The information presented in this guide is the best available at the time of publication. It is drawn from research and resources of varying detail, and therefore varies in how confident we can be in using it. Because the information comes from varying sources, the scale, precision and accuracy of data presented in this guide are not always uniform and may vary both within and across a management region and catchment.

The detail of the information presented may vary because of differences in present understanding of native vegetation in different parts of Australia, and the way that certain information may have been compiled originally to support decision-making. While we can be confident about using certain data at one scale, it does not necessarily mean that it can be applied with the same level of confidence at a different scale. For example, the scale of mapping of native vegetation varies considerably across many regions and may range from 1:2,500,000 to 1:5,000. Where only coarse mapping data are available for a region, general comments on the extent of native vegetation may be given with confidence, but a detailed assessment may not be possible at present.

To assist readers, comments on the reliability of information are presented throughout this guide, especially with respect to the mapping and modelling of data and model outputs.

Overall, our confidence in data, information and understanding varies significantly between regions. While most research investments at regional level are based on the premise of being able to transfer the results elsewhere, this can be difficult in practice because of the variable nature of Australian landscapes in space and time.