

G 

G 

FIRE 

WEEDS 

M 

B 

M 

G 

B 

S 

B 

G 

Condition: 

G = Good 

M = Moderate 

B = Bad 

S = Severe 

M 

FERALS 

G 

Figure 3. Cumulative scoring method. 

NOTE: The vegetation condition initiative in the NT is in the early stages and will continue to be 

developed. Indicators, benchmarks and processes contained herein are subject to change. 

9.2 Non Native Vegetation Types 

National definitions for non native vegetation and land cover types are presently being developed 

by the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS), Australian Government. Once finalised, categories should 

be used to attribute areas currently blank, or poorly attributed on NT vegetation datasets. 

Categories for clearing land attribution will include urban areas, horticultural and agricultural land. 

9.3 Definitive Vegetation Types 

The Vegetation Survey of the NT (Wilson et al., 1990) described a standard list of 112 vegetation 

communities for the whole NT. Since then there have been numerous vegetation and floristic 

surveys. These surveys have described new vegetation communities as well as redescribing 

existing vegetation communities. Though the quality and level of descriptions vary, there are many 

descriptions of the same vegetation communities. The need to develop a framework for a 

consistent list of vegetation community descriptions was recognised. 

The definitive vegetation type (DVT) concept was developed to provide both a local and nationally 

recognised systematic taxonomy of vegetation types in the NT. A DVT can be described as a 

representative or typical example of a vegetation community at the association level (NVIS Level 

VI) compiled from existing vegetation data. 



25


A preliminary list of 367 DVT was generated from published and unpublished vegetation survey 

reports (Brocklehurst & Gibbons, 2003). A number of other States already have listings of DVT at 

either the association (NVIS Level V) or sub-association (NVIS Level VI). 

Advantages of the DVT concept will: 

• Provide a systematic taxonomy of NT vegetation communities and associated 

environmental attributes, distribution and conservation status; 

• Assist in vegetation mapping once criteria is developed for the recognition of vegetation 

communities in the field (i.e. full site characterisation wont be required); 

• Assist in defining national vegetation types and provide equivalence across borders; 

• Potentially assist in developing benchmarks for vegetation condition monitoring (i.e. change 

in species composition, structural parameters, threatening processes etc.); 

• Update the 112 vegetation community descriptions for the Vegetation Survey of the NT by 

Wilson et al. (1990), and 

• Link to the NRVIS polygon database to provide more detail and allow a seamless 

integration of NT vegetation surveys and national datasets. 

A database for storage of NT DVT has been developed and is based primarily on the New South 

Wales Royal Botanic Gardens and Queensland Herbarium model. A technical report is being 

produced to explain the database and entry methods. 

The process of compiling the DVT from source data highlighted the need for adopting a standard 

technique for analysis and written descriptions of vegetation communities in the NT. Many of the 

written descriptions in survey reports are data deficient and do not reflect the detail collected in 

field data. Many of the descriptions could be NVIS compliant provided reports included all the detail 

available. 

DVT will continually be enhanced as the knowledge base expands. For attributes contained in the 

DVT database refer to Appendix 10. 

9.4 Ecosystem Regionalisation 

Regional ecosystems were defined by Sattler and Williams (1999) as vegetation communities in a 

bioregion that are consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and 

soil. 

An interim regionalisation has been produced for the NT based on the Queensland approach by 

integrating soils, landform and geology with the NVIS Version 3.0 vegetation dataset. However a 

new data set, the Integrated Land Systems of the NT, will prove useful as a base for future 

attempts at ecosystem regionalisation. 

Applications of regional ecosystems are generally for management purposes rather than 

vegetation mapping per se. For example, the same vegetation community could be split into a 

number of regional ecosystems based on other landscape features (i.e. soil & landform). 

Ecosystem regionalisation in the NT will place individual vegetation surveys into a broader context 

of environmental and landscape parameters. 

Compared with the Queensland regional ecosystem definitions (Neldner et al., 1999) there is 

presently no ecosystem regionalisation for the NT. 

For regional ecosystems of Queensland go to: 

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/biodiversity/regional_ecosystems/ 



26


9.5 Web Server Data Input Forms 

A future development is the construction of input forms using Oracle Application Express 

to allow external entry into various vegetation databases via the web and direct entry into 

Oracle tables. This would potentially overcome current systems of using proprietary 

software such as Info Mapper required on individual workstations. For example, a form can 

be developed to mirror current field data proformas allowing data entry to proceed as per 

field sheets 

An advantage of this development once instigated includes simpler and more efficient data 

entry and would allow external data entry. It may also assist with data acquisition across 

agencies. 

The development of data input forms is envisaged for the RAVS and DVT’s databases. 

Future forms could also be progressed for the NRVIS system provided preliminary trials 

are successful. 



27

SECTION B: FIELD METHODOLOGY

SECTION B: FIELD METHODOLOGY 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

This section describes the standard field methods for vegetation assessment in the Northern 

Territory (NT) compliant with the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbooks (‘Yellow Book’ 

Speight et al., 1990; ‘Blue Book’ Gunn et al., 1988) and in accordance with national standards of 

the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS). 

A brief outline of each chapter is provided below. 

• Chapter 2 provides descriptions of sample sites including types, dimensions, selection 

and sampling intensity. 

• Chapter 3 describes the attributes collected to describe and classify vegetation. 

• Chapter 4 describes additional attributes to collect pertaining to the physical 

environment. 

• Chapter 5 outlines field data variables and core attributes. 

Field survey methods have been refined over a number of years across the Department of Natural 

Resources, Environment and the Arts (NRETA). Other agencies are encouraged to adopt these 

guidelines and field methodology to ensure the future classification of vegetation data is consistent 

across the NT and nationally. 

The purpose of vegetation survey field assessment is to: 

1. Provide fixed reference points (site data) for the description of delineated map units; 

2. Provide quantitative and/or qualitative vegetation community descriptions, and 

3. Define the nature of abiotic components and relationships (physical environment). 

Vegetation condition assessment may need to be incorporated into vegetation survey field 

assessment in the future (refer to Section A - Guidelines, Chapter 9.1). 



28


2.0 SAMPLE SITES 

2.1 Site Types and Dimensions 

Three types of sites are used to assess vegetation. Each type varies in level of detail and purpose: 

Full Characterisation Sites 

Full characterisation sites are assessed for newly mapped regions. Sites are commonly 20x20 

metres with the collection of full floristic and structural information. However, in vegetation 

communities such as lineal riparian communities, quadrat size may need to change (eg. 10X50 

metres). The 20x20 metre quadrat is deemed a sufficient size to recognise the majority of ground 

and mid strata/sub strata species, provided adequate sites are sampled for a particular map unit. A 

basal sweep using a basal wedge (bitterlich gauge) is used to determine dominance of woody 

species in forests and woodlands. The basal sweep extends beyond the quadrat boundaries to 

provide a better representation of the overstorey stratum (refer to Chapter 3.5). 

Site data ideally includes a complete species list with associated cover and height values, growth 

forms, structural composition by strata, environmental attributes, disturbance and location 

information. The completeness of a species list is dependant on the observers’ familiarity with flora 

and the time available to survey a site. Recent surveys collect field data enabling sub-association 

(NVIS level VI) attribution providing the scale of mapping is appropriate. Previous survey data was 

collected at both association and sub-association levels (NVIS level V & IV respectively). 

When deemed appropriate site survey may include a 100m transect to determine foliage projective 

cover according to methodologies in Mapping the Forest Cover of the Northern Territory 

(NORFOR) (Meakin et al., 2002; refer to Chapter 3.6). 

Check Sites 

Check sites are less detailed and used to characterise vegetation once a sufficient number of full 

characterisation sites have been recorded for a particular vegetation community. A basal sweep is 

undertaken to determine species dominance. Cover and height values are estimated or measured 

for two to three dominant species in either the dominant or all strata/sub strata. Location 

information is also recorded. 

Check sites can also be used to validate mapping prior to full characterisation site sampling. 

Road notes 

Road notes are useful to substantiate mapping patterns recorded from a vehicle whilst in motion. 

Cover and height estimates for two to three dominant species in either the dominant or all 

strata/sub strata are recorded. 



29


2.2 Site Selection and Sampling Intensity 

Sample sites are selected and located to cover the geographic range and variation of each map 

unit within a survey area. Various sample design strategies are used for vegetation survey 

including the placement of sites on a random basis, stratified random, grid or purposive. The 

purposive approach is used for the majority of surveys conducted by NRETA Land and Vegetation 

where a preliminary map is generated to assist in site selection. 

Protocols have been formulated and published in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook: 

Guidelines for Conducting Surveys – Blue Book (Gunn et al., 988) for the number of sites required 

at a particular scale of mapping (Table 10). 

Table 10. Recommended sampling intensity for various scales of mapping. 

Scale of Published Map 

Area in Hectares 

represented by 1cm 2 

on map 

Recommended 

Sampling Density 1km 2 

Example: 

Mapping 1000 km 2 

No. of Sites 

1:5 000 0.25 100 100 000 

1:10 000 1 25 25 000 

1:25 000 6.25 4 4 000 

1:50 000 25 1 1 000 

1:100 000 100 0.25 250 

1:250 000 625 0.04 40 

1:1 000 000 10 000 0.003 3 

Source: Gunn et al. (1988) 

In the NT, the recommended number of sites required for a particular scale of mapping may not 

always be possible as areas are vast and access difficult. The use of preliminary mapping to target 

areas can reduce site number requirements. As a general rule, when few new species are being 

identified in a vegetation community across a survey area, sampling intensity can be considered 

adequate. 

Sites can be selected prior to field work from preliminary mapping or during field survey. The 

geographic ranges of each discrete map unit should be assessed by sampling adequate sites. 

Edge effects resulting from disturbance such as development (i.e. roads) or natural phenomena 

(i.e. fire) should also be considered during site placement. As field survey proceeds and the 

character of a map unit becomes clear and remains consistent, sites are assessed in new patterns. 

The use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies in recent years has improved the ability 

of locating predetermined sites and provides fairly accurate geo-referencing of sampled sites. GPS 

can also assist general navigation within a survey area and combined with computer based GIS, 

allow the viewing of preliminary mapping and/or interpretive data in real time. 

For more detail on sample design, intensity and adequacy refer to Chapter 5 of the Australian Soil 

and Land Survey Handbook: Guidelines for Conducting Surveys ‘Blue Book’ (Gunn et al., 1988); 

Neldner and Butler (in prep); Neldner et al. (1995) and Neldner et al. (in press). 



30


3.0 DESCRIBING VEGETATION 

NRETA Land and Vegetation employ a physiognomic-floristic approach to vegetation description 

and classification. The approach is based on a standard methodology initially developed for the 

Vegetation Survey of the NT (Wilson et al., 1990) and expanded in accordance with national 

standards. The physiognomy refers to the broad structural features of the vegetation including 

cover and height values, growth forms and stratum. The floristic component refers to the species 

composition at a site. 

3.1 Species 

Species composition is a fundamental component of a vegetation community. A species list is an 

essential element of a vegetation survey and defining floristic assemblages is a major step in the 

analysis of site data. The analysis of site data using statistical packages is influenced by the 

number of species at a site. 

All species occurring at a site should be recorded if possible. The occurrence of species at any one 

time is dependent on seasonality, stages of community succession and degree of disturbance. 

Depending on the purpose of a survey, sites may need revisiting to record full floristic information. 

Reference should be made on the site sheet as to the adequacy of the species list at the time of 

sampling. 

Unrecognised species should be collected for identification in the NT Herbarium. 

Flora of Conservation Significance 

Flora of conservation significance or species meeting a range of criteria (i.e. Data Deficient) as per 

the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List Categories (IUCN, 2001) should be 

collected to voucher in the NT Herbarium and consequently recorded on the Holtze taxonomic 

specimen database. 

IUCN categories are listed in Appendix 11. For a list of NT threatened species refer to: 

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/threatened/index.html 

Weeds 

Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and NT Declared Weeds should be recorded. Weed data 

collected should be made available to the Weed Management Branch of NRETA for updating the 

NT weeds database. Core attributes and supplementary data collection sheets have recently been 

developed for recording weed data in the NT (refer to Appendix 12 for directions & Appendix 13 for 

weeds field sheet). 

For a list of WoNS refer to: 

http://www.weeds.org.au/natsig.htm 

For a list of NT Declared Weeds refer to: 

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/weeds/ntweeds/declared.html 

3.2 Vegetation Profiles: Stratum Concept 

Users find vegetation information easier to understand when vegetation communities are portrayed 

with simple structural and floristic descriptors. While no one classification system will satisfy all 

purposes, consensus on describing and mapping vegetation favours a system based on: 

• structural formation, (eg. growth form: tree, grass etc.); 

• height (growth form measured in metres), and 

• cover (percent cover of each growth form). 



31


These are provided for each stratum (layers of vegetation) and are complemented by floristic 

information (McKenzie et al., 2006). 

The vertical profile of vegetation is categorised by stratum, which in theory correspond to natural 

‘clusters’ of plant material (Figure 4). These ‘clusters’ obviously have overlap and thus strict 

depiction in terms of height and cover can be subjective making delineation difficult or arbitrary. 

Vegetation survey in the NT has traditionally recognised three strata, if they exist (i.e. upper, mid & 

lower/ground). As some vegetation structures can be complex (more so in southern regions), 

national guidelines were implemented to recognise a possible eight strata/sub strata (Table 11). 

This has been incorporated in field sheets used by NRETA Land and Vegetation. The number of 

strata/sub strata existing or recognisable at a site can vary depending on vegetation complexity 

and observer perception. Distinct layering in some instances may not occur (eg. rainforest) where 

the vegetation profile is continuous from the canopy downwards. 

Table 11. Traditional stratum codes and NVIS sub stratum codes and descriptions. 

Traditional 

Stratum 

Code 

(Walker & 

Hopkins, 

1990) 

NVIS 

Sub- 

Stratum 

Code 

Description 

Traditional 

Stratum 

Name 

Growth 

Forms* 

Height 

Classes* 

Not allowed 

U 

U1 

Tallest tree substratum. 

For forests and 

woodlands this 

will generally be 

the dominant 

stratum. 

For a continuum 

(eg. no distinct or 

discernible 

layering in the 

vegetation) the 

tallest stratum 

becomes the 

defining substratum. 

