Data Products ›› LANDFIRE Vegetation Product Descriptions

Vegetation Dynamics Models

LANDFIRE developed state-and-transition models to represent pre-settlement reference conditions for all Ecological Systems in the United States through an expert-based model development process. Each model represents a single ecosystem called a Biophysical Setting (BpS) and consists of:

• a quantitative state-and-transition model
• a description document published as a pdf

LANDFIRE used the models to estimate reference conditions, which are used to help assess ecosystem health. "Using the LANDFIRE Biophysical Settings Model Descriptions" examines major elements of the Vegetation Dynamics Models descriptions and their use. The guide book "Adapting LANDFIRE Vegetation Dynamics Models" helps users adapt LANDFIRE Vegetation Dynamics Models for use in modeling current and future landscapes. Once adapted, these models may be useful in predicting future vegetation conditions, exploring the impacts of potential environmental changes and comparing the results of different management options.

BpS Group Models

In Landfire 2008 (Refresh LF 1.1.0), the LANDFIRE Program created a set of BpS Groups to reduce complexity for the user and streamline the Fire Regime layer production process. One or more original National c2001 (LFc2001) BpS models were collapsed into a single, representative model. All LF 2008 "Refresh" Fire Regime products used BpS Group information and mapping rules. The BpS Groups table depicts which models were grouped, and identifies the appropriate representative model. LF 2008 "Refresh" is the only LF version in which BpS Groups were used to develop the Fire Regime products.

Additional Model Products

Compiled LANDFIRE National Model Information

Complete model descriptions in data base format (Microsoft Access) are available. There are two compiled data bases, one for the Lower 48 states and Hawaii, and a second for Alaska. Each is delivered as a zip file which contains the data base, a reference condition table, metadata and a ReadMe file.

Rapid Assessment Vegetation Models

During the first phase of LANDFIRE, Rapid Assessment (LF 0.5.0), a suite of dynamic vegetation models and descriptions (RA Models) were developed to create the Potential Natural Vegetation Groups (PNVG) layer. RA models often used models developed for the FRCC process as a starting point. More information about FRCC models can be found in the FRCC Guidebook. RA models served as the foundation for experts developing National c2001 models. RA models can be obtained by special request from helpdesk@landfire.gov.

Download or Explore

• Visit The Nature Conservancy's Conservation Gateway to learn more about Vegetation Dynamics Models.
• Download Vegetation Dynamics Models
• Model Notifications

Vegetation Dynamics Models are delivered in a database compatible with version 6.0 of VDDT. Users will need VDDT version 6.0 or better or the Path Landscape Model in order to view the models.

Data Distribution Site

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