National Forest Inventory (NFI) Photo Plot Interpretation

Accurate characterization of forest resources in the province of Alberta is foundational information for evidence-based resource management of decision making. The Alberta Vegetation Inventory (AVI) is Alberta’s forest inventory standard. The AVI is an aerial imagery-based inventory that requires photo interpretation in a 3D digital environment referred to as “softcopy”. It was developed to spatially identify the type, extent, and condition of forest vegetation. The AVI is also a detailed, spatially explicit, inventory used to assist in the decision-making process for forest management planning, wildfire management, wildlife habitat classification, ecological classification, and integrated resource management activities.

As part of the Government of Alberta’s commitment and participation to the National Forest Inventory (NFI) project, the Province requires the production of AVI for two hundred and twenty-six (226) 2000 m × 2000 m National Forest Inventory photo plots.

Services shall adhere to the Government of Alberta’s Alberta Vegetation Inventory Standards Version 2.1.5 available online via the Open Government program.

Proponents must include an AVI Plan (see Attachment 4 – Service Delivery Approach) as part of their submission package to clearly articulate timelines for overall inventory completion as per Alberta Vegetation Inventory Standards Version 2.1.5. The Province will provide aerial imagery to the successful Contractor in accordance with the specifications outlined in the Alberta Vegetation Inventory Standards Version 2.1.5.