Upper, tree 

Overstorey/Canopy 

(If only one tree 

layer occurs it is 

coded U1). 

Trees, tree 

mallees, 

palms, 

vines 

(mallee 

shrubs) 

Also: 

epiphytes, 

lichens. 

8,7,6 (5). Grasses, 

shrubs & low 

mallee 

shrubs. 

U2 

Sub-canopy layer, 

second tree layer. 

U3 

Sub-canopy layer, 

third tree layer. 

M 

M1 

M2 

M3 

Tallest shrub 

layer. 

Second shrub 

layer. 

Third shrub layer. 

Mid, shrub (if only 

one mid layer 

occurs it is coded 

M1). 

Shrubs, low 

trees, 

mallee 

shrubs, 

vines, (low 

shrubs, tall 

grasses, tall 

forbs, tall 

sedges) 

grass-trees, 

tree-ferns, 

cycads, 

palms. 

(6) 5,4,3. Mid & low 

grasses, 

sedges, 

rushes & 

forbs. 

Mid & tall 

trees/ palms. 



32


G 

G1 

G2 

Tallest ground 

species. 

Ground. 

Lower, ground (if 

only one ground 

layer occurs it is 

coded G1). 

Also: 

epiphytes, 

lichens. 

* Refer to Table 7 for Growth Forms and Table 9 for Height Classes. Source: ESCAVI (2003) 

Grasses, 

forbs, 

sedges, 

rushes, 

vines, 

lichens, 

epiphytes, 

low shrubs, 

ferns, 

bryophytes, 

cycads, 

grass-trees, 

aquatics, 

seagrasses. 

(4,3) 2,1. Trees, treemallees 

& 

palms. 

Generally no more than five strata should be identified in NT savannah regions. In some areas less 

than three strata may exist. It is recommended to maintain the description of three traditional 

strata, adding additional strata/sub strata if they are obvious and discernable (Figure 4). 

Figure 4. Sub-strata vegetation profiles for two vegetation communities (ESCAVI, 2003). 

Once strata/sub strata have been recognised, overall cover, height values and species are 

recorded. The combination of height and cover values of a particular stratum defines the structural 

formation. 



33


3.3 Cover 

Cover is defined as the proportion of a site covered by a particular species or vegetation strata. 

Cover can be expressed as a real value (estimated or measured) or placed into a predefined cover 

class category (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974; Causton, 1988). Table 12 outlines a variety of 

cover type measures. 

Cover is normally expressed as a percentage where the maximum cover of any one species is 100 

percent. The most common practice is an estimation of cover, although a number of methods can 

be used to reduce observer bias or error (eg. crown separation ratio methods & point-intercept 

techniques). 

It is recommended to estimate or measure cover values in the field rather than placing it directly 

into a predefined cover class as this degrades the value of the data (i.e. entry of values rather than 

classes allows re-classification of the data if required). 

Table 12. Cover and abundance measures. 

Cover Type 

Crown or 

Canopy Cover % 

Foliage Cover % 

Percentage 

Cover 

Foliage 

Projective Cover 

Description 

• Crown cover is defined as the percentage of the sample site within the 

vertical projection of the periphery of the crowns. In this case crowns are 

treated as opaque (Walker & Hopkins, 1990). 

• Crown cover is estimated using the mean gap between crowns divided by 

mean crown width - crown separation ratio (Walker & Hopkins, 1990) or by 

visual estimate. 

• Foliage cover is defined as the percentage of the sample site occupied by the 

vertical projection of foliage and branches (if woody) (Walker & Hopkins, 

1990). 

• For ground vegetation, it is measured using line intercept methods. It will, to 

some degree take into account the thickness of a tussock or hummock of 

grass. 

• % crown cover x crown type (Walker & Hopkins, 1990). 

• The percentage of a strictly defined quadrat area, covered by vegetation, 

generally applicable for the ground vegetation that has been estimated rather 

than measured using line intercept methods. It does not necessarily take into 

account thickness of a tussock or hummock of grass. 

• Values may include the minimum, maximum, mean and median. 

• The percentage of the sample site occupied by the vertical projection of 

foliage only (Walker & Hopkins, 1990). 

• Values may include the minimum, maximum, mean and median. 

Abundance • Cover Abundance Rating (implies cover values): 

Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale for estimating species quantities 

(modified from Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974). 

Square metres per hectare. 

Basal Area 

NOTE: Strict definition of any quantitative values found with vegetation data and must be strictly adhered to. 


For land unit and vegetation surveys, the standard cover type used is canopy cover for the upper 

stratum and percentage cover or foliage cover for mid and ground strata/sub strata. It is important 

to note the cover type used for a survey to avoid misinterpretation during the analysis phase. 



34


Foliage Cover 

Foliage cover is relatively straight forward and should be recorded at each site. The method 

involves estimating crown density (referred to as crown type - Walker & Hopkins, 1990) for canopy 

cover trees (i.e. the amount of plant material in comparison to sky within a quadrat). Five or six 

estimates should be made then averaged. 

Foliage cover is determined by: 

Foliage cover = Canopy cover * Crown density (value from 0 to 1) 

3.4 Height 

The height of strata/sub strata as opposed to individual specie heights, is recorded for land unit 

and vegetation surveys. A number of height types are presented in Table 13. 

As a rule, we record the average height of the strata. The average height of a stratum is recorded 

by measuring where the bulk of vegetative material falls within a particular stratum (Figure 5). 

Recognition of this point is subjective and may differ between observers. The range in height for 

each stratum/sub stratum is also measured and recorded. 

Amalgamation of stratum heights and ranges from a number of sites for a particular vegetation 

community is used to determine the structural formation (i.e. classification). 

Table 13. Description of height types for stratum and growth form. 

Height Type Stratum Growth Form Explanation 

Layer height or predominate 

height (general 

vegetation mapping). 

Any 

Forests, woodlands, shrublands, 

grasslands. 

Layer height of the top 

stratum (top of the canopy or 

the top of the bulk of the 

vegetative material making up 

the stratum) that may be 

present, by measuring three 

to four of the tallest canopy 

trees or shrubs. 

Average height (general 

vegetation mapping). 

Any 

Forests, woodlands, shrublands, 

grasslands. 

Average height of the stratum 

where the bulk of the 

vegetative material falls within 

a particular stratum. 

Top height (forestry). U1, U2 Forests. 

General height of the top of 

the tallest canopy layer, which 

may not necessarily be the 

dominant stratum. The 

minimum and maximum 

values will not give any 

indication of canopy depth. 

This height category may 

indicate U1 as emergent layer 

and U2 as the dominant layer. 




35


Top ht 

Layer ht 

U1 

Average ht 

U2 

M1 

Layer ht ground 

G1 

G2 

Figure 5. Vegetation profile height types (ESCAVI, 2003). 

A direct reading clinometer is used to measure heights and slope. Three to four heights should be 

measured for each stratum/sub stratum and mean value and range recorded. Heights for upper 

and mid strata/sub strata should be measured, not estimated. The ground stratum/sub stratum can 

be estimated fairly accurately. Heights using a clinometer are measured in the following way: 

1. The horizontal distance from base of tree is measured (generally paced out) either 15 

or 20 metres depending on which of the two scales on the clinometer is measured 

against (fixed distance of 15 or 20 metres); 

2. Looking through the clinometer the horizontal line is aligned with the measurement 

point in the canopy and the reading noted; 

3. Repeat step 2 but to the base of the tree, or for leaning trees ground point directly 

underneath the first measurement; 

4. If the base of the tree is above you (i.e. you are on a downward slope) subtract the 

base reading from the layer height reading, and 

5. If the base of the tree is below you (i.e. you are on an upward slope) add both 

readings together. 

3.5 Basal Area 

A basal wedge (bitterlich gauge) is used to determine species dominance in the upper and mid 

strata/sub strata. Both live and dead woody species are recorded. This technique is more 

applicable to open forest, woodlands and open woodlands and provides an easy and unbiased 

estimate of species diversity. It also measures species outside the quadrat to provide a better 

representation of the broader vegetation community. The species with the highest count is 

recorded to as the dominant. A basal sweep is especially useful in instances where one tree 

canopy covers 100% of a site, therefore not reflecting overall species mix for a particular 

vegetation community. 



36


The method involves a 360 O sweep from the centre of a site quadrat with the basal wedge. Four 

gaps or basal area factors (BAF) can be used (1.0, 0.75, 0.5 & 0.25). Woody species are counted 

for each species (dead & alive) provided they are larger or equal to the gap size selected. The 

selection of the BAF is dependent on the density of vegetation (i.e. in denser stands a larger gap 

size should be used & vice versa). As a general rule, the sweep should count no more than 50 

individuals. A quick sweep using the four gaps may be required to determine the optimal BAF. 

Basal area is determined by multiplying the BAF by the count for each species. Total basal area or 

stand basal area can be determined from addition of species basal areas. 

Basal area (m 2 /ha) per species = BAF ∗ Count of species 

Total basal area or stand basal area (m 2 /ha) = Sum of individual basal areas 

Basal area measurements can be used for other applications such as determining relationships 

with Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and satellite data, biomass estimates 

(provided equations exist) for basal area and biomass and characterisation of sites. 

For standard vegetation surveys and land unit surveys, individual tree diameters and heights are 

not measured. For particular surveys such as the Mangrove Survey of Darwin Harbour 

(Brocklehurst & Edmeades, 1995) and Mangrove Survey of Bynoe Harbour (Brocklehurst & 

Edmeades, 2003), diameters and heights of all trees within a quadrat boundary, or all trees 

counted within a basal sweep, are individually measured. 

For more information on basal area and diameters refer to NSW Field Manual (Technical Paper No 

59), Tree Measurement Manual for Farm Forestry (Abed & Stephens, 2002) and Survey Manual 

for Tropical Marine Resources (English et al., 1997). 

3.6 Foliage Projective Cover 

Foliage projective cover can be measured using one or more 100 metre transects. The collection 

of foliage projective cover is adjunct to standard survey procedures. It is particularly useful for 

interpreting satellite images and is not generally undertaken for standard vegetation surveys. 

Transect methodology follows that of Queensland SLATS (Kuhnell et al., 1998). 

Each site comprises one 100 metre transect (Figure 6) defined by a 100 metre tape laid along a 

grid bearing aligned North/South or East/West (Meakin et al., 2001). The bearing determined 

depends on the most representative portion of surrounding homogenous vegetation. Coordinates 

(Eastings/Northings & Latitude/Longitude) are recorded at the transect beginning and end. 

0m 25m 50m 75m 100m 

Figure 6. Foliage projective cover transect set up and design. 

A line-intercept method is used to assess over storey and under storey plant cover and type at one 

metre intervals along a 100 metre transect. Cover is recorded at the cross hairs of a sighting tube 

and placed in a category listed below. Transects can also be used to gauge over storey canopy 

cover by estimating a percentage within the dimensions of a sighting tube at one metre intervals 

and averaged for 100 recordings. 



37


Under storey categories are scored as: 

• GL – green leaf (grasses, forbs, sedges, vines, ferns etc); 

• DL – dead leaf (still attached to the plant); 

• Tr Lit – tree litter (leaves, twigs, branches, logs etc); 

• Gr Lit – grass litter (not attached to the plant); 

• BA – bare earth (soil, gravel & rock outcrop), and 

• SH – shrubs (palms including Pandanus are recorded in this category). 

Over storey categories are scored as: 

• GL – green leaf (trees, shrubs & palms); 

• DL – dead leaf; 

• BR – branch (trees, shrubs & palms), and 

• SK – sky. 

The scores are added to determine percentages for each category and to provide an overall foliage 

projective cover percentage. 

More than one transect is required per site if the primary purpose of a survey is to measure foliage 

projective cover. Stand basal area can be used to establish the number of replicate transects 

required for sampling (Table 14). 

Table 14. Basal area and suggested transect length. 

BA Count 

Number of Replicate Transects and Length (m) 

7 1 x 100 

Source: SLATS (Kuhnell et al., 1998) 

When basal area of woody species is low, a basal sweep may not be necessary. 

Site data recorded at each transect includes the standard vegetation survey measurements 

provided herein. 

3.7 Growth Form 

For each growth form identified at a site an average height and cover value is recorded. 

The dominant growth form for each stratum/sub stratum is also recorded. The NVIS framework has 

identified a set of growth forms to be applied nationally (Table 7). 



38


4.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 

The description of landform and soil supplements core vegetation data. The collection of detailed 

landform and soils data for pure vegetation mapping is not mandatory. 

NRETA Land and Vegetation undertake both vegetation mapping and integrated land resource 

mapping. The priority of a survey is determined in response to land use demand. 

4.1 Integrated Information 

There are clear relationships between landform, soil and vegetation across the NT. A unique 

integrated or ‘land unit’ approach to mapping landscape properties (Laity, 1971) has been 

practiced across the Territory for many years. In most other States soil, landform and vegetation 

information is collected independently, often by different government agencies. 

Integrating soil, landform and vegetation data has allowed extensive value adding to datasets. 

Spatial data and mapping products can now contain soil and landform information as well as 

agricultural potential, erosion risk, vegetation information, native pasture ratings and sensitive or 

significant habitats. In the absence of detailed soil and landform information across a region, 

government agencies may use auxiliary data such as vegetation site data to make comment on a 

landscape. In these situations it is important landscape information is correct and recorded to 

national standards. 

Integrated surveys include two types: ‘land systems’ and ‘land units’. The concept of a land system 

is defined as “an area or group of areas, throughout which there is a recurring pattern of 

topography (land forms), soils and vegetation” (Christian & Stewart, 1953). Changes to the pattern 

indicate the boundary of the land system. Land units “are considered to be relatively uniform areas 

of topography, soils and vegetation… a land system being an assemblage of varying proportions of 

land units” (Lynch & Wilson, 1997). NT land systems are typically mapped at scales between 1:250 

000 and 1:1 000 000 whilst land unit mapping is usually generated at scales between 1:25 000 and 

1:100 000. More information on integrated surveys can be accessed via the following link. 

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/soil/survey.html 

Field collection methods for landform, land surface and soil properties are clearly set out in 

McDonald et al. (1990). Key properties include landform, slope, soil drainage and rock outcrop and 

can be recorded with limited training in soil survey or pedology. Additional information pertaining to 

soil requires specific training and a detailed profile description. 

