Software development and downloads

VegClass classifiication and data recording

User friendly, public domain (free) software links for use in rapid resource assessment

CBM is closely associated with the development and use of two very useful software packages that can assist firstly, in the design of sampling approaches to natural resource survey, in particular biodiversity, and secondly in the subsequent spatial extrapolation of results from such surveys – such as the actual and potential distribution of key species of concern to management. The development of two packages known as VegClass and DOMAIN has been generously funded by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) with additional input from CBM.

VEGCLASS 2.0

VegClass is a (PC) computer-assisted data-entry and analytical package for general vegetation classification and analysis. It is built around a novel system of classifying vegetation according to morphological adaptations to environment as well as species, vegetation structure and the additional recording site physical features. The software allows the user to choose between a range of variables to suit a particular purpose and scale. References to the theory and practice underlying this software are available in scientific literature , as well as on the internet. The latest English version (VegClass 2.0) ( Fig. 1) is now available for download via this CBM website (Link coming soon ).

The software runs on PCs under Windows® with instructions in simple English. As yet there is no version available for Mac OS. With minimal training for participants, VegClass can be used as a powerful tool for both entering and compiling field data using a formal protocol that allows transfer of data summaries into a wide range of industrial computerized spreadsheet and relational database formats such as Excel® and Microsoft Access®.

Apart from being useful in the field, VegClass is an excellent tool for training purposes and has been successfully used as such in humid tropical West Africa (Cameroon), SE Asia (India, Bhutan), Indomalesia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines) as well as Perú and Brazil. Because it provides a ready means of producing standardized data sets, VegClass is rapidly becoming popular in vegetation surveys in different countries. It provides a unique, generic means of recording and comparing data within and between regions and to that extent is a unique tool for global as well as local comparative purposes

VEGCLASS training manual and software tutorial:

A concise training manual in simple English for VegClass 2.0 is now available (March  2006) in pdf format. The text in the manual is complemented by internal links to extensive imagery that enables the user to see firsthand examples of different vegetation and plant functional types (PFTs). The manual is currently free to all users and is supplied on the basis that users supply constructive feedback to CBM (contact)

The VegClass training manual also includes a tutorial section (II) on the use of the VegClass software. With both manuals, users should be able to become familiar with and apply both the VegClass recording system and the analytical application. While every care has been taken to ensure the entire manual is fault-free, we seek feedback from users where there may be difficulties or errors in application.

For the VegClass recording method and analysis to work effectively it is *essential* that care is taken to read instructions on recording different variables, especially the plant functional elements used to construct PFTs. If data are incorrectly recorded the outcome will be a waste of time and effort. Users will find that, if recorded correctly, the results will be of considerably more value than just species-based transect data. Correctly recorded data will also enable the user to compare his or her data with data collected elsewhere using the same method. CBM is gradually compiling a public domain, global data set that will enable users to compare and analyse their data in specific spatial and environmental contexts.

Downloads

You can choose to download both the Training Manual and the Software Tutorial can be downloaded from the CIFOR website at:

http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/docs/_ref/research_tools/vegclass/index.htm

OR:

Click here to download the Training Manual and Software tutorial from CBM:

Manual

VegClass Download

Registration

The following information is required in order to facilitate download. The purpose is to gain some idea of user profiles in order to assess future improvements. This information is held in strictest confidence. When you have had time to assess the software for your purposes we would welcome any constructive feedback. Please send your comments to: contact

In association with the World Wildlife Fund for nature (WWF) Indonesia and USA, we have made available access to VegClass data for the richest vegetation site ever recorded in the world so far.  To use this data set the user will need only to download and run the VegClass 2.0 software package and open the Sumatra.pfa  data file.  The only proviso for its use in published works is that appropriate acknowledgement should be given to these agencies for its use (nfoead@wwf.or.id ). The data are supplied by the Center for Biodiversity Management (CBM) on the basis that CBM takes all due care and no responsibility their use by other parties. Other than for tutorial use, the user agrees that the data set should not be modified or distributed in any way without first contacting CBM (contact )

References

1. Gillison, A.N. and Carpenter, G. (1997). A generic plant functional attribute set and grammar for dynamic vegetation description and analysis. Functional Ecology. 11, 775-783.
2. Gillison, A.N. (2002). A generic, computer-assisted method for rapid vegetation classification and survey: tropical and temperate case studies. Conservation Ecology 6, 3. [online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol6/iss2/art3
3. Gillison, A.N. Vegetation Survey and Habitat Assessment of the Tesso Nilo Forest Complex; Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Report prepared for WWF-US. (October-November, 2001).
4.  Gillison, A.N. (2004). Biodiversity Assessment in the North Bank Landscape, North East India. WWF-India, New Delhi, pp. 46.

DOMAIN potential mapping package

DOMAIN is a user-friendly software program that makes it possible to explore potential habitats for plant and animal species.  Unlike many other potential mapping programs, DOMAIN allows the use of relatively few spatially-referenced data points such as known species locations. When these are overlaid on known environmental variables such as soil type, elevation, and certain climate variables, the program constructs an environmental DOMAIN map showing different levels of similarity. Further details are contained in the DOMAIN Help file. The program is now widely used in more than 80 countries.

Domain Download

The program can be downloaded via the CIFOR website at:
http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/docs/_ref/research_tools/domain/index.htm
 
OR:  downloaded here

Registration

The following information is required in order to facilitate download. The purpose is to gain some idea of user profiles in order to assess future improvements. This information is held in strictest confidence. When you have had time to assess the software for your purposes we would welcome any constructive feedback. Please send your comments to: contact