1. Why is the uPLVI map not showing me what I want it to?
This is likely the result of a filter being on that is limiting the data you can see. For example,
- If you want to see a certain Edmonton neighbourhood, but the Leduc data is selected and shown then the system will not show you that neighbourhood’s data because no such neighbourhood exists in Leduc.
- Similarly, maybe you had previously selected to see all of the polygons in your area of interest that are dominated by Aspen trees, but now have asked to see all agricultural areas. Be sure to remove the Leading tree species filter because there are no annual crop areas that are also covered by trees.
Solution : clear any unwanted filters and you will see the data you are looking for.
2. Is that really how big Strathcona County and the other Municipalities are?
No. They are much bigger, but due to both budget and imagery limitations only a 3.2 km intermunicipal fringe around the City of Edmonton was included in our study area. Acquiring this minimal intermunicipal fringe, however, was very important to support the City’s initiatives of understanding and maintaining regional natural systems connectivity through the City.
We do hope that in the future larger areas of each municipality can be added to this map. If municipalities are interested in learning more about applying the uPLVI framework to their area, please check out the “For Municipalities” page and feel free to contact us.
3. What is meant by “primary”?
“Primary” refers to the most dominant feature found within a polygon. If you would like to know how dominant this feature is, click on the polygon and you will see a percent value for the “Primary Site Type Coverage.” For more information see Section 5.1 of the uPLVI Interpretation Manual.
4. Does the uPLVI replace the City’s historical Natural Areas mapping?
While the uPLVI is a comprehensive dataset that contains Edmonton’s main natural features, it does not contain any zoning classification nor is it linked to the City’s historical Natural Area’s naming conventions. It is purely an ecological based vegetation inventory.
The uPLVI will be used, however, to update the City’s Natural Area loss calculations and work is currently underway to identify ways to better align these two datasets while respecting that each fills a different role in Edmonton’s planning process and conservation history.