4.2 Landform Element and Pattern 

Landform is described at two levels, element and pattern. 

Landform element describes the land surface within a 20 metre radius of a site. Landform pattern 

looks at the broader picture, usually within 300 metres. Landform descriptions provide users a 

picture of the landscape. For example, a stream channel (element) is described within a wider 

floodplain (pattern). 

Recording landform at two levels allows users to interpret information at different scales. Landform 

descriptions have several purposes that are useful in predicting land degradation as a result of 

particular land uses. When documenting landform element and pattern records should be kept 

simple and detailed notes taken. 



39


For landform codes and descriptions see Appendix 14. 

For more information on landform refer to Speight (1990) in the Australian Soil and Land Survey 

Field Handbook (Yellow Book). 

4.3 Land Surface 

A number of attributes may be collected pertaining to land surface and provide useful information 

in describing aspects of the landscape. Attributes may include: 

• Aspect/slope: recorded as a percentage. On hill slopes the maximum slope is 

recorded, although stream channels maybe more complex and slope should be 

recorded to indicate the general pattern of drainage. 

• Disturbance: includes anthropogenic (clearing) and natural (fire & grazing); 

• Microrelief: refers to relief up to a few metres (i.e. termite mounds); 

• Erosion: record both accelerated erosion and natural erosion, and 

• Ground cover: six categories are recorded and must equate to 100% of the quadrat. A 

percentage estimate is recorded for bare soil, vegetation littler, rock cover, gravel cover, 

crust cover and vegetation cover (lower stratum). Where gravel (coarse fragments) and 

rock outcrop are recorded, coarse fragments must be distinguished from rock outcrop. 

Rock outcrop is defined to be attached to soil substrate, parent material or underlying 

geology; gravel is loose and unattached. Soil surveyors typically ignore all vegetation 

(live, dead or litter) and record rock / gravel cover assuming that the balance is bare 

soil. 

For descriptions of mandatory and optional attributes to record refer to Chapter 5.1. 

For more information on land surface elements refer to McDonald et al. (1990) in the Australian 

Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow Book). 

4.4 Soil 

The classification of soils is not a mandatory requirement for vegetation survey and mapping. 

Without assistance from a pedologist it is not recommended that detailed soil descriptions be 

undertaken or soil classifications be extrapolated from land surface and vegetation information. 

Depending on a survey purpose basic soil information may be collected including: 

• Colour: Munsell Soil Colour Chart is used to compare soil against. Dry and wet colours 

should be recorded as soil colour can influence image classification of satellite imagery, 

provided this is the interpretive base, and 

• Field Texture: Field texture grades are used to describe texture based on the 

percentage of clay, silt and sand (size distribution of mineral particles finer than 2mm). 

Surface soil texture is adequate for vegetation surveys. 

See McDonald and Isbell (1990) in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow 

Book) for detailed information on soil profile and attributes therein. 

Where soils are being classified for any given survey, national standards should be adhered to. 

There have been three main classification systems in the NT and Australia to describe soils. Since 

1996 all States and Territories have adopted The Australian Soil Classification (Isbell, 2003). For 

common soil orders across the NT refer to Appendix 15. 

To access more information on the Australian Soil Classification go to the following link: 

http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/asc/asc.htm 



40


Soil Drainage 

Soil drainage is a key property of soil and land surface across the NT, especially in the Top End. 

Drainage should reflect both soil permeability and site drainage (McDonald et al., 1990); confusion 

arises between the two. For example, a site located in a closed depression or swamp is considered 

poorly to very poorly drained even though the sandy nature of the soil is highly permeable and 

internally rapidly drained. The overriding influence is the landform (closed depression or swamp) 

and therefore should be recorded as poorly drained. 

Simplified drainage classes include: 

• Rapidly to Moderately Well: seasonal soil waterlogging not expected except during 

extreme rainfall events; 

• Imperfect to Poor: seasonal soil waterlogging could be expected in most years for 

short periods or after above average wet seasons, and 

• Poor to Very Poor: seasonal waterlogging or inundation expected in most years. 

For detailed descriptions of drainage classes refer to McDonald et al. (1990) in the Australian Soil 

and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow Book). 

. 



41


5.0 FIELD DATA VARIABLES 

The minimum quantitative data set (core attributes) required to describe and classify vegetation are 

listed in Table 15. All vegetation mapping surveys should record at least this data. Additional 

attributes are listed in Chapter 5.1 and 5.3. 

Table 15. Vegetation site data core attributes. 

Core Attribute Category 

Core Attributes 

Survey 

Location and Geo-referencing 

Landform 

Broad Vegetation 

Upper Stratum 

Mid Stratum 

Lower Stratum 

NOTE: sub strata should be recorded if present as per NVIS 

1. Survey Name 

2. Survey Code 

3. Site Number 

4. Date 

5. Longitude (zone & datum inc) 

6. Latitude (zone & datum inc) 

7. Landform Element 

8. Landform Pattern 

9. Vegetation Classification System (i.e. NVIS) 

10. Dominant Vegetation Structure (for dominant stratum) 

11. Vegetation Community/ Classification Description 

(NVIS association or sub association level) 

12. Growth form 

13. Cover (% canopy cover) 

14. Average height and range 

15. Species present (at least dominant species) 


17. Cover (% foliage projective cover) 




21. Cover (% foliage projective cover) 



Three proformas are used by NRETA Land and Vegetation to record field data and are for general 

vegetation surveys. 

1. Habitat Sheet: standard for full and check sites (Appendix 16); 

2. Flora Sheet: standard for full and check sites (Appendix 17), and 

3. FPC Sheet: filled out in conjunction with full sites or not at all depending on survey 

purpose (Appendix 18). 

Different proforma’s are currently being used across divisions of NRETA and other agencies in the 

NT. Provided the core vegetation attributes (Table 15) are collected the design of the proforma is 

not overly important. 

Data collected for each site type is summarised in Table 16. 

For a brief outline of site data collection procedures and equipment required refer to Appendix 19. 



42


Table 16. Data recorded on field data proformas for sampling full sites, check sites and road notes. 

Field Data 

Proforma 

Data Recorded Full Site Check Site Road Note 

Survey a a a 

Habitat Sheet 

Flora Sheet 

FPC Sheet 

Location and Geo-referencing a a a 

Physical Environment a - - 

Disturbance a - - 

Landform a - - 

Ground Cover a - - 

Broad Vegetation Structure – a a a 

Stratum Summary 

Survey a a a 

Floristics a All species a 1 to 5 

dominant 

species in each 

stratum 

Cover (crown or canopy cover 

% for upper the stratum/sub 

stratum & FPC for mid and 

ground strata/sub strata) 

aAll species 

estimate. For 

species less than 

1% abc applies. 

a – 1-5 plants 

b – 6-50 plants 

c - >50 

a 2 to 3 

dominant 


stratum 

Height Range and Average aspecies >1% aspecies >1% - 

cover 

cover 

Basal Count and Factor a a - 

Foliage Projective Cover When applicable - 

Canopy Cover Estimate When applicable - 

a1 to 3 

dominant 


stratum 

- 



43


5.1 Habitat Sheet 

The habitat sheet provides a description of the physical environment and a structural summary of 

the site. The following variables are recorded for full characterisation sites. Check sites record a 

sub set of these variables (Table 16). 

Variables which should be collected at every site are in bold. Optional attributes are shaded. 


Site No. 

Date 

Observer 


Unique label for each site. 

DDMMYYYY format. 

The person/s recording the information at a site. Christian and 

surname in full. 

Name of the survey. 

Survey type Full Site = F or Check Site = C. 

Survey detail 

Quadrat size 

UMA 

Patch size (ha) 

NVIS code & description 

Walker & Hopkins code & 

description 

Full or Targeted - a measure of the completeness of species 

recorded at the site. Full species complement (at time of survey) or 

targeted survey for particular species (eg. only woody species 

recorded: only species with >1% cover recorded) 

Size of the site quadrat (most quadrats in the northern region of NT 

are 20 by 20 metres). 

Preliminary map unit code. 

Estimate of the homogenous patch size in which the site is located. 

Written code and description of the site according to NVIS 

nomenclature. This can be filled out in the office when determined 

from the stratum summary table and species list. It provides a 

summary of vegetation at the site (i.e. T6r – Corymbia 

dichromophloia low open woodland). 

Written code and description of the site according to Walker and 

Hopkins (1990). This can be filled out in the office when determined 

from the stratum summary table and species list. It provides a 

summary of vegetation at the site (i.e. MHOW – Eucalyptus miniata 

mid high open woodland). 


Location description 

Usually park name, station name or sample region. Site details and 

location in relation to roads, tracks, creeks, landscape features is 

recorded here. This should be sufficient to relocate the site. 



44


Zone 

GPS AMG 

Datum 

Precision 

GPS Level 

Elevation 

Elevation source 

Slope 

Aspect 

Photo ref. No. 

Aerial Photography ref. 

Map sheet name 

Map scale 

Map unit/Land unit 

Map zone for Australian Map Grid. 

Precise location/geo reference sourced from GPS for both 

easting/northing and longitude/latitude. 

The datum in which geo referencing was sourced (GDA94 is the 

default – record if different from this). 

The precision of the geo referencing expressed in metres (this may 

be given by some GPS units or an estimate).New GPS and satellite 

configurations allow accuracy to ± 10m. 

The level of GPS reading used to generate geo referencing (eg. 

single reading; averaged readings; differential). 

Elevation above mean sea level derived from topographic map or 

from a GPS. 

Source of the elevation reading (eg. topographic map, GPS or 

DEM). 

Measured in degrees using a clinometer. Estimate a mean slope for 

heterogeneous sites. 

The direction the slope faces expressed as degrees from north. 

Leave blank for 0 slopes. 

For film cameras film and photo number are recorded and for digital 

cameras, photo number is recorded. Aspect and description of the 

photo is documented for film and digital cameras. 

Name: Name of project; 

Year: Year flown; 

Run No: Run number; 

Frame No.: Frame number; 

East reference: Position of site in millimetres measured east from 

western edge of photo, and 

North reference: Position of site in millimetres measured north from 

southern edge of photo. 

The name and/or number of the topographic sheet where the site is 

located. 

The scale of the topographic map where the site is located. 

Code describing the vegetation community or land unit for the site 

(delineated from unique mapping area boundaries). Note: Map unit 

pertains to vegetation mapping and land unit pertains to land unit 

mapping. 

Physical Environment 

Surface soil texture 

Broad texture classes relating to the amount of clay in the soil as 

per classes listed in the Australian Soil and Land Survey and Field 

Handbook - Yellow Book (McDonald et al., 1990). 

Sand, loamy sand, clayey sand, sandy loam, loam, silty loam, sandy 

clay loam, clay loam, clay loam sandy, silty clay loam, light clay, 

light medium clay, medium clay, medium heavy clay, heavy clay. 



45


Soil depth (cm) 

Soil pH 

Geology 

Munsell colour 

Estimate or measure of soil depth 

Measure soil pH at the surface. 

Underlying geology taken from geology maps 

Munsell colour description of surface soil (wet & dry). 

Climate 

Time since rain assessed on a 1 to 4 scale: 

1 = Dry, evidence of plant stress; 

2 = Dry, no evidence of plant stress; 

3 = Recent rain but no evidence of vegetation response, and 

4 = Recent rain and noticeable vegetation response. 

(more relevant to southern regions of the NT) 

Additional notes: 

Dry – survey conducted during prolonged periods where no rain has 

fallen. Plants may show signs of stress depending on the length of 

time since rain. 

Recent rain (no visible impact on vegetation) – Some rain prior 

to or during survey but insufficient quantity, or too recent to have 

visible impact other than slight greening of shallow-rooted 

perennials. 

Recent rain (visible impact on vegetation) – Sufficient rain prior 

or during field survey to stimulate germination, especially of annual 

species. With sufficient soil moisture, annuals will develop to 

maturity and regeneration of perennials will be evident. 

Nearest water 

The type of water body closest to the site including an estimate of 

the distance (km). Aerial photography and topographic maps were 

traditionally used to determine this, more recently digital mosaic 

aerial photography and GIS can calculate distance. 

• Swamp; 

• Spring; 

• Permanent Creek; 

• Ephemeral Creek; 

• Permanent Pool; 

• Ephemeral Pool; 

• Tidal; 

• Bore, and 

• Dam. 

Site drainage 

Four categories were derived from the soil proforma for land 

unit/system mapping: 

• 1 = Well to Moderate; 

• 2 = Imperfect; 

• 3 = Poor, and 

• 4 = Very Poor. 



46


Disturbance 

Site disturbance 

Traditionally, disturbance has been measured at each site using the 

categories listed below. However it is difficult to extrapolate the point 

site data over the whole spatial extent of the mapping unit. Vegetation 

condition assessments (see Section A: Guideline - Chapter 9.1) may 

need to be included in future surveys, in addition to the normal site 

disturbance measures. 

Various disturbances are listed and recorded as a percentage 

covering the site: 

• None; 

• Limited clearing; 

• Extensive clearing; 

• Cultivation; 

• Gravel pit; 

• Mining; 

• Exotic weeds; 

• Salinity; 

• Flood; 

• Pig rooting; 

• Die-back, and 

• Other (eg. grazing). 

Frequency of disturbance is also recorded. 

• Current disturbance; 

• Single recent 1-10 yrs 

• Few recent 1-10 yrs; 

• Disturbs all >10 yrs; 

• Disturbs


Last fire 

Record whether site was burnt and an estimate of time of burn from 

fire scars and regeneration. Generally try to find an unburnt site 

although this is often difficult. Fire frequencies can now be 

determined from spatial coverages produced by the Bush Fire 

Council of the NT: 

• Nil; 

• During the current year (this year - 5yrs). 

An estimate of fire intensity is also recorded based on the level of 

damage to the vegetation: 

• No damage; 

• Minor impact – scars on some trees/shrubs; 

• Minor impact – scars on most trees/shrubs, and 

• Some trees/shrubs killed. 


Landform pattern 

Landform element 

Derived from McDonald et al., (1990). Refer to 14 for landform 

pattern codes and descriptions. 

Derived from McDonald et al., (1990). Refer to Appendix 14 for 

landform element codes and descriptions. 

