Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Forest Analysis and Inventory

Forest Inventory

Vegetation Resources Inventory (VRI)
The VRI is a photo-based, two-phased vegetation inventory design consisting of a) Phase I: Photo Interpretation and b) Phase II: Ground Sampling. Within the ground sampling phase, Net Volume Adjustment Factor (NVAF) sampling is a mandatory component that is integral in the calculation of inventory adjustment factors. Vegetation Resources Inventories are typically funded by government. There is no re-inventory cycle per se and the decision of conducting a VRI is based on a number of factors including age of the inventory, known problems of the inventory, recent catastrophic events (such as mountain pine beetle) and other emerging issues that require a new inventory.

Updating of the inventory due to changes in the forest such as harvesting, fire and other catastrophic events are done through electronic data submissions from licensees and as well through a combination of mapping from satellite imagery, aerial photography and Global Positioning System mapping. The Inventory is updated continuously.

Also included are Permanent Sample Plots (PSP), VRI Update, Vegetation Resource Monitoring Program, Forest Inventory Statistical Support and Inventory Audits.
VRI Data Management
This is where you can locate all information (such as data dictionary, data models, inventory reports, etc.) regarding to the VRI data

National Forestry Inventory (NFI)
The program is designed to provide status and trend data—at the provincial and, ultimately, national levels—on 25 attributes of sustainability. Up to now, reporting on the current state of the forest resource in British Columbia has relied on an annual summary of the information contained in all the province’s map sheets. The permanent, remeasurable design of the NFI-BC puts in place a statistically based system of monitoring and reporting, which can be completed in conjunction with the national program.
Remote Sensing and Geo-Spatial Applications

This program is to provide technical leadership, support and service on remote sensing and related geospatial technologies to Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch (FAIB) staff (primary clients) and MoFLNRO regions/districts. The focus of their work includes, applications in Vegetation Resource Inventory (VRI), update, monitoring and analysis.