USGS:Biology Biological Informatics Program Vegetation Characterization Program Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Spatial Vegetation Data Metadata

Spatial Vegetation Data Metadata

Metadata also available as - [Questions & Answers] - [Text] - [Adobe Acrobat pdf file].

Metadata:

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, and The Nature Conservancy

Publication_Date: 19980310

Title:

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Spatial Vegetation Data; Cover Type / Association level of the National Vegetation Classification System

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver CO

Publisher:

USGS,Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details: Created under contract to the USGS-BRD-CBI

Online_Linkage:

<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/agfo/index.html>

Description:

Abstract:

The National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with the Biological Resources Division (BRD) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has implemented a program to "develop a uniform hierarchical vegetation methodology" at a national level. The program will also create a geographic information system (GIS) database for the parks under its management. The purpose of the data is to document the state of vegetation within the NPS service area during the 1990's, thereby providing a baseline study for further analysis at the Regional or Service-wide level. The vegetation units of this map were determined through stereoscopic interpretation of aerial photographs supported by field sampling and ecological analysis. The vegetation boundaries were identified on the photographs by means of the photographic signatures and collateral information on slope, hydrology, geography, and vegetation in accordance with the Standardized National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995). The mapped vegetation reflects conditions that existed during the specific year and season that the aerial photographs were taken (July, 1995). There is an inherent margin of error in the use of aerial photography for vegetation delineation and classification.

Purpose:

The purpose of this spatial data is to provide the National Park Service the necessary tools to manage the natural resources within this park system. Several parks, representing different regions, environmental conditions, and vegetation types, were chosen by BRD to be part of the prototype phase of the program. The initial goal of the prototype phase is to "develop, test, refine, and finalize the standards and protocols" to be used during the production phase of the project. This includes the development of a standardized vegetation classification system for each park and the establishment of photointerpretation, field, and accuracy assessment procedures. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument was designated as one of the prototype parks. The monument is located in the high Great Plains. It contains prairie, hill, and riverine environments, with vegetation types that include prairie grassland, riverine woodland, and wetlands. The vegetation units were photointerpreted from stereo-paired, natural color photography.

Supplemental_Information:

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument was created by the National Park Service on June 5, 1965. the park occupies 4.5 square miles of land straddling the Niobrara River in the middle of the Nebraska Panhandle. The park is noted for its history, prehistoric fossils, and scenic quality. Historically, the park was a part of the Agate Springs Ranch, owned by Captain James H. Cook. The park has a collection of ranching and Native American artifacts and memorabilia as a result of its donation from the Ranch. Paleontologically, the park contains a number of Miocene fossil quarries that were excavated through the late 19th century and early 20th century. From a scenic aspect, the park has views of rolling hills, bluffs, and the Niobrara River floodplain. Ranching is also an active part of the landscape. The park is located in the grassy rolling hills of Western Nebraska. The park landscape consists of the east-west trending cap-rocked northern and southern hills, with the treeless Niobrara River floodplain running down the middle of the valley. The city of Harrison is located 23 miles to the north, Mitchell is 34 miles to the south. State Highway 29 runs north-south through the western part of the park.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19950729

Currentness_Reference: Source photography date

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: not applicable

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.8

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.7

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.44167

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.40833

Description_of_Geographic_Extent:

Agate Fossil Beds National Moument, Nebraska and a 400 meter buffer.

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: none

Theme_Keyword: National Park Service

Theme_Keyword: U.S. Geological Service

Theme_Keyword: The Nature Conservancy

Theme_Keyword: Aerial Information Systems

Theme_Keyword: Center for Biological Informatics

Theme_Keyword: land cover

Theme_Keyword: vegetation

Theme_Keyword: community

Theme_Keyword: association

Theme_Keyword: land use

Theme_Keyword: Environmental System Research Institute

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: none

Place_Keyword: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Place_Keyword: Nebraska

Taxonomy:

Keywords/Taxon:

Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: none

Taxonomic_Keywords: plant communities

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom

Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints:

No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes. Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these metadata, before beginning analysis. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. For purposes of publication or dissemination, citations should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

USGS Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Physical Address

Address: USGS

Address: Biological Resources Division, CBI

Address: Building 810, Room 8000

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225-0046

Country: USA

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing Address

Address: USGS

Address: Biological Resources Division, CBI

Address: PO BOX 25046, DFC, MS302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225-0046

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4229

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 (org)

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Browse_Graphic:

Browse_Graphic_File_Name: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/agfo/images/agfoveg.pdf>