Ground Cover 

Bare soil (%) 

Vegetation litter (%) 

Rock cover (%) 

Gravel cover (%) 

Crust cover (%) 

Vegetation cover 

(ground stratum %) 

Estimate percentage cover of bare ground/soil for the quadrat that 

can be seen. 

Estimate percentage cover of attached and loose vegetation litter 

over the quadrat that can be seen (e.g. dead Triodia attached to 

living clump is including as vegetation litter). 

Estimate percentage of bedrock, rock or stones (>2cm diameter) 

over the quadrat that can be seen. 

Estimate percentage of gravel (


Substrate size Percentage of substrate types derived from McDonald et al., (1990) 

into the following size classes: 

• Pebbles 2m. 

Lithology 

Microrelief 

This field includes lithology type, proportion of rock as a percentage 

estimate, average size class determined from the substrate size 

classes and if a specimen was collected, as per McDonald et al., 

(1990). 

Categories are derived from McDonald et al., (1990) - only those 

applicable to the northern region of the NT are listed here. Category 

and percentage of site affected is recorded. Several micro reliefs 

can be recorded. 

• Zero; 

• Gilgai; 

• Melonhole; 

• Debil Debil; 

• Swamp Hummock; 

• Termite Beds; 

• Vegetation Root Mounds, and 

• Other. 

Erosion 

Erosion types are derived from McDonald et al. (1990). For each 

erosion type the state of erosion is estimated A = active, S = 

stabilised and P = partly stabilised. The percentage of erosion 

covering the site is also estimated. More than one erosion type can 

be documented. 

• Scald; 

• Sheet; 

• Rill; 

• Gully; 

• Tunnel; 

• Stream bank; 

• Mass movement, and 

• Other. 



49


Broad Vegetation Structure 

Stratum summary table 

This table summarises the vegetation of the site and is used to 

classify vegetation for the site (not the map unit). The dominant 

stratum/sub stratum should be indicated. 

Traditionally three strata have been described. Up to eight sub 

strata can be described according to NVIS (refer to Section B: Field 

Methodology - Chapter 3.2). 

Where three or less strata are apparent, the shaded areas on the 

proforma should be used (eg. T1 is equivalent to the dominant 

upper stratum). 

This table summaries vegetation structural information for a site 

including: 

• Cover – Overall cover of the site for each stratum/sub stratum. 

These values are generally estimated. Percentage canopy 

cover (CC) is used for upper and mid strata/sub strata and 

percentage cover for the lower stratum (refer to Section B: Field 

Methodology - Chapter 3.3); 

• Height – Average height and height range for each stratum/sub 

stratum measured with a clinometer (refer to Section B: Field 

Methodology - Chapter 3.4), and 

• Growth Form – the dominant for each stratum (refer to Section 

B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.7). 

• Crown density- (refer to Section B: Field Methodology - 

Chapter 3.6). 

Crown separation ratio (CSR) 

Growth form table 

Used to determine upper stratum cover values. Method as per 

Walker and Hopkins (1990). Cover values are commonly estimated. 

For observers new to vegetation survey the CSR method provides a 

more rigorous and less subjective technique, and should be used 

until estimates can be made with reasonable accuracy. 

Average heights and overall percentage cover for each growth form 

is recorded. Growth forms as per NVIS Attribute Manual (ESCAVI, 

2003) with some additional structural categories. 



50


5.2 Flora Sheet 

The flora sheet is used to describe species composition and vegetation structure. 

The flora sheet should always be completed with the habitat sheet. 

The following variables are for full characterisation sites. 


Survey name 

Site No. 

Date 

Name of survey (as per habitat sheet). 

Unique number for each site (as per habitat sheet). 


Floristics and Structural Formation 

Floristics 

Cover 

Record all plant species present in the quadrat. The completeness 

of the list will depend upon the season, state of vegetation, 

botanical knowledge and time available to survey the site. 

For each species, the actual percentage cover is estimated and 

recorded in the relevant stratum/sub stratum. One species may 

occur in a number of strata/sub strata. For the upper stratum/sub 

stratum, crown or canopy cover percentage is generally recorded. 

For mid and ground strata/sub strata percentage cover is recorded. 

Covers less than 1% are assigned abc where: 

• a = very few individuals (1-5 plants); 

• b = occasional (6-50 plants), and 

• c= common (50 plants). 

If different cover type measures are used than those above, a note 

of this should be made. 

Height range and average 

For each species with a cover values more than 1%, height range 

and average height are estimated for plants less than 2m and 

measured with a clinometer for plants more than 2m. 

Basal count and factor Basal area is determined by a 360 o basal sweep (refer to Section B: 

Field Methodology - Chapter 3.5). The basal sweep is conducted 

from the centre of the quadrat. Record the count for all species 

observed in the basal sweep including dead species. Record the 

count for live (BA L) and dead (BA D) in each column for each 

species counted. Record the basal area factor used. Actual basal 

area can be calculated later (BA m 2 /ha = count * basal area factor). 

The basal sweep extends beyond the 20x20m quadrat to provide a 

better estimate of species diversity and dominance for the 

vegetation community outside the site. The basal count is used to 

determine dominance of species in the upper stratum. 



51


5.3 Foliage Projective Cover Sheet 

This is a line-transect intercept method derived from SLATS (Kuhnell et al., 1998). Overstorey and 

understorey categories are recorded along a 100 metre transect line at one metre intervals. (refer 

to Section B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.6). 


Site number 


Date 

Transect number 

Unique label for each site. 

Name of survey. 


If more than one transect per site. 


Transect bearing 

Coords of transect start 

Coords of transect finish 

Direction of transect. Transects where possibly should run North- 

South or East-West. 

The position, in AMG coordinates (Eastings/Northings and 

Latitude/Longitude), of the transect start. This is usually the northeast 

corner of the site. 

The position, in AMG coordinates (Eastings/Northings and 

Latitude/Longitude), of the transect finish. 

Foliage Projective Cover 

Overstorey 

Understorey 

Canopy cover 

TL GL 

GL/SH 

Appropriate category is checked: green leaf (GL), dead leaf (DL), 

branch BR), or sky (SK). 

Appropriate category is checked: green leaf (GL), dead leaf (DL), 

tree litter (Tr lit), grass litter (Gr lit), bare earth (BA) and shrub (SH). 

A percentage estimate at each 1m interval then 100 values added 

and divided by 100 samples to provide an average canopy cover for 

the transect. 

Total green leaf – this gets a cross if either understorey or 

overstorey green leaf or shrub is marked. Each column is totalled. 

Total overstorey green leaf and shrub – this gets a cross if it 

includes either overstorey green leaf or understorey shrub. 

Canopy Cover Estimate 

At each one meter interval crown or canopy cover percentage is 

estimated within the dimensions of the sighting tube for the upper 

stratum. The 100 estimates are added and divided by 100 to 

determine an overall percentage estimate for the transect. 



52

GLOSSARY 

GLOSSARY 

Abiotic 

Abundance 

Alliance 

ANZLIC Metadata 

Association 

Analysis 

ASTER 

Basal Area 

Basal Sweep 

Bio-region 

Biomass 

Biotic 

Broad Floristic 

Formation 

Canopy 

Canopy Cover 

Classification 

System 

Clinometer 

Community 

Community 

Succession 

Crown Cover 

non living; includes such components of the environment as weather and 

topography. 

the number of individuals of a species in a given area. 

a series of climax plant communities having the same structural characteristics, the 

same species as dominance in the upper layer, and the same or related species in 

the understorey. 

minimum requirements for metadata to be included in the Australian Spatial Data 

Directory. 

for the purpose of this document refers to statistical techniques for generating 

floristic groupings based on presence/absence and/or abundance of species derived 

from site data. 

satellite sensor, operated by Japan, launched 1999, 15m and 30/90m resolution, 

60km swath. 

in strict forestry terms it refers to the sectional area of a tree (square metres per 

hectare) measured at 1.3 metres above ground. 

360 o sweep to determine basal area 

regions identified at an Australia-wide scale, based on characteristics of landform, 

geology and vegetation. Widely used as the appropriate units for conservation and 

land use planning, and for comparing conservation priorities across the nation. 

the mass of living matter (plant &/or animals) in a particular area. 

living component (both plants & animals) of a particular region. 

in NVIS terminology a summary description of the dominant stratum, dominant 

genera and dominant structure of a vegetation community. 

the upper most layer of foliage in a forest formed by the crowns of trees. 

the percentage of the total area of a sample site that is covered by a vertical 

projection of the crown. 

a system used to classify vegetation based on growth form, cover and height. Many 

different classification systems exist. 

precision instruments used to measure heights, vertical angles and slope. 

in the broadest sense refers to an assemblage of interacting populations of plants, 

animals, bacteria and fungi sharing a common environment. 

the process by which one vegetation community replaces another through time. 

another term to describe canopy cover. 

Crown Type a crown density measure as per Walker and Hopkins (1990). 



53

GLOSSARY 

CSR 

Datum 

Distribution 

Diversity 

Ecosystem 

Ecotone 

ESCAVI 

Flora 

Formation Class 

Frequency of 

Occurrence 

Genus 

Geo-reference 

Geographic Range 

GIS 

GPS 

Growth Form 

Habitat 

Heterogenous 

Homogenous 

IBRA sub-region 

IKONOS 

crown separation ratio is the estimation of crown cover using the mean gap between 

crowns divided by mean crown width. 

geodetic datum’s define the size and shape of the earth and the origin and 

orientation of the coordinate systems used to map the earth. Required to georeference 

mapping. 

the geographic occurrence of a population or species. 

variety, often expressed as a function of a number of entities in a particular sample, 

area. 

a dynamic complex of plant, animal, fungal and micro-organism communities and 

the associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit. 

a transition zone between two distinct habitats. 

the Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information. Includes 

representatives from all States and Territories and the Australian Government and 

guides the maintenance and ongoing development NVIS, including the further 

development of standards for vegetation extent information collection and storage. 

plant population or list of plants for a particular area arranged in families, genera and 

species. 

growth forms and cover values of species forming the dominant stratum are called 

formation classes. 

the number of times a particular entity occurs within a particular sample. 

one of the groupings used in classifying organisms. 

to reference mapping or site points in real world coordinates. 

the geographical distribution of a species 

geographic information system is a computer based system for creating, storing, 

analysing and managing spatial data and associated attributes. 

global positioning system is a method for locating points, in three dimensions 

(latitude, longitude (or UTM), & altitude) on the earths surface using a system of 

earth-orbiting satellites. 

the overall morphology of a plant species, including its stature, leaf type, and habit. 

the place an organism normally lives. Can be measured by their vegetation and 

physical characteristics. 

consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature. 

all of the same or similar kind or nature. 

provide a valuable bioregional context for mapping and reporting on the extent and 

distribution of vegetation. The focus of this measure is primarily on mapping and 

reporting the extent of native vegetation and no detail on IBRA data sets is provided 

in this measure. 

satellite sensor, operated by Space Imaging, launched 1999, 4m resolution, 11km 

swath. 



54

GLOSSARY 

Image 

(interpretive material) graphic representation or description of a scene, typically produced by an optical or 

electronic device. Common examples include remotely sensed data (satellite data), 

scanned data and aerial photographs. 

Land Cover 

Land System 

Land Unit 

Landform Element 

Landform Pattern 

Landsat5/7 

Lithology 

Map Unit 

Map Zone 

Mapping Scale 

Metadata 

Microrelief 

Mosaic 

NDVI 

NVIS 

NVIS Hierarchy 

Ortho-rectification 

the physical coverage of land, including physical and biological cover as vegetation 

or man-made features. 

an area or group of areas throughout which there is a recurring pattern of 

topography, vegetation and soils. 

a reasonably homogenous part of a land surface, distinct from surrounding terrain 

with consistent properties in landform soils or vegetation. 

described by attributes assessed within a circle of 20m radius including slope, 

morphological type, dimensions, geomorphologic activity and geomorphologic 

agent. 

described by attributes assessed within a circle of 300m radius including relief, 

modal slope, stream channel occurrence, geomorphologic activity and status, 

geomorphologic agent and component landform elements. 

satellite sensor, operated by U.S., launched 1986/1999, 15m and 30m resolution, 

185km swath. 

description of rocks on the basis of such characteristics as color, mineral 

composition, and grain size. Also, the physical character of a rock. 

a generalisation concept used in vegetation mapping to identify polygons with 

similar combinations of vegetation and landscapes. 

UTM projection of the earth is divided into zones, 6 o wide, which for the Australian 

continent are zones 38 through 58. 

an important property of a map enabling map user to measure distance on a map to 

determine distance on the ground. 

see ANZLIC Metadata. 

relief up to a few metres above the plane of the land surface. It includes gilgai, 

hummocky, biotic and other micro-relief. 

in context of this document refers to the existence of more than one vegetation 

community within an individual map polygon boundary 

normalised difference vegetation index is calculated from the visible and nearinfrared 

light reflected by vegetation. Healthy vegetation absorbs most of the visible 

light that hits it, and reflects a large portion of the near-infrared light. Unhealthy or 

sparse vegetation reflects more visible light and less infrared light. 

defines an agreed framework and guidelines for collecting, compiling and monitoring 

Australia's vegetation. 

hierarchical classification, defined in the NVIS framework for describing the floristic 

and structural attributes of Australia's native vegetation. The hierarchical 

classification has six levels (I - VI) from Class to Sub-association. 

removes image distortions introduced by the collection geometry and the terrain, 

and re-samples the imagery to a uniform ground sample distance and user-specified 

map projection. 



55

GLOSSARY 

Overstorey 

Physiognomy 

Plant Assemblages 

Point Source Data 

Polygon 

Preferential 

(indicator) Species 

Quadrat 

the tallest stratum of a particular vegetation community, referring to canopy 

species. 

for the purpose of this document refers to the structure of the vegetation eg shape, 

height, mass. 

a group of co-occurring plants 

data collected at one location, generally referring to sites 

for the purposes of this document refers to an area defined within boundaries or 

spatial entities on a digital map 

species or specie group that characterise a vegetation community. 

fixed unit of area, usually rectangular used for sampling vegetation. 

Quickbird satellite sensor, operated by DigitalGlobe, launched 2001, 0.61 and 2.44 

resolution, 16km swath. 

