The biodiversity inventory is a vegetation data layer using the ecological classification described by Singers and Rogers. This data layer used a range of baseline data layers to be merged together, and now is in a detailed process of validation by ecologists at Waikato Regional Council. This layer will be refined and validated further with the end result being a comprehensive ecological classification for the whole of the Waikato Region.

The dataset was derived using a range of underlying base layers including, a merge Singers and Rogers potential ecosystems for the Waikato Region, Biovegetation 2012, and also a data layer supplied by John Leathwick of updated vegetation sites which he had checked.

This layer was then supplied to Tonkin Taylor for further validation work, the following districts were completed which included; Waikato, Matamata-Piako, TCDC, HCC, Waitomo, and Hauraki. These validation edits were then updated to the biodiversity inventory data layer.

Following this step has been a phase of in house validation work carried out by various ecological consultants at Waikato Regional Council. In 2019 the attribute fields were modified to include extra fields by Kerry Jones for validation purposes.

As at 2021 this dataset is undergoing further validation as funding and resources allow.

Reference Singers and Rogers ecological Classification