Browse_Graphic_File_Description: 382 Kbyte graphic in map composition layout

Browse_Graphic_File_Type: PDF

Data_Set_Credit: USGS, NPS, ESRI, TNC

Native_Data_Set_Environment: UNIX-ARC/INFO

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

These data have a combined total accuracy of 80.0%. Individual class accuracies range from 22% to 90% in both errors of commission and omission.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

All polygon features are checked for topology using the ARC/INFO software. Each polygon begins and ends at the same point with the node feature. All nodes are checked for error so that there are no dangling features. There are no duplicate lines or polygons. All nodes will snap together and close polygons based on a specific tolerance. If the node is not within the tolerance, it is adjusted manually. The test for logical consistency are performed in ARC/INFO.

Completeness_Report:

All data that can be photointerpreted is also digitized. This includes alliance/association classes, surface water, and unvegetated/landuse. Also all data that can be photo-interpreted is also digitized. This includes features that fall into the NVCS vegetation classification and the Anderson Level II classification. Minimum mapping unit is obstensibly .5 hectares but some low frequency classes below the MMU are included.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Unknown. The positional accuracy of the base topographic quadrangles is not known. It is assumed the map meets National Map Accuracy Standards.

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Unknown. The positional accuracy of the base topographic quadrangles is not known. It is assumed the map meets National Map Accuracy Standards.

Lineage:

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field

Methodology_Identifier:

Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Methodology_Keyword: Ground truthing

Methodology_Description:

Developmental of Programmatic and Technical Team: This project required the combined expertise and oversight of several organizations. Oversight and programmatic considerations are managed by the Center for Biological Informatics of the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey. The National Park Service provided additional guidance. The technical responsibilities for the mapping effort were divided between TNC and AIS. TNC responsibilities and deliverables included the following: Create a vegetation classification system based upon field species level data and consistent with the Standard National Classification System at the Alliance or Community Element level Provide documentation that describes the national classes at the local and global levels, with field keys, and field data in a *.dbf format. Provide technical opinion to AIS as the mapping portion of the project proceeds. Provide field notes and site descriptions AIS responsibilities and deliverables included the following: Digital files of vegetation on Compact (CD); including topology and labeling for height, density, and pattern subclasses; location of field sample sites; and locations of sites used for accuracy assessment in Arc/Info format Any ancillary digital files developed during the mapping process Digital FGDC compliant metadata file for each digital file delivered Annotated field site photographs Original mylar overlays of interpreted photographs Hard copy vegetation map Accuracy assessment Final report describing all procedures used in developing the final map and accuracy assessment Planning and Review Meeting An initial meeting was held with all interested parties to discuss several aspects of the mapping effort. Foremost among these was the mapping extent. Preliminary Data Collection and Review of Existing Information to reduce duplicating previous work and to help in our effort we collected existing vegetation reports and maps from the staff at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. These materials were referenced during the mapping process and the information contained in them was incorporated where it was deemed useful. Because soils also affect the distribution of vegetation, soil maps and soil descriptions were slso obtained as reference. These were not converted to a digital file. Digital elevation models (DEM) were obtained to create slope and aspect maps that helped in determining vegetation community distribution. Vegetation Sampling The sampling approach used in this mapping effort was typical of small park sampling, where all polygons within the park boundary are sampled. Two levels of field data gathering were conducted in this park; plots and observations. Plots represented the most intensive sampling of the landscape and used TNC's 'Plot Form'. Observations consisted of brief descriptions and were designed to obtain a quick overview of the landscape without spending a large amount of time at each sample site. Observation points used the 'Observation Form' data sheet. Examples of both 'Plot' and 'Observation' forms are included in the companion report by TNC. Initially, plots were used to describe the vegetation of the park. A total of 39 plots were obtained from July 10 through August 15, 1995. These plots were used by TNC to describe the vegetation associations found within the park. These descriptions are in the companion report by TNC. Map Validation A field trip was conducted in August of 1997 to assess the initial mapping effort and to refine map class.

Methodology_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Aerial Information Systems (AIS)

Publication_Date: Unpublished Material

Title:

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Nebraska USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Edition: Version 1

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Report

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Unknown

Issue_Identification: Unknown

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Unknown

Publisher: Ed Reyes

Other_Citation_Details: Unknown

Online_Linkage: None

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Kenny Aerial Mapping Company, Phoenix, AZ

Publication_Date: 19950729

Title:

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Natural Color Aerial Photography

Edition: Version 1

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Natural Color Photo

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Unknown

Issue_Identification: Unknown Publication Place: Phoenix, AZ

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: Kenney Aerial Mapping for USGS

Other_Citation_Details:

The aerial photography is CIR 1:12000 scale. The camera calibration report is USGS report Number OSL/2066 dated January 10, 1995.

