Classification refers to recognizing, naming, and describing units or elements to be mapped. The objective of all classifications is the orderly arrangement of a large array of objects so that their differences and similarities can be better understood. We classify land and water resources for any number of reasons, including:
· Separating like things from unlike things by increasing homogeneity. This in turn increases accuracy in classification and decreases sampling effort.
· Setting the boundaries of a study area or an area we hope to influence.
· Looking for identifiable patterns or identifying spatial context, especially as a precursor to evaluation (see the Hyrdrogeomorphic approach).
· Allowing extrapolation.
· Aiding in the development of restoration endpoints by developing identifiable and compatible classes within the classification.
· Displaying or communicating complex relationships more effectively for planning, restoration, and management.
The goals listed above are accomplished by arranging the various elements, components, objects, or taxa within the ecosystem in a way that preserves the greatest possible knowledge base, while making the most efficient and effective use of available information.
Vegetation, climate, soil and substrate, geology and landform, and hydrology are the primary independent systems that act in combination to compose ecosystems and watersheds. Recognition of character correlations to form small groups and subsequently placing these smaller groups into larger groups forms hierarchies of categories in each of the distinct components. This hierarchical approach is used in most classification systems and provides the most effective means to accomplish the goals of ecosystem classification.