Visual Resources Data Standard Version 3.0

This information bulletin announces the availability of and describes the recent updates to the Visual Resources Data Standard Data Standard Version 3.

This dataset classifies land polygons as the result of the evaluation of areas for their visual potential based on several criteria. Visual Resources are a landscape characteristic and are evaluated using a baseline of the natural, unaltered landscape.

The Visual Resources Inventory (VRI) theme is used as a planning input to the Visual Resources Management (VRM) theme, which is how visual resources must be interpreted for BLM lands. It could provide the base visual resource data for other purposes such as analyzing viewsheds on a broad scale but does not establish management direction. VRI Classes and their underlying component assessments are used in Environmental Assessment and Impact Statements as part of the NEPA analysis of alternatives. Activities with a large visual impact such as energy and mineral development have more Visual Resource analysis, but most activity plans must address the VRI classes and component values. VRM Classes are used to assess projects for land use plan conformance with the objectives associated with each VRM Class designation, typically using the Visual Contrast Rating System.

The following changes were applied:

• Reformatted document to meet Section 508 standards and match the latest data standard template.
• Updated General Information section to add language that was previously in a different section of the document.
• Updated FOIA category, keywords, and subject function codes.
• Updated architecture diagrams.
• Added field aliases, edit tracking fields, default values for required fields, and constraint rules.
• Modified BLM_ORG_CD to show it is auto calculated on data entry.
• Added attribute rules to editing procedures.
• Changed document cover photo.

Any questions about this data standard can be directed to David Moore, State Data Steward for Visual Resources at 971-600-4831; Craig Ducey, Technical Lead at 503-808-6314; Dana Baker-Allum, Geospatial Data Designer at 503-808-6320; or Eric Hiebenthal, State Data Administrator at 503-808-6565.