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/agfo/photos.pdf>

Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000

Type_of_Source_Media: Natural Color Photography

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19950729

Source_Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition:

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: KAM

Source_Contribution: None

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Uknown

Publication_Date: 1998

Title: Digital Orthophotograph of Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Remote-Sensing Image

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Unknown

Publisher: Unknown

Other_Citation_Details: The digital orthophotograph is a 1:2400 scale image.

Source_Scale_Denominator: 2400

Type_of_Source_Media: Electronic Mail System

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 1998

Source_Currentness_Reference: Imagery date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: fola orthophoto

Source_Contribution: This digital orthophoto provided the project basemap

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: USGSBRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Publication_Date: 19971215

Title: Vegetation Sampling and Classification Report

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details:

This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract to the USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/agfo/agforpt.pdf>

Type_of_Source_Media: digital

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19971215

Source_Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: agfo field data

Source_Contribution:

This document provides the Field Key, and Vegetation categories used in the mapping process.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey

Originator: Department of the Interior

Publication_Date: 19980501

Title:

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Photo Interpretation and Map Generation Procedures

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher:

USGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details:

Created in large part by Aerial Information Systems, Inc. under contract rom USGS/BRD/CBI.

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/agfo/agfopirpt.pdf>

Type_of_Source_Media: digital

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19980501

Source_Currentness_Reference: Report date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: agfo mapping report

Source_Contribution:

Photo interpretation was done by trained interpreters familiar with the vegetation communities of the Site on overlays registered to the aerial photographs under a stereoscope. Vegetation communities were idendified on the basis of their color, pattern, texture, and location on the landscape and lines were drawn around the communities. The photo interpreters had visited the monument and conferred with the ecologists who performed the vegetation classification and were familiar with the vegetation communities. Not all vegetation associations could be identified on the photography due to size constraints and complexity of the vegetation. Map classes were assigned in these cases and a cross-walk was made to the vegetation classification

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Publication_Date: 199411

Title:

Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details:

This report was prepared by Environmental Systems Research Institute; Redlands, CA, National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA and The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA under contract from the U.S. Department of Interior National Biological Survey and National Park Service.

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/aa/index.html>

Type_of_Source_Media: electronic document

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 199411

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Accuracy Assessment Procedures Documents

Source_Contribution:

This document established the procedures and protocols for the accuracy assessment at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Air Photo Interpretation All map classes were interpreted from existing 1:12,000 scale, color photography taken on July 29, 1995. The photographs were acquired from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Photointerpretation used the standard identification features such as tone, texture, color, pattern, topographic position, and shadow. In addition, field sample locations and their vegetation descriptions aided in assigning map class to each polygon. All photographs were examined using a stereoscope. Digital elevation models (DEM's) were processed and converted to slope and aspect coverages. These helped to provide additional perspectives of the landscape. Seven photographs were interpreted for the entire mapping area. Digital scans of these photographs are included as .tif files on the CD included with this report.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: AIS

Process_Date: 19980601

Source_Produced_Citation_Abbreviation: AIS

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: Bureau of Reclamations

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Physical Address

City: Redlands

State_or_Province: CA

Postal_Code: Unknown

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

In conjunction with the photoverification and field sampling effort, NBS (now USGS, BRD, CBI) personnel performed a locational accuracy test comparing the accuracy of a global positioning system (GPS) versus manual location techniques. The TNC biologist "pin-pricked" all of the sample site locations onto the aerial photos while the NBS staff captured the location using GPS. The "pin-pricked" locations were subsequently input into the GIS database for comparison against the GPS locations for the same site.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: AGFO CIR Aerial Photography

Process_Date: 199510

Source_Produced_Citation_Abbreviation:

Analysis of Accuracy Assessment Procedures at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Organization:

USGS Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing Address

Address: USGS

Address:

Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Address: PO Box 25046 DFC, MS302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4229

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 (org)

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

Agate Fossil Beds is in Sioux County, Nebraska near the headwaters of the headwaters of the Niobrara River. The Monument is located 20 miles south of Harrison, Nebraska.