Pedology 

Regional Ecosystem 

Remote Sensing 

Sampling Intensity 

Sighting Tube 

Soil Classification 

Soil Texture 

Species 

Composition 

Species Diversity 

the study of soils in its natural environment. Pedology deals with soil classification, 

soil morphology and pedogenesis. 

vegetation communities in a bioregion that are consistently associated with a 

particular combination of geology, landform and soil (Queensland term). 

the measurement or acquisition of information of an object or phenomenon, by a 

recording device that is not in physical or intimate contact with the object. In 

practice, remote sensing is the utilization at a distance (as from aircraft, spacecraft, 

satellite, or ship) of any device for gathering information about the environment. 

number of representative sites deemed suitable to map a given area accurately. 

for the purpose of this document refers to a rifle sighting tube used to determine 

foliage projective cover and canopy cover along a transect at pre-determined 

intervals. The cross hairs are used as the intercept point. 

deals with the systematic characterisation of soils based on distinguishing 

characteristics. 

determined by the size distribution of mineral particles finer than 2mm, that is only 

material that will pass a 2mm sieve should be used to determine field texture. 

combination of species found in a given area or vegetation community. 

variability (species richness & abundance) of biota usually found within a discrete 

area. 

SPOT5 satellite sensor, operated by CNES/SPOT, launched 1998/2002, resolution 10/5 

and 20/10, 60km swath. 

Stereoscope 

Strata 

Stratum 

device for creating a 3-D images generally used with aerial photography. 

plural for stratum. 

visually conspicuous layer, of a measurable depth, in a vegetation community, 

produced by the occurrence of an aggregation of branches and photosynthetic 

tissue. 

Stratum Summary 



a summary of the dominant growth form, average height and cover values for each 

stratum in a vegetation community. 

56

GLOSSARY 

Structural 

Composition 

Structural 

Formation 

Topography 

Topographical Maps 

Transect 

Understorey 

Unique Mapping Area 


Continuum 

Vegetation Profile 

Vegetation Structure 

Voucher Specimen 

the combination of structural characteristics defining vegetation (eg. average 

heights & covers for each stratum). 

formation classes qualified by growth form, cover and height found in most 

vegetation classification systems. 

surface features of a geographical area. 

maps that show topography 

line or narrow belt used to survey the distributions of organisms across the given 

area. 

refers to shrubs and smaller trees between the forest canopy and the ground 

cover. 

repeated patterns across landscapes that are definable on interpretive materials 

such as spatial, spectral, radiometric and temporal parameters. 

distinct layering in vegetation cannot be easily discerned between two or more 

strata. 

another term to describe vegetation structure. 

the horizontal and vertical distribution of cover and height of dominant plants. 

a specimen housed and referenced in a Herbarium. 

Note: Definitions have been derived from Lewis (2006) and various sources listed in References (pp. 58). 



57

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61

APPENDICES

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 1: Primary Vegetation Datasets 

Scale 

Survey Name 

Mapped Area 

NVIS Data 

% of NT 

(approx ) km2 

Detail 

1:5000 Mt Todd Vegetation Survey 168 0.0125 NVIS5 

Cape Arnhem Vegetation Survey 75 0.0056 NVIS5 

Groote Island Mining Lease Vegetation Survey 170 0.0126 NVIS5 

Casuarina Coastal Reserve 6 0.0004 NVIS5 

North Island (Sir Edward Pellews Islands) 

55 0.0041 ? 

preliminary map 

Popham Creek Mangrove Survey (Coburg 

47 0.0035 NVIS5 

Peninsular) 

Rapid Creek Mangrove Survey 5 0.0004 NVIS5 

Ludmilla Creek Mangrove Survey 1 0.0001 NVIS5 

TOTAL 527 0.0391 

1:25 000 Mangrove Survey of Darwin Harbour 215 0.0160 NVIS5 

Mangrove Survey of Bynoe Harbour 226 0.0168 NVIS5 

Mangrove Survey Lee Pt to Adelaide River. 1 450 0.1077 NVIS5 

Elsey National Park Vegetation Survey 139 0.0103 NVIS4 

Remnant Vegetation Survey of Darwin Region Stage 

3 000 0.2228 NVIS4 

1,2,& 3 

Stray Creek Catchment Vegetation Survey 1 215 0.0903 NVIS6 

TOTAL 6 245 0.4639 

1:50 000 Arafura Swamp 890 0.0661 NVIS5 

Katherine and Fergusson River Catchments Land 

9 700 0.7205 NVIS5 

Resource/Vegetation Survey 

(in progress) 

Bullo River Station Vegetation Survey 

(in progress) 

2 421 0.1798 NVIS6 

TOTAL 13 011 0.9664 

1:100 000 Cobourg Peninsula Land Resources 1 891 0.1405 NVIS3 

Mary River Vegetation Survey 1 062 0.0789 NVIS5 

Melaleuca Forest Survey 12 000 0.8914 NVIS5 

Elsey Station Vegetation Survey 5 285 0.3926 NVIS5 

Gregory National Park Vegetation Survey 13 500 1.0028 NVIS5 

Lancewood Forest Survey of the Northern Territory 24 000 1.7828 NVIS5 

Mt Bundy Vegetation Survey 1 150 0.0854 NVIS5 

Limmen Bight Preliminary Vegetation Survey 13 510 1.0036 NA 

Monsoon Vine Forest Survey 2 100 0.1560 NVIS3 

Daly Basin 

NVIS5 

TOTAL 74 498 5.5000 

1:250 000 Tiwi Island Generalised Vegetation Map 7 400 0.5497 NVIS4 

Kakadu National Park Stages 1 & 2 (Schodde) 19 000 1.4114 ? 

TOTAL 26 400 2.0000 

1:1 000 000 Vegetation Survey of the Northern Territory 1 346 200 100.0000 NVIS5 

Northern Forest Mapping NORFOR 45 2700 33.6280 NVIS5 

Mixed Scale NVIS Version 3: Pre-european & Extant datasets 1 346 200 100.0000 NVIS5 

NOTE: This table doesn’t include land unit or land system mapping. 



62

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 2: Overview of Vegetation Survey and Mapping Procedures 

Survey and Planning 

Stratification - based on either or a combination of: 

Data Collection 

Remotely Sensed Data 

(aerial photographs and 

/or satellite imagery) 

Independent 

Environmental Maps 

(soil, geology, elevation, 

climate) 

Site-based vegetation survey 

to sample and collect data 

Floristic, Structural and 

Environmental Data 

Preliminary Mapping 

Data Analysis 


Delineation of vegetation community polygons 

Based on either or a combination of: 

1. Image interpretation (i.e. 

Aerial Photography 

Interpretation - influenced 

by: 

• Landform element/pattern 

• Substrate (soil and/or 

geology) 

• Photo-pattern/reflectance 

influenced by vegetation 

and substrate 

• Ecological knowledge 

2. Correlations between 

independent 

environmental mapped 

attributes sharing the 

same vegetation 

community- influenced by: 

• quality and reliability of the 

independent environmental 

mapped attributes 

• quantity and reliability of the 

site-based records 

Qualitative data 

analysis 

Manually assign 

sites to vegetation 

communities on the 

basis of field data 

using a variety of 

floristic, structural 

and environmental 

attributes 

Quantitative data 

analysis 

Numerical analyses 

varies with the type 

of data available 

(binary or 

quantitative). May 

be constrained to 

woody /perennial 

plants only; 

informed by 

structural and 

environmental 

attributes 

Vegetation Polygons 

Final Mapping and Outputs 

Map units may describe: 

• Spatial mix of vegetation communities 

in unique mapping areas (polygons) 

• Display labels and colours 

(cartography) 

• Environmental correlations e.g 

Landform: Low Hills Soils: Sandy Clay 

Loam Geology: Granite 

• Validation of classification and 

mapping 

• Documentation of vegetation 

communities and dataset/s (Survey 

Report) 

Vegetation Associations 

• Structure e.g. open forest 

• Dominant floristics in each 

strata e.g. upper strata 

Eucalyptus and Corymbia 

• Landform - position in the 

landscape e.g. Low Hills 

• Environmental correlations 

e.g. Landform: Low Hills 

Soils: Sandy Clay Loam 

Geology: Alluvium 

Floristic Species 

Assemblages 

Description of 


Associations 


communities are 

described but not 

mapped 

Source: Thackway et al. (in press) - adapted from Neldner et al. (1999) 



63

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 3: Cover and Structural Formation Comparisons for Common 

Classification Systems 

Scheme Cover Type Cover Classes 

NVIS 

Foliage Cover 70 – 100 30 – 70 10 – 30 80 50 – 80 20 – 50 5 – 20 < 5 

% Cover > 80 50 – 80 20 – 50 5 – 20 < 5 

Walker & 

Hopkins 

Crown Cover > 80 50 – 80 20 – 50 5 – 20 < 5 

Crown 

Separation 

Ratio 

3 

Foliage Cover 70-100 30-70 10-30

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 4: Height Class Comparison for Common Classification Systems 

Height 

Description 

Walker & Hopkins NVIS Specht 

Trees, vines (U & M), palms (single stemmed) 

Trees* 

Extremely Tall > 35.01 NA NA 

Very Tall 20.01 - 35 NA NA 

Tall 12.01 - 20 > 30 

10 – 30 ** closed forest, open 

Mid High 6.01 - 12 10 - 30 forest, woodland, open woodland 

Low 3.01 - 6 < 10 5 -10 

Dwarf 1.01 - 3 NA < 5 *** Very Low 

Tree Mallee, Mallee Shrub 

Shrubs* 

Extremely Tall 6.01 - 12 NA NA 


Tall 1.01 - 3 10 - 30 > 2 

Mid High 0.51 - 1 < 10 1 – >2 ** closed shrubland 

shrubland, open shrubland, sparse 

shrubland 

Low 0.26 – 0.5 < 3 < 2 

Dwarf < 0.25 NA NA 

Shrub, Heath Shrub, Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire 

Shrubs* 

Shrub, Cycad, Tree-fern, Grass-tree, Palm (multistemmed) 


Very tall 3.01 - 6 NA NA 

Tall 1.01 - 3 > 2 > 2 

Mid High 0.51 - 1 1 - 2 1 – >2 ** closed shrubland, 

shrubland, open shrubland, sparse 


Low 0.26 – 0.5 < 0.5 - 1 < 2 

Dwarf < 0.25 NA NA 

Tussock Grass, Hummock Grass, Other Grass, Sedge, Rush, Forbs and Vine (G) 



Tall 0.51 - 1 > 2 NA 

Mid High 0.26 – 0.5 0.5 - 1 NA 

Low < 0.25 < 0.5 NA 

Bryophyte, Lichen, Seagrass, Aquatic 


Tall 0.26 – 0.5 0.5 - 1 NA 

Low < 0.25 < 0.5 NA 

* Specht (1970) - a tree is defined as a woody plant usually with a single stem. A shrub is usually a woody plant with many stems arising 

within 2m of the base. 

** Specht (1970) - does not specify a height class against these structural formations (i.e. tall or mid high are not used to describe forests, 

woodlands, or shrublands within these height ranges). 

*** Specht (1970) - applies ‘very low’ to this height category. 



65

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 5: Comparison of Classification Systems Codes and Descriptions 

Structural 

Formation 

NVIS 

Code 

NVIS Description 

TREE 

Walker & 

Hopkins Code 

Walker & Hopkins 

Description 

NVIS 

Equivalence 

Closed Forest 

Open Forest 

Woodland 

Open Woodland 

T8d Tall closed forest VTCF Very tall closed forest T8d/T7d 

T7d Mid closed forest TCF Tall closed forest T7d 

T6d Low closed forest 

T8c Tall open forest VTOF Very tall open forest T8c/T7c 

T7c Mid open forest TOF Tall open forest T7c 

T6c Low open forest 

T8i Tall woodland VTW Very tall woodland T8i/T7i 

T7i Mid Woodland TW Tall woodland T7i 

T6i Low woodland MHW Mid high woodland T7i/T6i 

LW Low woodland T6i 

T8r Tall open woodland VTOW Very tall open woodland T8r/T7r 

T7r Mid open woodland TOW Tall open woodland T7r 

T6r Low open woodland MHOW Mid high open woodland T7r/T6r 

LOW Low open woodland T6r 

SHRUB 

Shrubland 

Open Shrubland 

Sparse Shrubland 

S4c Tall shrubland VTS Very tall shrubland S4c 

S3c Mid shrubland TS Tall shrubland S4c/S3c 

S2c Low shrubland MHS Mid high shrubland S2c 

S1c Low shrubland LS Low shrubland S1c 

S4i Tall open shrubland VTOS Very tall open shrubland S4i 

S3i Mid open shrubland TOS Tall open shrubland S4i/S3i 

S2i Low open shrubland MHOS Mid high open shrubland S2i 

S1i Low open shrubland LOS Low open shrubland S1i 

S4r Tall sparse shrubland VTVS Very tall sparse 

S4r 


S3r Mid sparse shrubland TVS Tall sparse shrubland S4r/S3r 

S2r Low sparse shrubland MHVS Mid high sparse 

S2r 


S1r Low sparse shrubland LVS Low sparse shrubland S1r 

HUMMOCK GRASS 

Closed Hummock 

Grassland 

Hummock 


Open Hummock 


H3d 

H2d 

H1d 

H3c 

H2c 

H1c 

H3i 

H2i 

H1i 

Tall closed hummock 

grassland 

Mid closed hummock 


Low closed hummock 


Tall hummock 


Mid hummock 


Low hummock 


Tall open hummock 


Mid open hummock 


Low open hummock 


TCHG 

Tall closed hummock 


H3d/H2d 

MHCHG 

Mid high closed 

H2d/H1d 

hummock grassland 

LCHG 

Low closed hummock H1d 


THG Tall hummock grassland H3c/H2c 

MHHG 

LHG 

TOHG 

MHOHG 

LOHG 

Mid high hummock 


Low hummock 


Tall open hummock 


Mid high open hummock 


Low open hummock 


H2c/H1c 

H1c 

H3i/H2i 

H2i/H1i 

H1i 



66

APPENDICES 

TUSSOCK GRASS 

Closed Tussock 


Tussock Grassland 

Open Tussock 


Forbland 

Open Forbland 

Sparse Forbland 

G3d Tall closed tussock TCG Tall closed grassland G3d/G2d 


G2d Mid closed tussock 


MHCG 

Mid high closed 


G2d/G1d 

G1d Low closed tussock LCG Low closed grassland G1d 


G3c Tall tussock grassland TG Tall grassland G3c/G2c 

G2c Mid tussock grassland MHG Mid high grassland G2c/G1c 

G1c Low tussock 

LG Low grassland G1c 


G3i Tall open tussock TOG Tall open grassland G3i/G2i 


G2i Mid open tussock MHOG Mid high open grassland G2i/G1i 


G1i Low open tussock LOG Low open grassland G1i 


FORB 

F3c Tall forbland TF Tall forbland F2c 

F2c Mid forbland MHF Mid high forbland F2c/F1c 

F1c Low forbland LF Low forbland F1c 

F3i Tall open forbland TOF Tall open forbland F2i 

F2i Mid open forbland MHOF Mid high open forbland F2i/F1i 

F1i Low open forbland LOF Low open forbland F1i 

F3r Tall sparse forbland TVF Tall sparse forbland F2r 

F2r Mid sparse forbland MHVF Mid high sparse forbland F2r/F1r 

F1r Low sparse forbland LVF Low sparse forbland F1r 



67

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 6: Vegetation Survey Report Formats 

Example from: ‘Darwin Harbour Mangrove Survey’ (Brocklehurst & Edmeades, 1995). 

