Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping

Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) is the stratification of a landscape into map units, according to a combination of ecological features, including climate, physiography, and vegetation. TEM can include a bioterrain component. Ecosystem mapping provides basic information on the distribution of ecosystems and can be used to inform planning and management. The Metro Vancouver TEM dataset maps ecosystems within the three Water Supply Areas (Coquitlam, Seymour, and Capilano watersheds), the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, and the Regional Parks system which includes regional parks, regional greenways, ecological conservancy areas, and regional park reserves. The Metro Vancouver TEM follows provincial TEM standards (BC Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping in British Columbia), with some non-standard mapping units used where needed. TEM data for the three Water Supply Areas and the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve was created between 1994 and 1998. Capilano, Seymour and the LSCR were updated in 2025 by a contractor using provincial 3D imagery. Coquitlam is currently being updated. The Regional Parks system TEM was initially developed between 2000 and 2006, with a few individual parks updated between 2008 and 2018. A complete review of Regional Parks TEM was conducted in 2022 based on 2020 orthophotos, and any changes were reflected in the mapping. This update also improved mapping of wetlands by assigning BC Wetland Classification codes wherever possible. Published Date - January 2026. Last Update - March 2026