3.0 Where to From Here? - Fit for Purpose

As discussed in section 2.3 a range of classification systems are likely to be required. The challenge is to identify:
- purpose - the questions to be answered
- fit - the appropriate classification system(s)
- relationships- how to work the systems together to provide a 'bridge' between finer scale classification and the broader scale bio-regional spatial frameworks. (pers com Ian Whitehouse, Peter Stephens, Garth Harmsworth, Theo Stephens, Bruce Clarkson, Chris Richmond )
Consideration of potential classification systems must take into account the ability of the system(s) to adequately provide for:
- database structure
- risk analysis
- sampling strategy
- selection of monitoring sites
- selection of indicators and parameters (eg from the EPI tool kit) appropriate to a given geographical area
- selection of appropriate monitoring methodology
- aggregation of site data to local, regional or national levels for reporting
- interpretation of results
- reporting of data
Once classification systems and sites are selected they cannot be readily changed without compromising the validity of the earlier data. This means that great care is required in choosing the classification system to be used.

In considering which systems to use, it is appropriate and necessary to de-couple:
- the way data is collected, from
- the way information is reported e.g. data about vegetation might be collected using Atkinson's Vegetation Classification and then reported using Atkinson's Vegetation Classification together with either Land Environments New Zealand or Administrative Boundaries.
Provided that data is appropriately geo-referenced then it should be able to be reported in a variety of bio-regional or administrative spatial frameworks.
Users require classification systems and spatial frameworks that are scientifically robust, and easy to understand and implement.
Resource management agencies may require different combinations of classification systems, databases and spatial frameworks for their own environmental monitoring requirements, to those required by MfE in relation to EPI Programme.
Further consideration of spatial frameworks should not occur in isolation from specific indicators. It will be necessary to take each Environmental Performance Indicator and decide how it is going to be monitored. Some will require field sampling from specific sites, using classification systems to organise and interpret the results; whilst others will require spatial interpretation from existing, new and updated databases and bio-regional spatial frameworks.