An updated Vegetation Map of China (1:1000000)

Area of Science:

• Ecology and Environmental Science
• Geospatial Science
• Biodiversity Conservation

Background:

• The Vegetation Map of China (1:1000000) from the 1980s requires urgent updating due to significant vegetation distribution changes over the last three decades.
• Rapid development in China has led to drastic alterations in vegetation patterns, impacting ecological studies and conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the Vegetation Map of China (1:1000000) to accurately reflect current vegetation types and distribution.
• To provide a reliable data source for biodiversity conservation, ecological research, vegetation management, and national strategic decision-making.

Main Methods:

• A novel "crowdsourcing-change detection-classification-expert knowledge" vegetation mapping strategy was employed.
• Extensive fieldwork involved collecting 203,024 field samples, with the participation of 50 taxonomists.
• Advanced techniques were used for change detection and classification to ensure accuracy.

Main Results:

• The updated map details 12 vegetation type groups, 55 vegetation types/subtypes, and 866 vegetation formation/sub-formation types.
• The map achieved an overall accuracy of 64.8% at the vegetation type group level and 61% at the vegetation type/subtype level.
• A comparison with the original map revealed that 3.3 million km² of vegetated areas in China have undergone vegetation type group changes.

Conclusions:

• The updated Vegetation Map of China provides a crucial, current representation of the nation's terrestrial ecosystems.
• The identified vegetation changes highlight the significant impact of anthropogenic activities and climatic shifts over the past three decades.
• This updated map is expected to significantly benefit the understanding, management, and conservation of China's diverse ecosystems.