Accessing Native Vegetation data

Native Vegetation spatial datasets

A new suite of native vegetation spatial datasets was launched in early 2008. This included updated information for native vegetation extent and new information for native vegetation quality. The informtion sheets below and the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section provide more details regarding the datasets, how they can be used, as well as information for other native vegetation data.

Native vegetation information sheets

Find out more about the Department's native vegetation mapping (spatial datasets), how they were produced and what they can be used for as well as other native vegetation information that is available through the website, via the information sheets below.

Information sheet No. 1
A summary of DEPI's new native vegetation datasets. What they are and what they can be used for.
Overview of native vegetation spatial datasets

[PDF File - 1.1 MB]

Information sheet No. 2
Provides a guide to the native vegetation data available via the website and how best to find the information you need.
Native vegetation website

[PDF File - 4.7 MB]

Information sheet No. 3
More detail on the native vegetation extent dataset. Including how it was produced, how to use it and what it can tell you.
Native vegetation extent dataset

[PDF File - 323.6 KB]

Information sheet No. 4
More detail on the native vegetation quality dataset. Including how it was produced, how to use it and what it can tell you.
Native vegetation quality dataset( PDF - 639 KB)

[PDF File - 638.7 KB]

Information sheet No. 5
Provides information on the terminology used to describe Victoria's EVCs.
EVC nomenclature

[PDF File - 279.6 KB]

Information sheet No. 6
A step by step guide which outlines how you can provide us with feedback on our native vegetation mapping.
Native vegetation mapping - your feedback Information sheet no. 6

[PDF File - 1.3 MB]

Frequently asked questions

Click on the following links to find further information on Native Vegetation datasets, Native Vegetation Extent and the Native Vegetation Quality Datasets.

Accessing the Native Vegetation Spatial Datasets

Different versions of the datasets are available for different users.

Most users will find that a useful range of Victorian vegetation data can be accessed via the Biodiversity Interactive Map on the DEPI website. This information includes statewide modelled pre-1750 (pre-settlement) native vegetation mapping at Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) level together with extant (remnant) EVC mapping, tree cover and tree density. A “Help” button will guide the user through the process, explaining each of the functions of the tabs and icons shown above the map. Web address: www.depi.vic.gov.au >online services and resources > interactive maps > biodiversity interactive map.

Other users will require a format that can be analysed or mapped. Prior to accessing, it may be useful to know which formats are available for each dataset. They are provided via 'Frequently asked questions>Native Vegetation datasets'.

For DEPI 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 DEPI Spatial Data Distribution Manager (SDDM) on data.cgdl@depi.vic.gov.au. 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).

Bioregional Conservation Status
A bioregional conservation status (BCS) is provided for each EVC within a bioregion. It is a measure of the current extent and quality for each EVC, when compared to it's original (pre-1750) extent and condition. On this basis a BioEVC will have a BCS of endangered, depleted, vulnerable, least concern or rare.

The bioregional conservation status of EVCs was revised and updated in November 2007 following revised native vegetation mapping. The revised status should be used for all planning permits and offset plans submitted to the relevant authorities from 11 April 2008. A summary table documenting all of the mapped EVCs with revised BCS and native vegetation groupings is provided below:
Mapping units with Bioregional Conservation Status and Native Vegetation groupings - Revised November 2007 [MS Excel Document - 327.5 KB]

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 DEPI 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.

Native vegetation descriptions

More detailed information for EVC descriptions can be found within the reports for the original EVC mapping projects across the State. Many of these reports were published as part of the Regional Forest Agreement process.

Restoration and revegetation guides

Various restoration and revegetation guides have been published by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Catchment Management Authorities and Local Government.

Further enquiries and feedback

To provide feedback on any EVC related matters such as EVC typology or EVC benchmarks or to request additional information please go to the Feedback and Enquiries web page for more information.

Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.

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