Summary

Description

The geographic information system (GIS) format spatial data set of vegetation for Glacier National Park (GNP) was created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Mapping Program (VMP) for the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (WGIPP). The WGIPP covers an area of approximately 458,556 ha (1,133,116 acres), and includes approximately 30.5 km (19 miles) of the Canada-United States International Boundary. The United States portion of this park (GNP) is located in northwestern Montana, in the Rocky Mountains. The map classification scheme used to create the vegetation data set is designed to represent local plant communities at the finest level possible using the National Vegetation Classification Scheme. Physiognomic information was also recorded, including tree height, canopy density, and coverage patterns. The vegetation data set was developed by interpreting aerial photographs collected in 1999, supplemented with aerial photography collected in 1997-98 and extensive field surveys. Individuals who cooperated in this project include; USGS Center for Biological Informatics, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, NPS Glacier National Park, Parks Canada Waterton Lakes National Park, NatureServe, and the Montana Natural Heritage Program. The vegetation data are distributed as a geographic information system (GIS) shapefile data set, using Universal Transverse Mercator zone 12 mapping coordinates, North American Datum 1983.