AEM
Ecotope Classification System
Ecotope features are classified using a four-level a priori
ecological classification system based on the hierarchy:
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Hydrology, geomorphology, soil formation & sedimentary process.
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Management of soils, hydrology, vegetation, livestock & material
input/output.
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Land cover at ground surface.
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GROUPs of management &
vegetation systems stratified into TYPEs to identify ecologically
distinct landscape features practical for fieldwork.
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Ecotope Classes are produced by integrating
all four levels of classification within each landscape feature, creating detailed
ecological map classes that are distinct in both biotic and abiotic factors.
Ecotope = FORM + USE +
COVER + GROUP+TYPE
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Example
Summit + Rainfed (agriculture) + Annual + (annual crops + non-intensive,
small scale)
ecotope = SU + R + A + ac04 =
SURAac04
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Search the Ecotope Inventory.
A database of all ecotopes identified to date.
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Citation for AEM:
Ellis E. C., H. Wang, H. Xiao, K. Peng, X. P. Liu, S. C. Li, H.
Ouyang, X. Cheng, and L. Z. Yang. 2006. Measuring long-term ecological changes in
densely populated landscapes using current and historical high resolution imagery.
Remote Sensing of Environment
100(4):457-473.