Swan Coastal Plain Remnant Vegetation Extent 2015 Polygons

2015 mapping of remnant native vegetation polygons for the Swan Coastal Plain bioregion and Perth-Peel Region Schemes. The dataset is part of a temporal series representing vegetation extent for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2024. Polygons were interpreted using aerial photography from 1953 to the present and include simplified condition attributes.

Use Cases

• Analyze changes in vegetation extent over time by comparing the 2015 polygon layer with other years in the series (2000-2024).
• Model habitat connectivity or fragmentation using the polygon geometry and attributed vegetation condition.
• Assess land use planning impacts by overlaying vegetation polygons with Metropolitan and Peel Region Scheme boundaries.
• Validate remote sensing classification algorithms using the historically interpreted polygon data derived from aerial photography.

Strengths

• Provides a 2015 snapshot within a consistent multi-decadal series spanning six time points from 2000 to 2024.
• Polygon interpretation leverages a long-term historical imagery record dating back to 1953.
• Covers a defined biogeographic region (Swan Coastal Plain) and specific planning areas (Metropolitan and Peel Region Schemes).

Limitations

• Vegetation condition attribution is described as 'simplified' and may not be detailed or comprehensive for all polygons.
• The dataset's accuracy is dependent on the interpretation of aerial photography, which can be subjective.
• As a polygon dataset, analysis requires GIS software; raw row/column counts and sample data are unavailable.

Provenance

Source

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Director Nature.

Collection Method

Interpreted from current and historical digital aerial photography (1953-present) sourced from State Government and commercial repositories.

Time Range

2015 (part of a series for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, 2024).

Freshness

null

Geography

Swan Coastal Plain bioregion and Metropolitan and Peel Region Scheme areas, Western Australia.