Volume 1 - Resource Management
Chapter 7 - Research

Policy 7.2 - Standard Symbols and Codes for Vegetation and Ecosystems

Effective Date: 01-Apr-93
Responsible Branch: Research Branch

Resource Management Volume Table of Contents | Amendment Log

Scope

This policy contains guidelines for the use of standard symbols and identification codes for lichens, vascular and non-vascular plants, and biogeoclimatic and site units. The policy applies throughout the Ministry except for Valuation Branch scaling operations.

Policy

Official standard identification codes and symbols must be established for trees, other vegetation, and biogeoclimatic and site units.

These codes and symbols will be used on all data forms, maps, reports, and publications produced by the Ministry. With the exception of Valuation Branch scaling operations, all branches, regions, and districts will use standard symbols and codes.

Standard Identification Codes

A standard identification code (SIC) is a combination of letters and/or digits that has the same meaning Ministry wide. An SIC allows Ministry information to be transmitted, stored, and retrieved quickly and efficiently, from all areas of the Ministry. The use of SICs helps reduce the inconsistency and confusion that results from using different codes for the same thing.

Types of Codes and Symbols

Codes and symbols for trees, plants, and biogeoclimatic and site units will have the following basic structure:

Standard Identification Codes (SIC)

Use of Codes and Symbols

The use of codes as listed in the scaling manual and harvest data base manual for genus and species will be applicable to all scaling, valuation, and timber management activities based on the harvest data base system.

Deviations from this policy require the prior approval of the Chief Forester.

References

  • Annex A, Letter symbols for the Recognized Commercial Native Tree Species of B.C.
  • Annex B, Letter Symbols for the Non-commercial Native Tree Species of B.C.
  • Annex C, Important Brush and Browse Shrub Species
  • Annex D, Additional Brush and Browse Shrub Species
  • Annex E, Recategorization of Vascular Plants for the Purposes of the Ministry of Forests Vegetation List
  • Annex F, Standard Code and Presentation Format for the Ecosystem Classification Program
  • Annex G, Rules Used in Preparing the Ministry of Forests Vegetation Coding List, B.D. Titus, 1980
  • Annex H, Hybrid and Synonymous Codes for Vascular and Non- vascular Plants
  • Annex I, Letter Symbols for the Recognized Commercial Exotic Tree Species of British Columbia
  • B.C. Forest Service Scaling Manual
  • Coding Instructions for Harvest Data Base System, Vols. 1,2
  • Exemption - Policy on Standard Codes and Symbols, H. Waelti, 1985, memorandum
  • Vegetation Coding List, B.D. Titus, 1980


Appendix A - HDBS Log to Standard Tree Species | Appendix B - Standard Tree Species to HDBS Log