Ecosystem Functional Type Distribution Map for the Conterminous USA

Maps show the distribution and interannual variability of 64 Ecosystem Functional Types (EFTs) across the conterminous United States from 2001 to 2014. The dataset, produced by NASA, uses a 0.05-degree resolution time-series of MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) imagery to classify ecosystems based on functional traits. It provides spatial patterns of modal EFT and pixel-level variability without relying on prior vegetation type classifications.

Use Cases

• Analyzing spatial patterns of ecosystem functional diversity using the modal EFT classification.
• Studying interannual ecosystem variability by examining the count of unique EFTs per pixel over the 14-year period.
• Modeling ecosystem responses to climate change using time-series data derived from MODIS EVI metrics.
• Mapping functional biogeography across the CONUS at a 0.05-degree resolution.

Strengths

• Derived from a consistent 14-year time-series (2001-2014) of MODIS satellite imagery.
• Provides a functional classification of 64 distinct ecosystem types independent of structural vegetation data.
• Offers continent-scale coverage of the conterminous United States at a uniform 0.05-degree spatial resolution.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with one listing 2026-03 -13 and another listing 2014-12-31.
• The license is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without clear terms.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Sixty-four EFTs were derived from metrics of a MODIS MOD13C2 Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time-series.

Time Range

2001 to 2014

Freshness

2026-03-13 03:01:51.189723

Geography

Conterminous United States (CONUS)