TERN derived NVIS Hierarchy

<p>The <strong>TERN Derived NVIS Hierarchy</strong> dataset is a derived vegetation classification product generated from the <strong>TERN Ecosystem Surveillance Monitoring</strong> dataset. It provides standardised National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) vegetation classifications for permanent 1 ha monitoring plots across Australia by applying the NVIS Classification Framework to quantitative vegetation measurements collected using the AusPlots monitoring methodology.</p><p><br></p><p>The dataset was derived from point-intercept observations, vegetation height measurements, plant growth forms and taxonomically verified floristic records to generate the six levels of the NVIS Vegetation Hierarchy: <strong>Class, Structural Formation, Broad Floristic Formation, Sub-formation, Association and Sub-association</strong>. Additional derived attributes include average vegetation heights, vegetation cover values for upper, mid and ground strata, and NVIS structural formation codes.</p><p><br></p><p>The Level 5 Association descriptions were subsequently classified using the Australian Government National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) <strong>Vegetation Information Classifier Tool Automator (VICTA)</strong> to assign <strong>Major Vegetation Groups (MVGs)</strong> and <strong>Major Vegetation Subgroups (MVSs)</strong>. The dataset provides a nationally consistent vegetation classification for long-term ecosystem monitoring, vegetation mapping, biodiversity assessment and environmental reporting.</p>