Author(s)

A. Palo, K. Remm, E.T. Kikas & Ü. Mander

Abstract

We analyzed the spatial correlation of biophysical landscape factors (absolute elevation, slope angle, position on slope, soil type, soil texture) with vegetation site types (VST) and vegetation site type groups (VSTG) in 16 key areas (5-8 km2 each) on the western Estonian islands of Saaremaa and Muhu. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the predictability of VSTs or VSTGs on the basis of soil parameters and topographical characteristics, and to prepare the existing data layers for the compilation of the digital vegetation cover model of this area. Altogether, 57 VSTs and VSTGs, 34 soil types, 19 groups of soil texture, 7 slope angle classes, 10 classes

Keywords