- External Agencies
To access the data directly, a data licensing agreement with DSE is required. This can be obtained by emailing the Data Distribution Manager: data.cgdl@dse.vic.gov.au.
The data can be viewed on DSE’s Biodiversity Interactive Map which is available on DSE’s external website.
- DSE Staff
Access to the dataset (NV2005_QUAL) is via the Corporate Spatial Data Library (CSDL) in the following formats:
Native Vegetation Quality dataset (NV2005_QUAL)
Format: ESRI grid
Name: NV2005_QUAL
Library: g500-vg94
Format: Image TIFF
Name: NV2005_QUAL.TIF
Library: i500-vg94 (Image Web Library)
(The Image Web Server can be accessed via the following link: www.land.vic.gov.au/iwsinfo)
Attributes:
1. Patch-based Landscape Context dataset
2. Site Condition dataset
Who should I contact for more information?
For any queries regarding the content of the native vegetation extent dataset, email the Native Vegetation Information Project Manager: evc.benchmark@dse.vic.gov.au. For queries regarding access to the spatial data, please email the Data Distribution Manager at data.cgdl@dse.vic.gov.au.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Modelled Native Vegetation Quality Dataset (NV2005_QUAL)
What is the Native Vegetation Quality dataset?
A modelled spatial representation of the condition of native vegetation at a landscape scale across Victoria
How was the Native Vegetation Quality dataset derived?
It is based on the Habitat Hectare approach and comprises the combination of data from the Site Condition Model (75% of Habitat score) plus the Patch-based Landscape Context dataset (25% of overall Habitat Hectare score) - described below.
1. Site Condition Model
What is the Site Condition Model?
A model that predicts native vegetation condition across the landscape derived from Habitat Hectare based site assessments.
How was the Site Condition Model derived?
The Site Condition Model is based on statistical relationships (established using a neural network modelling procedure) between many sample sites with known vegetation condition and a suite of mapped biophysical data such as soil type, tree density, satellite imagery and climatic and topographic variables. These relationships are then applied to the interplay of these same mapped biophysical data to predict the condition of native vegetation.
Who created the Site Condition Model?
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research in conjunction with the Ecosystem Services Branch of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, DSE.
What is the Patch-based Landscape Context dataset?
The dataset looks at the size of a patch of remnant native vegetation and its connectivity and proximity to adjacent patches of remnant native vegetation. It is an automated process that replaces the need to manually calculate the landscape context component of site-based Habitat Hectare assessments.
How was Patch-based Landscape Context derived?
Firstly, the eight simplified categories in the Native Vegetation Extent model (See Native Vegetation Information Sheet No.3 – Native vegetation extent dataset) were divided into “Habitat” (1) and “Non-habitat” (0). Each existing native vegetation patch was then analysed and assigned a rating of 0 – 25 based on measures of patch size, patch shape, landscape connectivity and proximity. That is, the larger, rounder and more connected a patch is, the higher the rating.
Who created the Patch-based Landscape Context assessment?
Ecosystem Services Branch, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Division of DSE.
General information on the datasets
Who is the targeted audience for these datasets?
Land management agencies across the State, including DSE, Department of Primary Industries, Catchment Management Authorities, Local Government, Parks Victoria and other relevant stakeholders such as Trust for Nature, Greening Australia, universities and consultants.
What is the purpose and use of these datasets?
In order to coherently manage native vegetation across Victoria, managers need accurate maps showing patterns of vegetation condition across the landscape. Such information is required to assist land managers to identify priority areas for investment, restoration and conservation activities management and landscape-scale planning for biodiversity conservation.
What are some of the limitations of the datasets?
The datasets must be used with care, given their modelled nature. They are designed for use at a large scale (1:25,000 to 1:100,000) and are not intended to be used at a site or property scale. Additional ground truthing of sites should be carried out before any planning decisions are made.
Is there more information available on this dataset?
Further information on this dataset is available on the Accessing Native Vegetation data page of the DSE website: Information Sheet No. 4: Native Vegetation Quality Dataset.
Where can I find more detail on the creation of the datasets?
In the metadata documents which accompany each of these spatial datasets.
For DSE staff, the associated metadata can be accessed via the following link:
Modelled Quality 2005 (Site condition and landscape context)
For external users, the dataset can be accessed via this link:
Modelled Quality 2005 (Site condition and landscape context)
How are these spatial datasets accessed?