Map Unit 2 

Rhizophora stylosa/Camptostemon schultzii closed-forest/open-forest (Tidal 

creek forests) 

Rhizophora stylosa, Camptostemon schultzii and Bruguiera parviflora are characteristic species on 

the tidal creek bank and may be co-dominant or locally dominant. The Rhizophora stylosa is generally 

lower, many trunked and often leaning in comparison to the main forest form (map unit 1). The 

Camptostemon schultzii forms thickets on the lowest side of the creek bank (seaward fringe) with 

many leaning across the water. Thickets of Aegiceras corniculatum to two metres and scattered low 

Aegialitis annulata commonly occur on the seaward side of the mud banks and on creek shoals. The 

fibrous matted nature of their roots tends to consolidate and firm the mud. This vegetation is generally 

completely submerged by the higher tides. Scattered Avicennia marina and Xylocarpus mekongensis 

are common and may be emergents. Bruguiera gymnorhiza may occur where freshwater input is 

more regular. In the upper sections of the tidal creeks and tributaries, Avicennia marina may replace 

Rhizophora stylosa and Camptostemon schultzii as the dominant species. 

Other Species include 

Area: 

Tidal Level: 

(

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 6 (continued) 

Distribution and habitat notes: 

Found in all regions of the harbour. Creek bank vegetation is found between mean sea level and mean 

high water neaps (4-6 metres tidal level - Port Darwin Datum). Tidal cover occurs at least once daily, 

often twice. Slopes are steep to moderate (10-30 0 ) on the lower creek bank and less inclined where 

vegetated (5 0 ). Tidal creeks are formed from marine erosion of the tidal flat by drainage incisions and 

may contain small islands and very intricate drainage patterns. The habitat surface is maintained by 

erosion. The creek shoal and exposed hummocky creek mud support vegetation at mean sea-level and 

to mean low water neaps (3-4 metres tidal level – Port Darwin Datum). Thickets of Aegiceras 

corniculatum at these low tidal levels form dense root mats which consolidates mud. Soil salinity is 

approximately 33-40 0 / 00 at mean sea-level and 41±4 0 / 00 mid-zone (Semeniuk, 1985). Soils are generally 

bioturbated, root structured mud where vegetation is present or homogeneous mud, bare of vegetation, 

near the creek bottoms and creek shoals (generally at the tide level less than 3 metres - Port Darwin 

Datum). The steep banks and bio-turbation ensure rapid drainage. Soils not waterlogged all the time. 

Associated Vegetation types: 

Occupies a similar tidal level to the Rhizophora forests (map unit 1) but occupies a different geomorphic 

unit. 

Pockets of Rhizophora forests (map unit 1) may occur within the tidal creek zone. A narrow fringe 

(unmappable) of Sonneratia alba (map unit 8), along the tidal creeks is common. Similarly, due to the 

mapping scale areas of transition forests (map unit 3) may be included in the tidal creek community. At 

the creek mouths scattered Sonneratia alba and thickets of Aegiceras corniculatum and low Aegialitis 

annulata are characteristic. 



69

APPENDICES 

Community 3 


Example From: ‘Stray Creek Catchment Vegetation Survey’ (Lewis, 2005). 

T7i (T7r, T6r) 

Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland with Heteropogon triticeus and annual Sorghum sp. tussock 


Upper 1: Mixed woodland dominated by Eucalyptus tetrodonta (fq 100%). Associated species include 

Erythrophleum chlorostachys (fq 50%) and Corymbia foelscheana (fq 33%). 

Mid 1: Shrubs and trees, Erythrophleum chlorostachys (fq 50%), C. foelscheana 

(fq 50%), Terminalia ferdinandiana (fq 39%) and Petalostigma pubescens (fq 33%) exist in the tall 

sparse shrubland. 

Ground 1: Frequent species occurring in the tussock grassland are Heteropogon triticeus (fq 89%), 

annual Sorghum sp. (fq 72%), Sehima nervosum (fq 67%) and Chrysopogon latifolius (fq 61%). 

Plate 3. Vegetation community 3 (site 120). 

No. of sites: 18 

13, 26, 33, 56, 64, 72, 83, 84, 120, 131, 137, 152, 159, 162, 170, 172, 199, 205 

OTHER COMMON SPECIES: 

Upper stratum (U1) – Terminalia grandiflora (fq 28%), Corymbia polysciada (fq 11%), Eucalyptus 

miniata (fq 6%), C. latifolia (fq 6%), E. patellaris (fq 3%), Buchanania obovata 

(fq 3%), Erythroxylum ellipticum (fq 3%), Brachychiton diversifolius (fq 3%). 

Mid stratum (M1) – Planchonia careya (fq 33%), Terminalia grandiflora (fq 33%), Corymbia 

polysciada (fq 28%), Eucalyptus tetrodonta (fq 28%), Brachychiton megaphyllus (fq 22%), Grevillea 

decurrens (fq 17%), E. tectifica (fq 17%), Acacia lamprocarpa (fq 11%), B. diversifolia (fq 11%), 

Buchanania obovata (fq 11%), Hakea arborescens (fq 11%), Persoonia falcata (fq 11%), T. 

canescens (fq 11%), A. mimula (fq 6%), A. oncinocarpa (fq 6%), Ampelocissus frutescens (fq 6%), 

Bridelia tomentosa (fq 6%), Cayratia trifolia (fq 6%), Cochlospermum fraseri (fq 6%), Acacia 

douglasica (fq 6%), Corymbia latifolia (fq 6%), Gardenia schwarzii (fq 6%), Livistona humilis (fq 6%), 

Bauhinia cunninghamii (fq 6%), Owenia vernicosa (fq 6%), Premna acuminata (fq 6%), Stenocarpus 

acacioides (fq 6%), Tinospora smilacina (fq 6%). 



70

APPENDICES 


Ground stratum (G1) – Erythrophleum chlorostachys (fq 61%), Brachychiton megaphyllus 

(fq 56%), Corymbia foelscheana (fq 56%), Grewia retusifolia (fq 50%), Eucalyptus tetrodonta (44%), 

Evolvulus alsinoides (fq 44%), Buchanania obovata (fq 39%), Pachynema dilatatum (fq 39%), 

Sebastiania chamaelea (fq 39%), Sorghum plumosum (fq 39%), Thaumastochloa major (39%), 

Yakirra majuscula (39%), Alloteropsis semialata (fq 33%), Cartonema spicatum (fq 33%), 

Chrysopogon fallax (fq 28%), Eriachne obtusa (fq 28%), Mnesithea formosa (fq 28%), Murdannia 

graminea (fq 28%), Petalostigma quadriloculare (fq 28%), Setaria apiculata (fq 28%), Terminalia 

grandiflora (fq 28%), Uraria lagopodioides (fq 28%), Ampelocissus frutescens (fq 22%), Aristida 

holathera (fq 22%), Digitaria gibbosa (fq 22%), Distichostemon hispidulus (fq 22%), E. avenacea (fq 

22%), Flemingia trifoliastrum (fq 22%), Grevillea mimosoides (fq 22%), Indigofera linifolia 

(fq 22%), Schizachyrium fragile (fq 22%), Tacca leontopetaloides (fq 22%), Triodia bitextura(fq 22%), 

Vigna lanceolata (fq 22%), Whiteochloa semitonsa (fq 22%). 

LANDFORM: Dominant community on plains and rises. 

SOILS: Kandosols. 

DRAINAGE: Well drained. 

Table 5. Community 3 structural summary. 

Strata Modal Growthform Mean Cover % Mean height (m) NVIS Code 

Upper U1 Tree 25.4 (5-40) 14.8 (11.5-17.5) T7i 

Mid M1 Shrub 3.6 (2-5.5) 3.6 (1.5-6.1) S4r 

Ground G1 Tussock Grass 50.1 (15-80) 0.7 (0.1-1.4) G2c 



71

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 7: Metadata Attributes 

Attribute Description Example 

State State or Territory NT 

Custodian Government/Private Agency who has Biodiversity Conservation: Darwin (DIPE) 

ownership of the data 

Official Contact Custodial contact person john.woinarski@nt.gov.au 

08 8944 8451 

Date Beginning Year of commencement of survey - 

Date End Year of Finish of survey - 

Compilation 

Date 


Survey Name 

Site Purpose 

Number of Sites 

Site Detail 

Site vegetation data is present and 

correct as of what year 

Title of Survey 

Site data was collected for what 

specific purpose (eg. vegetation 

mapping, flora survey) 

Approximate number of sites for the 

particular survey 

The amount of information recorded at 

a site 

1995 

Mitchell Grasslands Survey 

Flora Survey 

107 

Geo-referenced Are the sites geo-referenced Yes 

Species cover and height for the dominant 

stratum 

Spatial Accuracy 

Radius of error (eg. ± 200 metres). An 

estimate of the horizontal accuracy of 

the site in the real world 

30 meters 

Data Storage How is the data stored (eg. paper, Digital 

digital) 

Database 

Manager 

Database manager of the particular 

organisation holding the data 

greg.connors@nt.gov.au 

08 8944 8456 

Historical 

Contact 

Person who undertook the survey or 

who is familiar with the data 

alaric.fisher@nt.gov.au 

08 8944 8454 

Geographical List of bio regions (abbreviations as Top End wide - black soil plains 

Extent 

per IBRA) or locality 

Quality An estimate of the utility of the data Good 

Transfer Ease of data transfer Requires work 

Digital Data 

Storage 

If sites are digital what software do 

they reside in 

USER DATABASE/Foxpro-Access 

COMMENTS Any pertinent comments Standard Biodiversity Conservation Vegetation 

Proforma: 

trees/shrubs by BA and BA size class, canopy 

ht/cover, total ground layer % cover, ground 

species by cover, full/partial species lists, stratum 

cover/ht, however not all species linked directly to 

strata (mid) 

Digital Mapping 

Exists 

NVIS Level 

Does digital polygon mapping exists - 

see metadata link (eg. ANZLIC 

number) 

Estimate of data detail in relation to 

the NVIS Information Hierarchy 

No 

NVIS IV – Sub-Formation 



72

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 8: Preliminary NT Vegetation Condition Indicators for Forests and 

Woodlands 

Indicator Measure Score Method 

SITE 

Trees 30 

Tree canopy cover Canopy cover and health 4 Line transect 1 

Dead standing basal area 5 Basal wedge quadrat 2 

Large tree count & hollows No of trees/ha >40 dbh 8 

Regeneration count 

canopy species 

No of trees/ha >1.5m ht and < 5 

dbhob 

Proportion 

5 

3 

Quadrat 100x50 metres either 

side of line transect 

Medium tree diversity/ or No of diameter classes + 5 Basal wedge quadrat 2 

cohorts/ diameter class 

distribution 

distribution within 

Shrubs 8 Line transect 1 

Broad leaved cover-shrubs %cover 5 

only below 2 metres 

Broad leaved richness No of species 3 

Grasses 15 Line transect 1 

Total Grass Cover % cover 6 

Sorghum Cover as a % of % cover 6 

total grass 

Species richness No of species 3 

Perennial Herbs 7 Line transect 1 

Perennial Cover % cover 4 

Perennial Richness No. of species 3 

Weeds 10 Line transect 1 

Weed cover % cover 10 

Fallen woody material 10 Line transect 1 

logs count 5 

Litter * % cover 5 

LANDSCAPE 20 

Fire Diversity CV of fire history in 4km radius 5 

Fire history Fire history at site 5 

Land clearing % native veg within 4km radius 5 

Vegetation type diversity* No. of veg types or cover types 

in 4km radius 

5 

GIS 

Using ancillary spatial data sets 

such as fire frequency. Not 

measured in the field 

* possible indicator 

line transect 1 - one to three 100 metre line transects, measured at 1 metre intervals, categories below 

Overstorey 

US Green leaf or branch of shrub 

GL 

Green leaf of canopy tree 

GT Green leaf or branch of tree not canopy tree 

CT Sky within periphery of canopy crown or branch 

S 

Sky 

Understorey 

TrLit Tree litter/organic litter, including leaves, twigs, branches

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 9: Example of Eucalyptus Open Forest Synthetic Benchmark 

Conceptual Diagram: perceives the effect of fire on forest in the NT. In terms of condition, Stage 4 is where the majority of the forest in the Top End 

currently is. The best practical outcome of management would be Stage 2 or 3. Stage 1 is not practical for broad areas of the NT. Indicators should 

be developed around Stage 2 or 3. A diameter class distribution diagram for each type is to be developed. 

Mature uneven aged forest ←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→ Mature /senescing even 

aged forest 

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 

Long undisturbed mature forest 

20+ years 

Relatively undisturbed 

5-20 years unburnt 

Relatively undisturbed 

3-5 years unburnt 

Frequently disturbed forest 

Burnt annually or every two 

years 

Mid-layer +/- absent 

Frequently disturbed forest 

Thick shrubby/tree mid-layer Trees and shrubs in mid-layer Some trees and shrubs in midlayer 

Mid-layer absent 

Few grasses or herbs. Thick litter Low shrubs, grasses and herbs Low shrubs, grasses and herbs Grasses and herbs Grasses and herbs 

layer in ground-layer 

VAST State 1 VAST State 1 VAST State 2 VAST State 2 VAST State ? 