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Point

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Planar:

Grid_Coordinate_System:

Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator

Universal_Transverse_Mercator:

UTM_Zone_Number: 13

Transverse_Mercator:

Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105

Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0

False_Easting: 500000

False_Northing: 0

Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996

Planar_Coordinate_Information:

Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: Coordinate Pair

Coordinate_Representation:

Abscissa_Resolution: 1

Ordinate_Resolution: 1

Planar_Distance_Units: Meters

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983

Ellipsoid_Name: Geodedic Reference System 80

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

The system is organized hierarchically to support conservation and resource stewardship applications across multiple scales. The upper levels of the hierarchicy are based on the physical form or structure of the vegetation (physiognomy) and have been refined from the international standards developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The two most detailed levels of the hierearchy are based on the species composition of the existing vegetation (floristics) and reflect the phyto-sociological standards that were originally developed by European ecologists. The vegetation classification is continually advanced through the collection and analysis of new field data and will be greatly strengthened during the course of the USGS-NPS mapping efforts.

USGS-NPS VEGETATION MAPPING PROGRAM AGATE FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT, NEBRASKA FINAL ASSOCIATION/COMMUNITY CLASSIFICATION July 29, 1998 01=Populus deltoides - (Salix amygdaloides) / Salix exigua Woodland 02=Symphoricarpos occidentalis Shrubland 03=Salix exigua Shrubland 04=Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation 05=Calamovilfa longifolia - Andropogon hallii Herbaceous Vegetation 06=Upland Disturbance Herbaceous Vegetation 07=Annual-dominated Floodplain Disturbance Herbaceous Vegetation 08=Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation 09=Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation 10=Typha latifolia Western Herbaceous Vegetation 11=Seeded Grassland Herbaceous Vegetation 12=Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis Gravel Herbaceous Vegetation 13=Schizachyrium scoparium - Bouteloua (curtipendula, gracilis) - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation 14 = Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation/ Schizachyrium scoparium - Bouteloua (curtipendula, gracilis) - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation Mosaic 98=Water 99=Urban/Built-Up/Maintained/Road/Road Mowed/Cut and Fill HEIGHT 1 = <0.5 meters 2 = 0.5 - 2 meters 3 = 2 - 5 meters 4 = 5 - 15 meters 5 = 15 - 35 meters 6 = 35 - 50 meters 7 = >50 meters 9 = Not Applicable ABSOLUTE CROWN DENSITY 1 = Closed/Continuous > 60 % 2 = Discontinuous 40% - 60% 3 = Dispersed 25% - 40% 4 = Sparse 10% - 25% 5 = Rare 2% - 10% 9 = Not Applicable PATTERN 1 = Evenly Dispersed 2 = Clumped/Bunched 3 = Gradational/Transitional 4 = Alternating 9 = Not Applicable LAND USE 100 = Urban or Built-Up 110 = Residential 111 = Cook Homestead 120 = Commercial 130 = Industrial 140 = Transportation, Communication, and Utilities 141 = Dam 142 = Ditch, Water, Maintained Area, Cut and Fill 150 = Mixed Commercial and Industrial 160 = Mixed Urban 170 =Under Construction 180 = Open Space and Recreation 190 = Vacant within Urban Context 200 = Agriculture 210 = Exotic Tree Planting 300 = Mining (Borrow Pit) 400 = National Park/Monument Facilities 401 = Visitor Center 402 = Visitor Picnic Parking Area and Driveway 403 = Ranger Residence Area 404 = Maintenance Yard 405 = Bone House 406 = Ranger Residence by Bone House 407 = Paved Roads and Associated Disturbance, Cut and Fill Embankments (Highway 29 and River Road) 408 = Daemonelix Trail Parking Area 409 = Niobrara River Fishing Parking Area 500 = Water 600 = Vacant

Fort Laramie National Historic Site Alliance/Community Association Photo Signature Key - Table Descriptions USGS-NPS VEGETATION MAPPING PROGRAM AGATE FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT, NEBRASKA FINAL ASSOCIATION/COMMUNITY PHOTO SIGNATURE KEY Table Descriptions The Final Association/Community Photo Signature Key Table is divided into six columns. The column descriptions are as follows:

