The CAVM map integrates information on soils, bedrock and surficial geology, hydrology, remotely-sensed vegetation classifications, previous vegetation studies, and regional expertise of the mapping scientists. This information is used to define polygons drawn using photo-interpretation of a 1:4 million scale AVHRR basemap of Canada (Fig. 2). The final CAVM map will unify and standardize information from regional maps and legends derived from many years of vegetation study in all the circumpolar countries. It will be useful for creating an international framework and common language for the study of arctic vegetation, modeling vegetation change at the circumpolar scale, educational purposes, interpreting large-scale patterns of wildlife distribution and migration, and regional or larger-scale land management.

The scale at which the circumpolar map is being developed will capture variation in vegetation related to climate (latitudinal variation, phytogeographic subzones), substrate, topography, and longitudinal floristic variation. This will link large scale phytogeographic patterns with landscape units visible in AVHRR satellite imagery (Fig. 2) (Walker and Lillie 1997).