All growth stages 

Occurrence of this type in the NT 

very restricted. Urban/rural areas 

This an un-natural state 

Juvenile growth stage, small trees 

present. Regeneration present 

Restricted to fire protected areas, 

managed areas. 

Difficult to manage for this over 

whole NT under present 

conditions 

Some juvenile growth stages and 

small trees. Regeneration 

present 

Areas under fire management, 

areas that have missed more 

frequent fires for some reason. 

This is probably what would be 

desired as a result of 

management 

Juvenile growth stage, smaller 

trees absent. Regeneration 

present 

This represents the most 

common type in NT. The current 

trajectory is →→ 

Juvenile growth stage, 

smaller trees absent. 

Canopy trees senescing. 

Regeneration present 

Areas of this in NT. The 

current fire regimes will lead 

to this 

Stand structure types for Eucalyptus open forests 



74

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 10: Definitive Vegetation Types Database Attributes - Example 

FIELD 

EXAMPLE 

ID Number Example 2. 

Formation *L Other Forests and Woodlands. 

Common Name Grevillea pteridifolia, Banksia dentata low open woodland with Eriachne grassland 

understorey. 

Characteristic Grevillea pteridifolia, Banksia dentata, Melaleuca viridiflora. 

Species 

Characteristic Sp. Quantitative and qualitative estimate. 

Qualifiers 

Authorities 

Group 5e: Brocklehurst (1998): Group 7: Griffiths et al. (1997); Group 7: Wilson & 

Fensham (1994); *Unit 19 Brocklehurst & Cowie (1992); *Unit 51a Wilson et al. 

(1990); Mixed Shrubland: Schodde et al. (1987); Grevillea Woodland: Wilson & 

Bowman (1987); Grevillea Low Open Woodland: Wood & Sivertsen (1984); Banksia 

Woodland: Henshall & Mitchell (1976); Mixed Scrub: Story (1969 & 1976); 

Lophostemon-Grevillea-Banksia Low Woodland: Perry (1970); Lophostemon- 

Grevillea-Banksia Association: Specht (1958b); Lophostemon-Grevillea-Banksia Low 

Woodland: Christian & Stewart (1953). 

Authority 

Combination of expert opinion and quantitative data. 

Qualifiers 

Adequacy of Plot Unknown. 

Sampling *L 

InterState 

Equivalent(s) 

Confidence Medium. 

Level? *L 

NVIS Level of Association – V. 

Classification *L 

Rainforest Subformation 

NA. 

N.F.I. Forest Type *L 

Structural 

Low Open Woodland (r ). 

Formation 

Dominant Strata *L 

Height Class Low (6). 

Dominant Strata *L 


Description 

Vegetation Data 

The upper layer is generally a low open woodland to tall shrubland dominated by 

Banksia dentata (50%) and Grevillea pteridifolia (59%) and smaller shrubs such as 

Jacksonia dilatata (36%), Verticordia cunninghamii (24%), and Acacia spp. Emergent 

tree species such as Corymbia polycarpa, (23%), C. ptychocarpa (14%), Melaleuca 

viridiflora (41%), Melaleuca nervosa (32%) and Lophostemon lactifluus (13%) are 

common. The ground layer is dominated by a mixture of mid height grasses, mainly 

Eriachne spp., sedges and forbs. 

This community occurs from north of Katherine but is generally more common in 

coastal and sub coastal regions from the Victoria Highway in the west, to south of the 

Roper River in the east. It typically occurs on poorly drained areas with coarse sandy 

soils. 

Canopy layer/upper: (U1) 

Ht. 9.9 (7-13)m; CC. 15 (8-15)% 

Dominant species (frequency %): Grevillea pteridifolia (59%), Banksia dentata (50%), 

Melaleuca viridiflora (41%), Melaleuca nervosa (32%), Livistona humilis, Pandanus 

spiralis (27%), Corymbia polycarpa, Eucalyptus tetrodonta (23%), C. ptychocarpa, 

Syzygium eucalyptoides ssp. bleeseri (14%), Lophostemon lactifluus (13%), 

Xanthostemon paradoxus (< 10%). 

Middle layer: U2 or M1 



75

Map Sources 

NVIS Map Code 

IBRA *L 

(Commonwealth 

Bioregion) 

NT subbioregions 

*L 

Botanical 

Division *L (NT) 

River Catchments *L 

APPENDICES 

Ht. 4 (2-6)m; CC. 17 (5-28) % 

Dominant species (frequency %): Melaleuca viridiflora, Grevillea pteridifolia, 

Jacksonia dilatata (36%), Livistona humilis, Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa (27%), 

Verticordia cunninghamii, (24%), Acacia difficilis, A. oncinocarpa, C. ptychocarpa 

(18%), A. torulosa, E. tetrodonta, Persoonia falcata (13%), Lophostemon lactifluus, 

Grevillea heliosperma, Choriceras tricorne (< 10%). 

Lower layer: G1 

Ht. 1m; CC. 72 % 

Dominant species (frequency %): Eriachne triseta (70%), Xyris complanata (45%), 

Eriachne burkittii, Dapsilanthus spathaceus (40%), Eriachne avenacea, Fimbristylis 

spp., Grevillea pteridifolia (30%), Melaleuca nervosa, Sorghum intrans, 

Schizachyrium fragile, Germainia grandiflora, Drosera petiolaris, Cartonema 

spicatum (25%), Arthrostylis aphylla (15%). 

Other reported species: Calytrix exstipulata, C. brownii, Hibbertia dealbata, Owenia 

vernicosa, Petalostigma pubescens, Schoenus sparteus, Syzygium suborbiculare. 

Basal Area: Unknown 

Comments: Quantitative data from Wilson et al. (1990), Brocklehurst & Cowie (1992). 

Mapped at 1:1000 000 by Wilson et al. (1990). Preliminary map at 1:50 000 of the 

treeless communities on Melville Island is contained in Wilson & Fensham (1994). 

Victoria Bonaparte, Darwin Coastal, Daly Basin, Pine Creek, Tiwi-Coburg, Arnhem 

Coast, Arnhem Plateau, Central Arnhem, Gull Fall and Uplands, Gulf Coastal. 

Victoria Bonaparte VB1, VB2 , VB3, Darwin Coastal, Daly Basin, Pine Creek, Tiwi- 

Coburg P1, P2, Arnhem Coast P1, P2, P3, P4, Arnhem Plateau P1, P2, Central 

Arnhem P1, P2, Gulf Fall and Uplands P1, P2, Gulf Coastal, P1. 

Darwin and Gulf Region, Victoria River District. 

Victoria, Fitzmaurice, Moyle, Daly, Finniss, Adelaide, Mary, Wildman, South Alligator, 

East Alligator, Goomadeer, Liverpool, Blythe, Goyder, Buckingham, Koolatong, 

Walker, Roper, Towns, Limmen Bight, McCarthur, Robinson Rivers. 

Not restricted to any particular substrate. 

Substrate *L 

(W&H 1990) 

Soil Texture *L Sands. 

(W&H 1990) 


PLA, PLT, RIS. 

Patterns *L 


DDE, STC, VLF. 

Elements *L 

Main Land Use *L 1. Conservation and Natural Resources, 2. Production from relatively natural 

environments. 

Impacts Euro Minimal to date. 

Settlement 

Pre-European Unknown but assumed to be similar to extent as of 2003. 

Extent 

Pre-European Subjective judgement. 

Qualifiers 

Pre-European 

Information 

Current Extent Unknown. 

Current Extent 

Qualifiers *L 

Current Extent Mapped as part of map unit 51 mosaic (5 277 km 2 ) in Wilson et al. (1990). 

Information 

Percent Remaining > 70. 

Degree of 

Naturally highly fragmented occurring as patches in the landscape. 

Fragmentation 

Average Condition 

Threatening Modified fire regime. 

Process 

Threatening *L 

Process List 



76

Disturbance, 

Succession, 

adjoining veg. 

Fire Regime 

Carbon Biomass 

Conservation 

Reserves-Major *L 

Area in Major 

Reserves 

No of Reps in 

Reserves 

Explanation of 

Reserved Areas 

Minor Reserves- 

Protected areas or 

other reserve 

categories 

Area in Minor 

reserves 

Protected Pre-Euro 

Extent 

Protected Current 

Extent 

APPENDICES 

Generally adjoins Eucalyptus or Melaleuca open forests and woodlands. 

Probably patch burnt by Aboriginal groups prior to European settlement. 

Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, 

Djukbinj National Park, Nitmiluk National Park. 

Estimated at < 30%. 

30%. 

30%. 

Common pre-E NA. 

(>10000 ha) 

Restricted pre-E NA. 

(1000-10000 ha) 

Rare pre-E (

APPENDICES 

• Wilson, B.A. & Bowman, D.M.J.S. (1987) Fire, Storm, Flood and Drought: The 

Vegetation Ecology of Howard Peninsula, Northern Territory, Australia. In: Aust. 

J. Ecol. 12: 165-174; 

• Wood, B.G. & Sivertsen, D. (1984) The Lands Systems and Erosion on Part of 

Humbert River Station. Technical Report No. 3. Land Conservation Unit, 

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, Darwin; 

• Henshall, T.S. & Mitchell, A.S. (1976) Vegetation Survey of the Keep River Study 

Area. NT. Bot. Bull. 2: 15-26. Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, 

Darwin; 

• Story, R. (1976) Vegetation of the Alligator Rivers Area: Lands of the Alligator 

Rivers Area, Northern Territory. Land. Res. Ser. No. 38: pp 89-111, CSIRO, 

Melbourne; 

• Story, R. (1969) Vegetation of the Adelaide-Alligator Area, Northern Territory. 

Land. Res. Ser. No. 25: pp 114-130. CSIRO, Melbourne; 

• Perry, R.A. (1970) Vegetation of the Ord-Victoria Area and Pasture Lands of the 

Ord-Victoria Area: Lands of the Ord-Victoria Area, WA & NT. Land Res. Ser. No 

28: pp 104-125. CSIRO, Canberra; 

• Specht, R.L. (1958b) The Climate, Geology, Soils and Plant Ecology of the 

Northern Portion of Arnhem Land. In: Botany and Plant Ecology (eds R.L. Specht 

& C.P. Mountford). Records of the American-Australian Scientific Expedition to 

Arnhem Land Vol. 3. pp 333-414. Melbourne University Press; 

• Christian, C.S. & Stewart, G.A. (1953) General Report on Survey of Katherine- 

Darwin Region 1946. Land Res. Ser. No. 1, CSIRO, Melbourne. 

Source: Brocklehurst and Gibbons (2003) 



78

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 11: IUCN Red List Categories 

IUCN Category 

Criteria 

Extinct 

(EX) 

Extinct in the Wild 

(EW) 

Critically 

Endangered 

(CR) 

Endangered 

(EN) 

Vulnerable 

(V) 

Near Threatened 

(NT) 

Least Concern 

(LC) 

Data Deficient 

(DD) 

Not Evaluated 

(NE) 

A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual 

has died. A taxon is presumed extinct when exhaustive surveys in known 

and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), 

throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys 

should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle and life form. 

A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is known only to survive in cultivation, in 

captivity or as a naturalised population (or populations) well outside the past 

range. A taxon is presumed Extinct in the Wild when exhaustive surveys in 

known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, 

annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. 

Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle and 

life form. 

A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates 

that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered, and it is 

therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the 

wild. 

A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it 

meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered, and it is therefore 

considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. 

A taxon is vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it 

meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable, and it is therefore considered 

to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. 

A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria 

but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable 

now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened 

category in the near future. 

A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and 

does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near 

Threatened. Widespread and abundant data are included in this category. 

A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information to make a 

direct, or indirect assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution 

and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well studied, and its 

biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution 

are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat. Listing of 

taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and 

acknowledges the possibility that future research will show that threatened 

classification is appropriate. It is important to make positive use of whatever 

data are available. In many cases great care should be exercised in choosing 

between DD and threatened status. If the range of taxon is suspected to be 

relatively circumscribed, and a considerable period of time has elapsed since 

the last record of the taxon, threatened status may well be justified. 

A taxon is Not Evaluated when it has not yet been evaluated against the 

criteria. 

Source: IUCN (2001) 



79

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 12: Directions for the Collection of NT Weeds 

PLEASE FILL IN THE WEED DATA COLLECTION SHEET USING THE BLUE TEXT 

What is the 

DIAMETER of the 

weed infestation area 

in metres? 

Select one of these 

sizes. 

SIZE_DIA_M 

20 

50 

100 

SIZE 

Diameter 

20m 

Example of a 

weed infestation area. 

Stand in the centre, if 

possible, to record the 

GPS location 

DENS_CAT 

Category 2 

≤1% 

Category 3 

>1 - 10% 

Category 4 

>10 - 50% 

Category 5 

>50% 

Select one of these 

Density Categories. 

This describes the 

quantity of plants as 

a percentage of the 

total area (not the 

canopy cover) very small 

small medium large 

2 

3 4 5 

STAGE OF GROWTH 

% Seedlings + % Juveniles + % Adults = 100% plants in the site 

25 

0 

50 75 100 

• Have the plants seeded? 

• Is there evidence of soil disturbance? 

(eg. from cattle, feral animals, machinery) 

• Is there evidence of vegetation disturbance? 

