segmentation is limited in the number of triangles 
(formed from the irregularly spaced elevation points) 
that can be processed. This problem is being 
addressed, but consequently the initial Baseline 
Thematic Map prototype will have a restricted number 
of topographic features. These will include: elevation, 
slope and aspect averages for individual ground cover 
polygons. 
4.4 GIS Integration 
The three themes are integrated within the GIS 
environment. The derived attributes for land use, 
ground cover and topographic features are input into 
a geo-referenced database. Final editing and quality 
checking is facilitated by the analysis capabilities of the 
GIS. 
5 DISCUSSION 
This method for providing a highly standardized 
Province-wide resource database is being prototyped 
now. The prototype dataset will be available for 
distribution by August, 1990. This product has the 
potential to meet many of the information 
requirements of Provincial resource management. If 
the results of the prototype effort merit a production 
level implementation it is realistic to expect the private 
sector to become involved in the production of 
Baseline Thematic Maps. 
6 REFERENCES 
1. Cibula, W. G., and Nyquist, M. O., "Use of 
Topographic and Climatological Models in a 
Geographical Data Base to Improve Landsat MSS 
Classification for Olympic National Park", 
Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 
Vol. LIII, No. 1, pp 67-75, Jan. 1987. 
2. Gray, M., Kenk, E., and Yazdani, R., "Meeting 
GIS Database Requirements for Natural Resource 
Management Through the Integration of Digital 
Topography and Satellite Imagery", in proceedings 
of IGARSS ’89 / 12th Canadian Symposium on 
Remote Sensing, Vancouver, CANADA, July 10 - 
14, 1989. 
3. Hutchinson, C.F., "Techniques for Combining 
Landsat and Ancillary Data for Digital 
Classification Improvement", Photogrammetric 
Engineering and Remote Sensing", Vol. XLVIII, 
No. 1, pp 123-130, Jan. 1982. 
4. Kenk, E., Sondheim, M., and Yee, B., "Methods 
for Improving Accuracy of Thematic Mapper 
Ground Cover Classifications", Canadian Journal of 
Remote Sensing, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp 17-31, May 
1988. 
5. Sawicki, J., and Runka, G., "Land use Classification 
in British Columbia", B.C. Ministry of Environment 
Manual 8, 1986. 
6. Wong, F., Orth, R., and Friedmann, D. E., "The 
Use of Digital Terrain Model in the Rectification 
of Satellite-borne Imagery", Proceedings of the 
Fifteenth International Symposium on Remote 
Sensing Of Environment, Ann Arbor, MI, pp 653- 
662, May, 1981. 
APPENDIX A 
DRAFT Ground Cover Classification for Baseline Thematic Mapping from Landsat TM Data. 
Code 
CF 
Coniferous Forest 
CFm 
1. Mature 
CFmd 
a. Dense 
CFmo 
b. Open 
CFmp 
c. Parkland 
CFi 
2. Immature 
CFid 
a. Dense 
CFio 
b. Open 
CFip 
c. Parkland 
(Coniferous for< 
DF 
Deciduous Forest 
(subdivisions as 
MF 
Mixed Forest 
(subdivisions as 
AT 
Alpine Tundra 
AM 
Alpine Meadow 
AH 
Alpine Heath 
K 
Krummholz 
> 79% of the tree cover provided by coniferous species 
> 10 m tall or > 80 years old 
> 59% cover by vertical projection of all trees 
25% - 59% cover 
5% - 24% cover 
< 10 m tall or < 80 years old 
> 59% cover 
25% - 59% cover 
5% - 24% cover 
(Coniferous forest may be further classified by species composition.) 
> 79% of the tree cover provided by deciduous species 
coniferous forest above) 
Coniferous and deciduous species each provide more than 20% of the total tree cover 
coniferous forest above) 
Typically a high elevation, open to dense herbaceous or dwarf shrub cover, characterized by cold 
resistant vegetation consisting of low dwarf shrubs, graminoids, hardy forbs and lichens. 
Typically a high elevation, herbaceous plant community, dominated by moisture-loving herbs and 
sedges, on wetter sites in alpine areas. 
Typically a high elevation dwarf shrubland cover, characterized by cold resistant vegetation, 
consisting of mountain-heathers, forbs, graminoids, and lichens. 
Areas in which, in response to severe and fluctuating climatic conditions, subalpine tree species 
occur in stunted and layered forms as scattered individuals, in clumps or in discontinuous coverage 
with the non-treed areas dominated by herbs, lichens, and/or shrubs. 
(Krummholz may be further classified by species composition) 
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