We completed statewide 10-m resolution ecological mapping system datasets for Arkansas (123 types), Kansas (47 types), Nebraska (46 types), and Texas (364 types). A total of 68 different types were identified for the adjacent states of Kansas and Nebraska. These maps have nine times better spatial resolution and better thematic resolution and accuracy versus other available maps. The better capture of features such as narrow wooded loess hill canyons, eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) versus shortleaf pine (Pinus echinada) communities, coastal lomas, Texas live oak (Quercus fusiformis) woodlands and shrublands, and both herbaceous and forested wetland communities will aid in conservation planning and management. Key aspects of methods included partnering with state fish and game agencies as project leads, collection of more than 12,000 quantitative virtual ground plots by botanists to support mapping, use of multiple dates of 10-m resolution Sentinel 2a and 2b imagery for landcover classification, and development of fine-resolution geophysical setting information from digital soils maps and processing of digital elevation models. We will summarize key aspects of new technologies used to produce the maps and highlight improved mapping of several ecological systems of conservation concern.
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