[R-sig-Geo] randomForests for mapping vegetation

[Miewald, Tom]

Hello all,

I am new to this list and wondering whether anyone has any experience (or ideas) for how to implement vegetation mapping using the randomForests package from R.  The model produced from randomForests would be used to map vegetation from Landsat (30 x 30 meter pixels) for relatively large areas (> 10 million hectares, so a lot of pixels).  There are ~15 explanatory data sets (imagery, dems,precip, etc).  My main question concerns how to use the output from randomForests to predict vegetation over such an area.  I have seen some literature out there using GRASS.  I would rather not go down that road because I already have enough software packages.  Is there any possibilities for using ArcGIS connectivity to enable the prediction of vegetation?  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks!
Tom

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