Lecture Notes: Photo Points for Vegetation Monitoring

Purpose of Photo Points

• Photo points are used to qualitatively monitor changes in vegetation over time.
• Permanent photographs help detect changes in vegetation structure and document measured changes visually.

Preparing for Photography

• Establish a transect before beginning photography.
• Take at least one photo per transect.

Setting Up the Photo Board

• Use a black dry erase marker to fill out the photo board with:
  • Project name
  • Site
  • Plot
  • Date
  • Direction
• Write large and use as much space as possible on the board.

Positioning the Photo Board

• Place the photo board at the zero meter end of the transect against a stake.
• Ensure vegetation is cleared so the board is visible from the center of the plot.

Taking the Photo

• Return to the center of the plot and use a camera.
• Position the camera on a 1.5-meter photo pole.
• Set camera to the widest angle.
• Align the transect in the viewfinder with the photo board at the bottom center.
• Take the picture and review if using a digital camera.

Handling Obstructions

• If vegetation obstructs the board, elevate it using a backpack, photo case, or extra stake.
• For woody vegetation, someone should push vegetation back and hold the board aligned with the transect, low to the ground.

Examples of Good Photo Points

• Example 1:
  • Photo board at bottom center.
  • Numbers large and thick on the board.
  • Proper line alignment and camera distance.
• Example 2:
  • Good in a shrubby system.
  • Straight line through shrubs and person positioned directly in front of the line.
• Example 3:
  • Overcame difficult situation with person holding board above shrubs.
  • Person crouched low to avoid obstructing view.