How to Read a Sensitive Ecosystem Map

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How to Read a Sensitive Ecosystem Map 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEP 1: Locate your property on the map. Identify the 
sensitive ecosystem polygons that exist within your property 
boundaries.   
 
A polygon is an area of contiguous sensitive ecosystem 
represented by an irregularly shaped “splotch” of colour.  
 
 
 
STEP 2: Note the colour of the background and cross-
hatching. Cross-reference with the Sensitive Ecosystem list 
on the right-hand side of the map to determine the 
ecosystems that are present.   
 
The background colour indicates the dominant ecosystem.  
 
The ‘forward’ (///) cross-hatching indicates a secondary 
ecosystem.  
 
The ‘backwards’ (\\\) cross-hatching indicates a tertiary 
ecosystem. 
 
 
 
How to Read a Sensitive Ecosystem Map 
 
 
A Sensitive Ecosystem Map allows you to determine the types and ecological characteristics of the 
sensitive ecosystems that exist on your property. In short, the coded information in the polygon 
label moves from a general indication of the sensitive ecosystem(s) present to highly detailed 
information regarding vegetation type and form.  
 
It can be difficult to learn how to interpret the condensed ecological information provided by a 
Sensitive Ecosystem Map. What follows is a step-by-step explanation of how to read and 
understand a Sensitive Ecosystem Map.  
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEP 3: Identify the Polygon Number, and locate it in the 
Ecosystems Label table on the left-hand side of the map. 
 
The next steps explain how to cross-reference the coded 
information in the polygon’s Label to determine the 
characteristics of each ecosystem present. 
 
Note: If a * appear after the Polygon Number, an on-the-
ground field sampling was conducted in this polygon area.  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEP 5: Interpret the second, third, and fourth lines (if 
present) in the Polygon Label.  
 
These lines provide information on the dominant, 
secondary, and tertiary ecosystems that are present. 
 
The next 4 steps will walk through this process using the 
first line in the sample Polygon Label as an example.  
 
* 
* 
STEP 4: Interpret the first line of the Polygon Label.
This indicates the biogeoclimatic zone, subzone, and 
variant in which the sensitive ecosystem is located.
CDFmm
 indicates Coastal Douglas-fir (moist 
maritime). Most of the Islands Trust Area is within
this biogeoclimatic zone. A biogeoclimatic zone is a 
geographic area having similar patterns of energy flow,
vegetation and soils based on a relatively homogenous 
macro-climate.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STEP 6: These two letters indicate the type of ecosystem 
(cross-reference to the Sensitive Ecosystems table along the 
right hand side of the map).  
 
The number in front indicates the

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