General Frequently Asked Questions for General FAQS for Release of Revised Native Vegetation Spatial Datasets
What are the Native Vegetation spatial datasets?
The Native Vegetation Extent dataset (NV2005_EXTENT) provides a more consistent and up-to-date view of native vegetation extent across Victoria. The use of Landsat imagery means that the dataset can be updated at regular intervals to provide information on extent of clearing of native vegetation.
The Native Vegetation Quality dataset (NV2005_QUAL) will assist land managers in identifying priority areas for investment, restoration and conservation activities. It may also assist with decisions regarding native vegetation under the planning system. However, for Local Government-assessed applications the required approach is that set out under the Native Vegetation Planning Practice Notes (March 2006) until further advised. DSE staff are required to follow the approach set out in the DSE Guide for assessment of referred planning permit applications (April 2007) and supporting documents until further advised.
All these datasets are indicative only and onsite inspections to determine vegetation type and quality will still be required.
The revised Native Vegetation datasets (NV1750_EVCBCS and NV2005_EVCBCS) will replace existing EVC datasets (EVC1750_CMP, EVC_CMP100, EVC_BCS100).
The Bioregional Conservation Status (BCS) has also been amended as a result of updated mapping.
Does any of this data replace the current EVC mapping that I use routinely?
Yes, the existing EVC1750_CMP and current extent of EVCs (EVC_CMP100 and EVC_BCS100) have been replaced with the Native Vegetation datasets, NV1750_EVCBCS and NV2005_EVCBCS.
Can I use the Landscape Context Score in the Native Vegetation Quality dataset for site based assessments?
Yes, the Native Vegetation Quality dataset is made up of a site component (75%) and a landscape component (25%) of quality. The landscape component (Landscape Context Score) is a repeatable consistently applied assessment that is recommended for use in site-based habitat hectare assessments.
The landscape component is a rating of patch size and shape, and proximity/connectivity to other surrounding vegetation. The assessment is slightly different to the site-based habitat hectare. For example, connectivity is considered in relation to four different patch size descriptions compared with the habitat hectare score which rates distance to single concept of core area. The Native Vegetation Extent dataset is used as the source dataset defining native vegetation patches.
It is dependant on the quality of the underlying spatial data at any one site and the user will need to assess which method is the most appropriate at a site scale.
What is the "Native Vegetation Importance" dataset?
This dataset (NV2005_LS_IMP) describes the importance of native vegetation remnants according to conservation significance and ascribes a connectivity rating to the intervening cleared landscape. Conservation Significance is calculated based on the Bioregional Conservation Status of the vegetation type and the native vegetation quality (according to Appendix 3 of ‘Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action’). The dataset also includes Areas of Largely intact landscape and predominantly urban areas.
The dataset is intended for use at a strategic scale to assist in prioritising protection, enhancement and restoration works for biodiversity.
It must be used with caution as it does not include threatened species habitat information.
Have EVC benchmarks changed?
There are some new bioregional EVC benchmarks and a few that are no longer applicable as a result of the new mapping. The changes are noted in the “Last Update” column on each bioregional page on the DSE Native Vegetation Information for Victoria Web page.
How will feedback and updates occur?
A feedback mechanism for spatial data will be available shortly on the DSE website with instructions on how to fill in the form. Any general feedback on the native vegetation information and spatial datasets can be sent via the following email address: evc.benchmark@dse.vic.gov.au.
Updates to the datasets will occur from time to time and stakeholders will be notified at the relevant time.
How can I make sure that I am using the most up to date product for a particular application?
For DSE staff, the revised EVC datasets have replaced the existing EVC datasets in the CSDL and the existing datasets have now been archived.
For external organisations, please read Information Sheet One: “Overview of Native Vegetation Spatial Datasets” in the DSE website which provides a table listing the old and the new datasets.
For further information on accessing the new spatial datasets, contact the Spatial Data Distribution Manager on data.cgdl@dse.vic.gov.au.
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When should I start using the revised datasets?
11th April 2008
Is there an official transition period?
No, the updated datasets should be used and applied from 11th April 2008 onwards.
When should I start using the revised Bioregional Conservation Status?
The CMAs have updated their websites with the revised BCS ratings in all existing nine Regional Native Vegetation Plans which act as reference documents under all planning schemes for the conservation status of EVCs. The revised BCS was placed on the DSE website on 1 February 2008 (for all ten CMA regions).
The revised Bioregional Conservation Status should be used for all planning permits and offset plans submitted from 11 April, 2008.
Which Bioregional Consevation Status should be used?
