“Element”

What is an “Element”?
The Nova Scotia ELC (Ecological Landscape Classification) recognizes 5 levels of ecosystem organization:
1. Ecozone
2. Ecoregion
3. Ecodistrict
4. Ecosection
5. Ecosite

See the ELC for NS (2017), pp` 16-18 for details of how those are derived.

The same hierarchy is employed in the ELA (Ecological Landscape Analysis) Reports for each Ecodistrict.”Elements” are not a separate level in this hierarchy, but rather are a mapping unit or polygon delineated  “by combining ecosections with similar climax vegetation and natural disturbance interpretations”*, the objective being to delineate within an Ecodistrict, “a landscape ecosystem containing characteristic site conditions that support similar potential vegetation and successional processes”*. Thus “an individual Ecodistrict can contain several Elements, each potentially comprising more than one ecosection.”**

Clear as mud? This document may help: Ecological Forestry: A Nova Scotia Approach to Woodland Stewardship, Department of Lands and Forestry, Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry Home Study Module 18, August 2020.
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*Source of the quote: Ecological Landscape Analysis, Ecodistrict 610: Annapolis Valley 2019 Update for Part 1 and 2
**Source of the quote: In the response to a question I asked of ChatGPT, and that I was able to verify

The spatial distribution of the 5 hierarchical levels, and of the hybrid (my term) Elements can be viewed on the NS Provincial Landscape Viewer.

Example showing Ecodistrict 770 in SW Nova Scotia and Elements within that district.