Biological Characterization
Gap Analysis is a program that identifies "gaps" in the protection of biodiversity on a state by state basis. The key components of this program are the mapping of land cover according to dominant plant groups, the mapping of the distribution of vertebrate animal species, and the delineation of the level of protection within a state. Display of this information using a GIS format, and analysis of the data collected, offer a snapshot of the status of plant and animal communities. GAP data assists land and resource managers by providing them with key information they need to make scientifically-based resource decisions. A cooperative effort among regional, state, and federal agencies, and private groups, GAP is coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Land Use History of North America (LUHNA)
LUHNA examines land cover change and land use from a historic perspective, focusing on both the types and rates of these changes. Written by researchers for a lay audience, and peer-reviewed by independent scientists, these profiles provide a context for assessing environmental conditions, interpreting current trends, and making more informed policy and management decisions for the future. The LUHNA Program is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
The USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program is a cooperative effort by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service to classify, describe, and map vegetation communities in more than 270 national park units across the United States. This landmark program is both the first to provide national-scale descriptions of vegetation for a federal agency and the first to create national vegetation standards for its data products. Comprehensive vegetation information is provided at national and regional levels, while also serving local management needs of individual parks. Program activities are based on peer-reviewed, objective science, and stringent quality control procedures ensure that products are accurate and consistent for initial inventory purposes and replicable for monitoring purposes. The spatially enabled digital products produced by the program are available on the World Wide Web.This NBII site is developed and maintained by the
Center for Biological Informatics of the U.S. Geological Survey
NBII Disclaimer and Privacy Statement | Accessibility
