What types of data are required to run NatureServe Vista?
Geographic information system (GIS) layers form the backbone of the NatureServe Vista database, but additional non-spatial information is also required, including weights indicating social values and goals for element conservation. The scale of the data and attribute detail will determine the types of analyses that can be done and the precision of the results. The following list summarizes the basic types of inputs: • Planning region reference information (boundaries, streams, roads, place names, topography, digital orthophotos, etc.); • Element distribution maps (NatureServe heritage network element occurrences, fish and game species habitat maps, vegetation cover maps, modeled distribution maps, scenic views, historic sites, etc.); • Element occurrence attributes (viability, integrity, confidence); • Element information (name, weight, goal, conservation unit, minimum required area, etc.); • Existing land use map; and • Current land use and management policy maps (zoning, public land