Column 1 - ASSOCIATION /COMMUNITY CODE This column contains the code in the database representing the association/community category. Column 2 - ASSOCIATION /COMMUNITY This column contains the title of the association/community category. Column 3 - PHOTO SIGNATURE This column describes the photo signatures that characterize the life form of the association/community in this park. The following subcategories are included: Color: Describes the color tone and contrast variations of the photo signature. Texture: Describes the relative apparent roughness or smoothness of the signature character. Coarse being a very rough or grainy texture, fine being a very smooth texture. A forest of trees tends to have a coarse texture. Grasslands tend to have a fine texture. Crown Size: Describes the relative size of the tree or shrub crown diameter as viewed on the aerial photo. Typically, spreading trees tend to have large crowns while shrubs tend to have smaller crowns. Crown Shape: Describes the relative shape of the tree or shrub crown as viewed on the aerial photo. Density: Describes the general density characteristic of the association/community. Column 4 - HEIGHT This column describes the relative height range of the life form of the association/community. Column 5 - CONTEXT This column describes the general occurrence of the association/community within the park from a geomorphological, physiographic, topographical, or regional perspective. Column 6 - NOTES This column includes other pertinent information that column describes the photo signatures that characterize the life form of the association/community in this park. The following subcategories are included: Color: Describes the color tone and contrast variations of the photo signature. Texture: Describes the relative apparent roughness or smoothness of the signature character. Coarse being a very rough or grainy texture, fine being a very smooth texture. A forest of trees tends to have a coarse texture. Grasslands tend to have a fine texture. Crown Size: Describes the relative size of the tree or shrub crown diameter as viewed on the aerial photo. Typically, spreading trees tend to have large crowns while shrubs tend to have smaller crowns. Crown Shape: Describes the relative shape of the tree or shrub crown as viewed on the aerial photo. Density: Describes the general density characteristic of the association/community. Column 6 - NOTES This column includes other pertinent information that Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: Dark dull green TEXTURE: Smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High <.5 Steep upper and middle hillslopes Carex filifolia lessens as reach steeper upper slopes; Calamovilfa longifolia circles as inclusions 05 Calamovilfa longifolia - Andropogon hallii Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: Deep medium green to dull medium green, blue-green patches TEXTURE: Smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High ><1 Shallow middle and lower hillslopes and canyon bottoms 06 Upland Disturbance Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: A) Yellow, with yellow green, yellow brown, and brown; B) Medium yellow green, with some rusty brown and yellow brown; C) Dull brown to very dark green to black; D) Dull brown to rusty brown to light yellow brown; E) Dull blue green TEXTURE: Smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High ><2 Valley bottoms, stream floodplains/terraces, hill sideslopes 07 Annual-dominated Floodplain Distrubance Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: Light to neutral medium green TEXTURE: Moderate to smooth, moderate to fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High to moderate ><2 Lower floodplain terrace, dry 08 Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: Bright to light medium green TEXTURE: Moderate CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High ><1 Upper floodplain terrace 09 Juncus balticus Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: Medium to dark green TEXTURE: Moderate to smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High ><2 Lower floodplain terrace, wet 10 Typha latifolia Western Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: Very dark green to black, sometimes white to gray inclusions TEXTURE: Moderate to smooth CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High to very low ><2 Adjacent to river, saturated wet areas Photos show no vegetation, field shows dense with cattails 11 Seeded Grassland Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: Medium green TEXTURE: Smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: High to moderate ><2 Lower floodplain terrace Limited to one location 12 Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis Gravel Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: White to light gray TEXTURE: Smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: Low ><1 Gravelly channels Few occurrences, mostly less than mmu 13 Schizachyrium scoparium - Bouteloua curtipendula, gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation COLOR: White to gray TEXTURE: Smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: Low ><.5 Ridgetops with very little vegetation 14 Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation / Schizachyrium scoparium - Bouteloua (curtipendula, gracilis) - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation Mosaic COLOR: White to gray to gray green, with dull medium green inclusions TEXTURE: Smooth, fine CROWN SIZE: None CROWN SHAPE: None DENSITY: Low to moderate ><.5 Ridgetops >

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

Grossman, D. Et al. 1994. National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Project, Standardized National Vegetation Classificatrion System 209 pp.

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Organization:

U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological
Informatics

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address:

U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological
Informatics, MS 302, Room 8000, Building 810,
Denver Federal Center

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4229

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 (org)

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Resource_Description: agfo Veg map

Distribution_Liability:

The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such.

The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data.

The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name: HTML

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Online_Option:

Computer_Contact_Information:

Network_Address:

Network_Resource_Name:

<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/agfo/index.html>

Fees: None

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20011022

Metadata_Review_Date: 20080506

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address:

U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics, MS 302,
Room 8000, Building 810, Denver Federal Center

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (303) 202-4219

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Metadata_Standard_Name:

FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, 1998 Part 1: Biological Data Profile, 1999

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage:

<http://metadata.nbii.gov/portal/community/Communities/Toolkit/Metadata/FGDC_Metadata/>

Profile_Name: Biological Data Profile FGDC-STD-001.1-1999