Southern Ontario Land Resource Information System (SOLRIS) Frequently Asked Questions The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is releasing the Southern Ontario Land Resource Information System (SOLRIS) data base for southern Ontario. This document provides questions and answers regarding the dataset and its appropriate use. What is SOLRIS? SORLIS is a primary data layer that provides a comprehensive, landscape-level inventory of natural, rural and urban areas. SOLRIS follows a standardized approach for ecosystem description, inventory and interpretation known as Ecological Land Classification (ELC) for southern Ontario (Lee et al, 1998). What is the extent of SOLRIS? The extent of the SOLRIS data covers all of Ecoregions 6E and 7E.
Why was SOLRIS created? SOLRIS is a response to regional information requirements at the planning level for provincial initiatives such as Source Water Protection, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Spaces, and State of Resources Reporting. SOLRIS was also designed to serve the broader user community, including other federal and provincial ministries, non-governmental agencies, and local planning authorities. How was SOLRIS created? Through a partnership with District GIS technicians, biologists and foresters, geospatial base data was updated at the local level. In itself, the improvements to the accuracy of this base data provides spatial information to support resource stewardship initiatives. The SOLRIS process involves the analysis of this updated geospatial base data along with satellite and aerial imagery in combination with elevation information to produce a seamless land-use layer for Southern Ontario based upon an ELC approach. The process incorporated a variety of techniques including automated analysis, GIS modelling, and visual interpretation. An accuracy assessment of the final product is built into the process to ensure scientific credibility. Who produced SOLRIS? The initial methodology was developed by a team within MNR’s Science and Information Branch (SIB) in partnership with Ducks Unlimited over a period of two years. This study concluded with an extensive external review. After considerable public consultation, several agencies have recognized SOLRIS as the logical framework for ELC mapping in southern Ontario and have formed partnership agreements offering funding or in-kind support. With the approval and guidance of the SOLRIS steering committee work began 2 years ago on SOLRIS implementation. The implementation team includes staff within the SIB and Field Services Division.
How should SOLRIS be used? The SOLRIS data classes have varying minimum mapping units (MMU). This is due to the differences in resolution of input data, and therefore, the resolvability of features from the source data. The data specification sheet identifies the MMU for each feature class, which are organized into broad landscape-level classes. MMU and category type should be carefully taken into consideration when determining appropriate use. Generally speaking SOLRIS should be used at the landscape level. SOLRIS may be used at the local level if referenced with high resolution ortho imagery and the features within the landscape units were subdivided further (hierarchical classification).
How Accurate is SOLRIS?
SOLRIS production methods are new and innovative, and therefore, differ substantially from traditional mapping. Newly introduced methods must be assessed in order to gain confidence and public acceptance. It is for this reason that a separate quantitative assessment of thematic accuracy will be produced following the release of each SOLRIS area. The primary objective will be to report on the overall thematic accuracy of SOLRIS data by following a statistical sound and practical approach. This objective is intended to satisfy regional level (1:10,000 to 1:50,000 scale) mapping needs. An error matrix and associated confidence level for each class will be generated along with an explanation of the types of omission and commission error evident.
How will SOLRIS be distributed? SOLRIS data will be distributed through Land Information Ontario. Contact at info-access@webmail.mnr.gov.on.ca or (705) 755-1878 for specific data requests. When will SOLRIS data be available? MNR will be releasing SOLRIS landcover mapping for the GTA November 27, 2006. The completion of SOLRIS for the remaining project area is ongoing and will be released as completed. Is there a technical specification for the SOLRIS product? Yes. (See attached document “Southern Ontario Land Resource Information system - Data Specifications, November, 2006) Who is the contact for more information on SOLRIS? Ian Smyth, Remote Sensing Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Science & Information Branch, 300 Water St, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 ian.smyth@ontario.ca
References: Lee, H., Bakowsky, W., Riley, J., Bowles, J., Puddister, M., Uhlig, P. and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its
Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02. 225 p.