- The unrevised BCS ratings should be applied to applications for planning permits submitted prior to 11 April 2008.
- The revised BCS ratings should be applied to applications for planning permits submitted from 11 April 2008 onwards.
- Where the proposal for the planning permit was developed (including determination of habitat hectares and conservation significance) between 1 January 2008 and 10 April 2008, and the application for planning permits submitted after 11 April 2008, the unrevised BCS ratings should be applied.
- Where very large and complicated proposals have been in negotiation between 1 January 2008 and 11 April 2008, and an application for planning permits submitted after 11 April 2008, it is at the discretion of the DSE Biodiversity Manager as to which BCS will be applied.
- Where agreed permits to clear native vegetation that are yet to secure an approved offset prior to 11 April 2008, the offset target and like-for-like criteria will remain the same however, the suitability of some sites as an offset may change as a result of the updated EVC BCS ratings.
How does this affect the planning system ?
There will be a small amount of change to the Bioregional Conservation Status (<6% across the State) which may affect the assessment of permit applications and offsets in some Local Government Areas.
Will the conservation significance of an area of native vegetation change as a result of this new mapping?
Yes, the conservation significance may be affected where there has been a change to the EVC Bioregional Conservation Status.
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What data sets make up the revised Native Vegetation (NV) Datasets, what format are they, and how do they relate to the old EVC datasets?
| Revised Data - (Original Data) | Data Type | Storage | Access | Available | ||||||
Vector | Raster | Image | CGDL | CSDL | IWS | Vector | Raster | |||
Vector | Raster | Vector | Image | |||||||
| NV1750_EVC - (EVC1750_CMP) | Yes |  | | Yes | | Yes | | | | Departmental |
| NV1750_EVCBCS | Yes | Yes | | Yes | | Yes | | SDMart | Sll | General |
| NV2005_Extent | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Yes | Yes | SDMart | Sll | General |
| NV2005_EVCBCS - (EVCBCS_100) - (EVC_CMP100) | Yes | Yes | | Yes | | Yes | | SDMart | Sll | General |
| NV2005_QUAL | | | Yes | | Grid & Image | | | | Sll | General |
| NV2005_QUAL_SC # | | | Yes | | Grid & Image | | | | Sll | General |
| NV2005_QUAL_LC # | | | Yes | | Grid & Image | | Yes * | | Sll | General |
| NV2005_LSIMP | | | | | Grid & Image | | Yes * | | Sll | Restricted |
| NV2005_LSIMP_INTACT^ | | | | | Image | | Yes * | | Sll | Restricted |
| NV2005_LSIMP_WITHOUT_INTACT^ | | | | | Image | | Yes * | | SII | Restricted |
* - Restricted dataset only available internally SDMart = Spatial Data Mart
# - Image derived from NV_QUAL Grid SII = Spatial Data Distribution Manager
^ - Image derived from NV_LSIMP
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When will the Native Vegetation Suite of datasets become available?
The suite of Native Vegetation datasets is now available.
- For DSE staff, the mapping is available via the Corporate Spatial Data Library (CSDL). Please check the metashare record for further detail.
- For external organisations a licensing agreement is required by contacting the DSE Spatial Data Distribution Manager (SDDM) on data.cgdl@dse.vic.gov.au.
How will the spatial datasets be delivered once the Licensing Agreement is signed by an external organisation?
Once the Licensing Agreement is signed, the data will either be accessed via the Spatial Data Mart (SDMart) or direct from the Spatial Data Distribution Manager (SDDM).
- Spatial Data Mart:
The organisation must have a registered account to access the Spatial Data Mart please request information from the SDDM about how to register at the time of requesting a licence. Once you account is activated data can be delivered via the following methods:
1. Email - Delivering the data via email: please be aware of the email size limits. Any area larger than a locality (suburb/rural district) will be too large (for example, an LGA).
2. “Webdownload” - This option allows you to download your order when it is completed. You should usually use this as your delivery method. You receive an email saying your data is ready, the email has a URL, click on it and you get the SDM login, once logged in save the zip file down to your pc/network drive.
3. “Post or pickup” - Your order will automatically be burnt to a DVD and sent to you in the mail. This is best for orders of large datasets especially if you are requesting statewide extents.
- Spatial Data Distribution Manager:
For data not available via the SDMart you will need to request the data from the SDDM. Please note that there is a service fee associated with this method of access of spatial data. The fee charged is dependant upon the complexity of the request and usually ranges from $220 to $500, but could be higher dependant on the complexity of the request.
back to Accessing Native Vegetation data page
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