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Ten distinct and non-overlapping geographic zone types were mapped by interpreting aerial photos and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) imagery using manual and semi-automated methods. Zone refers to each benthic community’s geographic location. It does not address a polygon’s substrate or biological cover types. For example, the zone Fore Reef is often located adjacent to a reef crest on the seaward side. However, neither Fore Reef nor Reef Crest zone types describe the structural or biological habitat within them. Additionally, the location of particular zone types may change depending on whether the system is a barrier reef, fringing reef or when no emergent reef crest is present. Habitats or features with areas smaller than the MMU or minimum mapping unit (100 m2) were not considered. |