Mapping Southwestern Ecosystems Using Direct Gradient Modeling and the Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory-Geospatial Toolkit.

The Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI) process involves the systematic examination, description, and classification and mapping terrestrial ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems are integrated biophysical units that are comprised of climate, soils, vegetation, geology, and landform information. Using the process of direct gradient modeling, terrestrial ecosystems are aligned along an elevation continuum to characterize life zones which are further defined by climate including seasonal distribution of precipitation and soil temperature.  

The TEUI geospatial toolkit is a natural resource application that provides the technology for digital mapping of terrestrial ecosystems across the landscape. This technology was developed by the USDA Forest Service, Remote Sensing Application Center to provide resource specialists the ability to visualize, analyze and map terrestrial ecosystems in support of natural resource management decision-making. The TEUI geospatial toolkit integrates spatial and tabular data through image processing, geographic information systems and data base management tools to assist in stratifying complex landscapes into ecological units.  

Combining the capability of the TEUI geospatial toolkit with the process of gradient modeling allows for realistic and consistent stratification of the landscape into discrete and repeatable ecological units. Statistical analysis routines within the toolkit ensure that combinations of ecological site data are spatially extrapolated with confidence and meet quality assurance objectives