LANDFIRE-Vegetation Departure

Vegetation Departure (VDEP) data product ranges from 0 - 100 to depict the amount current vegetation has departed from simulated historical vegetation reference conditions. This departure results from changes to species composition, structural stage, and canopy closure.

VDEP is calculated based on changes to species composition, structural stage, and canopy closure using methods described in the Interagency Fire Regime Condition Class Guidebook. LANDFIRE VDEP is based on departure of current vegetation conditions from reference vegetation conditions only, whereas the Guidebook approach includes departure of current fire regimes from those of the reference period. LANDFIRE simulates historical vegetation reference conditions using the vegetation and disturbance dynamics model VDDT (Vegetation Dynamics Development Tool) (LANDSUM for LF_1.0.0 only). Current vegetation conditions are derived from a classification of existing vegetation type, cover, and height.

Attribute Table

Attribute tables for LANDFIRE grid data are available on the Data Distribution Site. Generally, these attribute tables provide information pertaining to the grid class value along with class descriptions or labels for these values. Attribute tables, such as the Existing Vegetation Type, provide additional attribute fields that can provide crosswalk links to other classification themes. Color mapping fields are also provided within the attribute tables, providing a standardized, consistent LANDFIRE color mapping schema for these data layers. The attribute files are in comma separated value (csv) format that can be easily converted to other formats to meet user needs.

The attribute tables are provided as a convenience as calculations with grid data will automatically drop attributes. For example, if a grid is clipped, the rowid, value, and count are the only attributes retained. Attribute fields can be reattached to the grid using a join attribute function having the "value" attribute as the link.