(eg. From fire, flood damage, machinery) 

SEEDED 

Yes 

No 

SOIL 

DIST 

Yes 

No 

VEG 

DIST 

Yes 

No 

TREATED 

TREAT_TYPE 

TREAT_CHEM 

COMMENTS (not essential, can be left blank) 

Yes 

No 

Basal Bark 

Biological Control 

Cut Stump 

Foliar Spray 

Hand Pull 

Ground Application 

Mechanical 

Weed Management Branch, 9 December, 2006 

Dept Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts 

2-4D 

Access 

Brush-off 

Glyphosate 

Graslan 

Starane 

1. Aerial spray work is required 

2. Contact Weeds Officer for advice 

3. Difficult site to access 

4. Follow-up inspection required 

5. First known recording of species in 

catchment 

6. Mechanical work is required 

7. No chemical available, control required 

8. No control work possible 

9. URGENT Follow-up control required 



80

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 13: NT Weeds Data Collection Sheet 

Name: Project Name: Date: 

Group: Project No: Purpose: Amount chemical: 

SET YOUR GPS TO WGS84 

AS DECIMAL DEGREES 

(d.dddd o ) 

COMMON NAME 

20, 

50, 

100 

2,3,4,5 

0, 25, 50, 75, 100 

(3 columns add up 

to 100%) 

Yes 

No 

See list 

See list 

Yes 

No 

Yes 

No 

Yes 

No 

Yes 

No 

See list 

LAT_G94 LONG_G94 WEED_NAME 

SIZE 

DIA_M 

DENS 

CAT 

% 

S 

% 

J 

% 

A 

TREAT TREAT_TYPE TREAT_CHEM 

TREAT 

MON 

SEED 

SOIL 

DIST 

VEG 

DIST 

COMMENTS 

-14.553456 132.45322 Bellyache Bush 20 5 25 25 50 Yes Foliar Spray Brush-off Yes No No Yes Follow-up control work needed 



81

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 14: Landform Element and Pattern Codes and Descriptions 

LANDFORM ELEMENT 

LANDFORM PATTERN 

Code Type Code Type 

BAN Bank (stream bank) ALF Alluvial fan 

BAR Bar (stream bar ALP* Alluvial plain 

BEA Beach ANA Anastomotic plain 

BRI* Beach Ridge BAD Badlands 

BEN Bench BAR Bar plain 

BER Berm BEA Beach ridge plain 

BOU Blow-out CAL Caldera 

BRK Breakaway channel CHE Chenier plain 

CBE Channel bench COR Coral reef 

CIR Cirque COV Covered plain 

CLI Cliff DEL Delta 

CFS Cliff-foot slope DUN Dunefield 

CON Cone (volcanic) ESC* Escarpment 

CRA Crater FLO* Floodplain 

CUT Cut face HIL* Hills 

COS Cut-over surface KAR Karst 

DAM Dam LAC Lacustrine plain 

DOL Doline LAV Lava plain 

DDE* Drainage depression LON Longitudinal dunefield 

DUN* Dune LOW* Low hills 

DUC Dunecrest MAD Made land 

DUS Duneslope MAR Marine plain 

EMB Embankment MEA Meander plain 

EST* Estuary MET Meteor crater 

FAN Fan MOU Mountains 

FIL Fill-top PAR Parabolic dunefield 

FLD Flood-out PED Pediment 

FOO Footslope PEP Pediplain 

FOR* Foredune PNP Peneplain 

GUL Gully PLA* Plain 

HCR* Hillcrest PLT* Plateau 

HSL* Hillslope PLY Playa plain 

ITF Intertidal flat RIS* Rises 

LAG Lagoon SAN* Sand plain 

LAK Lake SHF Sheet-flood fan 

LDS Landslide STA Stagnant alluvial plain 

LEV* Levee TER Terrace (alluvial) 

LUN Lunette TEL Terraced land (alluvial) 

MAA Maar TID* Tidal flat 

MOU Mound VOL Volcano 

OXB* 

Ox-bow 

PED 

Pediment 

PIT 

Pit 

PLA* 

Plain 

PLY 

Playa 

PST* 

Prior stream 

Source: Speight (1990) 

* Commonly described across the NT 



82

APPENDICES 


Code 

REF 

RFL 

RPL 

SCD 

SCA* 

SFS 

SCR 

SRP 

STB* 

STC* 

SUS 

STF* 

SWL* 

SWP* 

TAL 

TEF 

TEP 

TDC* 

TDF* 

TOR 

TRE 

TUM 

VLF 

Source: Speight (1990) 

LANDFORM ELEMENT CONT.. 

Type 

Reef flat 

Rock flat 

Rock platform 

Scald 

Scarp 

Scarp-foot slope 

Scroll 

Scroll plain 

Stream bed 

Stream channel 

Summit surface 

Supratidal flat 

Swale 

Swamp 

Talus 

Terrace flat 

Terrace plain 

Tidal creek 

Tidal flat 

Tor 

Trench 

Tumulus 

Valley flat 



83

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 15: Common Soil Orders in the NT 

Soil Order 

Kandosols 

Rudosols 

Tenosols 

Hydrosols 

Chromosols 

Dermosols 

Calcarosols 

Ferrosols 

Vertosols 

Description 

Massive and earthy (formerly red, yellow & brown earths). Throughout the 

NT, widespread across the Top End, Sturt Plateau, Tennant Creek regions 

and Central Australia. 

Shallow soils or those with minimal soil development. Includes very 

shallow rocky and gravely soils across rugged terrain such as the Arnhem 

Plateau and also the sands of the Simpson Desert. 

Weakly developed or sandy soils. Commonly shallow (slightly more 

developed than Rudosols), although they can include the deep sand dunes 

of beach ridges, granitic soils and sand dunes of deserts. Soils show some 

degree of soil profile organisation. 

Seasonally wet soils. Throughout the NT on floodplains, swamps, drainage 

lines but more common in higher rainfall areas. Includes mangrove and 

salt marsh environments. 

Soils with an abrupt increase in clay content below the top soil. Restricted 

to small occurrences across plains and relict alluvial plains. 

Soils with highly developed structural characteristics. Common across the 

Tindal area and also the Daly River Basin. 

Soils with calcium carbonate often formed on limestone. Restricted to small 

pockets in Central Australia, Victoria River District including Gregory 

National Park and Katherine and Mataranka Districts. 

Iron rich soils generally formed on basalt. Restricted to volcanic 

landscapes of the Victoria River District and to a smaller extent the Roper 

River Catchment. 

Cracking clay soils which may or may not be poorly drained. Common 

across coastal floodplains of the Top End, the Barkly Tableland and alluvial 

plains of the Victoria River District. 

NOTE: Not to be used for classification purposes. 



84

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 16: Field Data Proforma - Habitat Sheet 

VEGETATION SITE SHEET: Habitat Information 

Survey: 

Observers: 

Comments: 

Date: 

Site#: 

NVIS 

Code: 

NVIS Structural Classification & Description: 

Site Type: 

Dimensions: 

Estimated Patch Size: 100Ha 

Location: 

MGA Zone: 52 53 

Datum: 

Geo Precision (m): 

Elevation (m ASL): 

Easting: 

Lat: 

Geo Source: GPS / Map / AP 

Elevation Source: Map / GPS / DEM 

Slope: 

Northing: 

Long: 

Film# Photo# Aspect Description Dig# 

Site Disturbance % Frequency Nearest Water 

Map Unit/Community ID 

None Current disturbance Swamp 

Limited Clearing Single recent 1-10yrs spring 

Extensive clearing Few recent 1-10yrs permenant ck 

Cultivation disturbs all >10yrs ephemeral ck 

Gravel pit disturbs 5 yrs most trees/shrubs killed 

pebbles 2m % 

Lithology 1: prop'n rock: Av size class: Specimen: Y / N 

Lithology 2: prop'n rock: Av size class: Specimen: Y / N 

Microrelief % Cover Number Erosion 

Zero 

sCald 

Gilgai 

Sheet 

Melonhole 

Rill 

Debil debil 

Gully 

sWamp hummock 

Tunnel 

Termite beds 

streamBank 

Veg root mounds 

Mass movem. 

Other 

Other 

Status 

(A,P,S) 

% Site Notes 



85

APPENDICES 


VEGETATION SITE SHEET: Habitat Information (cont'd) 

Survey: 

Collector(s): 

Stratum T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2 other: 

% Cover 

Ht range (m) 

Date: 

Crown Density: 

Av Ht (m) 

CSR (if used) 

% cover in upper and mid generally canopy cover: Cover in ground generally percentage cover.(heights measured, cover an estimate 

or use CSR) 

% Litter: % Bare: % Crust: 

%Veg (Ground layer): % Exposed rocks: % Gravel: 

Growth Form Table 

Other Growth forms 

Code Average height Cover % Code Av Hgt Cover % 

Tree >10m T Y Mallee shrub 

Tree 2-10m T Z Heath shrub 

Tree < 2m T U Samphire shrub 

Tree Mallee M R Rush 

Palm P D Tree fern 

Shrub >2m S B Bryophyte 

Shrub

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 17: Field Data Proforma - Flora Sheet 

Survey Name: Date: Site#: 

VEGETATION SITE SHEET: FLORISTICS 


Dominant Stratum = √ 

Coll: tic (√ ) if plant collected 

Basal area generally occurs across stratum: measure on species basis at dbh 1.3m ht 

Heights (m) %Cover BA Fac: 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

Species 

Col: Range Ave T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2 BA L BA D Sum 

28 

Woody species outside site 

a 

b 

c 

Note: If < 1% then abc, where a = v. few individuals (1-5 plants), b = occasional (6-50 plants) and c = common (>50 plants). Record 

species height info only where cover >1%. 



87

APPENDICES 


Floristics (cont'd) 

Coll: tic (√ ) if plant collected 

29 

Survey Name: Date: Site#: 

Basal area generally occurs across stratum: measure on species basis at dbh 1.3m ht 

Heights (m) %Cover BA Fac: 

Species Col: Range Ave T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2 

BA 

L 

BA 

D 

Sum 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

Note: If < 1% then abc, where a = v. few individuals (1-5 plants), b = occasional (6-50 plants) and c = common (>50 plants). Record species 

height info only where cover >1%. 



88

APPENDICES 


Floristics (cont'd) Survey Name: Date: Site#: 

additional sheet Heights (m) %Cover BA Fac: 

Species Col: Range Ave T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2 

BA 

L 

BA 

D 

Sum 

Note: If < 1% then abc, where a = v. few individuals (1-5 plants), b = occassional (6-50 plants) and c = common (>50 plants). Record species 

height info only where cover >1%. 



89

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 18: Field Data Proforma - Vegetation Foliage Projective Cover 

Transect # _____of_____ Survey ______________________Date:_____________ Site 

# 

Start: Easting________ Lat: __________ End Easting__________ Lat: _________ 

Northing_______ Long ______________ Northing__________ Long: ________ 

Direction From: To: Average Canopy Cover: 

OVERSTOREY UNDERSTOREY Totals OVERSTOREY UNDERSTOREY Totals 

GL DL BR SK CC GL DL Tr 

Lit 

Gr 

Lit 

BA SH TTL 

GL 

1 51 

2 52 

3 53 

4 54 

5 55 

6 56 

7 57 

8 58 

9 59 

10 60 

11 61 

12 62 

13 63 

14 64 

15 65 

16 66 

17 67 

18 68 

19 69 

20 70 

21 71 

22 72 

23 73 

24 74 

25 75 

GL DL BR SK CC GL DL 

26 76 

27 77 

28 78 

29 79 

30 80 

31 81 

32 82 

33 83 

34 84 

35 85 

36 86 

37 87 

38 88 

39 89 

40 90 

41 91 

42 92 

43 93 

44 94 

45 95 

46 96 

47 97 

48 98 

49 99 

50 100 

Tot 

Tr 

Lit 

Gr 

Lit 

BA 

SH 

TTL 

GL 

GL/SH GL DL BR SK CC GL DL Tr 

Lit 

GL/SH GL DL BR SK CC GL DL 

Tr 

Lit 

Gr 

Lit 

Gr 

Lit 

BA SH TTL 

GL 

G D B S CC G D Tr Gr B Sh G D B S CC G D Tr Gr B Sh 

BA 

SH 

TTL 

GL 

GL/SH 

GL/SH 

Grand Totals 



90

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 19: NT Site Procedure and Equipment List 

• Walk around the outside of the potential site to acquaint yourself with it. Avoid too much 

traffic within the area to be sampled to reduce disturbance on the ground layer before 

measuring and recording; 

• Make photographic records from standard locations, plus any subsidiary photos, recording 

relevant data about the photos onto the field data sheets. 

• Mark out quadrat boundaries, or locate centre or end point if using plot-less sampling; 

• Make any general notes about the site (quality, condition, exceptional aspects etc.); 

• Record site location (GPS & mark location on aerial photograph/map); 

• Record the stratum summary table first (overall cover & heights for each stratum) to make it 

easier when estimating species covers. Heights should be measured by clinometer for anything 

over 5 metres, anything under 5 metres can be estimated; 

• Record basal information by basal sweep from centre of quadrat. 

• Measure and record cover, height and species in all recognised strata/sub strata (i.e. 

upper, mid & lower). Collect and label unidentified plant species and/or data deficient species 

for vouchering. 

• Record landform, soil and other environmental information (i.e. disturbance, fire). 

• Re-check field data sheets to ensure all fields are completed. 

• Ensure specimens have been collected, labelled and pressed. 

• Place permanent marker(s) if sites are to be re-assessed. 

• Check all equipment has been packed for return to vehicle. 



91

APPENDICES 

Field Equipment for General Vegetation Surveys 

Equipment Quantity Purpose 

Back pack 1 Store and carry field equipment 

Field data sheets 

Adequate for field survey Record data 

(habitat, flora & FPC) 

Clinometer (direct reading) 2 Measure height and slope 

GPS 1 Record coordinates 


Slope gauge 1 Measure slope or heights (if no direct reading 

clinometer is available) 

Compass 2 Assist in marking quadrat boundary and 

determine aspect 

Basal wedge 2 Determine basal count and species dominance 

Camera 1 Taking site photos 

Telescope or Crown 1 Measure crown density/crown type or for FPC 

densitometer 

transect 

100 metre tapes 1 Mark quadrat boundary or transect 

50 metre tape 1 Divide quadrat into smaller quadrats if 

necessary 

Diameter tape 1 Measure tree diameters if required 

Small calculator 1 

Water bottle Adequate for field survey Maintain fluids 

Hand lens 1 Assist in identifying species 

Field press, day press, 1 of each Collecting and drying specimens 

adequate newspaper, dryer 

Adequate supplies of Adequate for field survey Data recording, GPS, cameras, calculator 

pencils/pens, batteries, film 

Voucher books 2 Voucher data deficient species 

NT Vascular Plant 

1 Assist in species recognition 

Checklist 

Field Guides 

Appropriate for area of Assist in the field identification of species 

survey 

‘Yellow Book’ 1 Record landform and soil 

Munsell chart 1 Record soil colour 

Modified from Hnatiuk et al. (2006) 



92

Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

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