Rangeland Condition Monitoring Assessment and Projection, 1985–2021

First posted January 26, 2023 For additional information, contact: Director, Earth Resources Observation and Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey47914 252nd StreetSioux Falls, SD 57198Contact Pubs Warehouse The Rangeland Condition Monitoring Assessment Projection (RCMAP) project quantifies the percentage cover of rangeland components across western United States using Landsat imagery from 1985 to 2021. RCMAP product suite consists nine fractional components: annual herbaceous, bare ground, litter, nonsagebrush shrub, perennial sagebrush, tree, in addition temporal trends each component. Several enhancements were made process relative prior generations. First, we have trained time-series predictions directly 331 high-resolution sites collected 2013 2018 field data; for example, Bureau Land Management Assessment, Inventory, instead 2016 “base” map as an intermediary. This removes one level model error allows direct association derived training data corresponding year imagery. Neural network models replaced Cubist our classifier. Continuous Change Detection Classification synthetic images obtained six monthly periods region added predictors. These enhance phenologic detail imagery, improving discrimination among components. Postprocessing has been improved with updated fire recovery equations stratified by ecosystem resistance resilience classes. Additionally, postprocessing enhanced through a revised noise detection model, based on third order polynomial component pixel. can be used answer critical questions regarding effect climate change suitability management practices. Component products downloaded Multi-Resolution Characteristics Consortium website at https://www.mrlc.gov/data.