Spatial Vegetation Data FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title:
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Dinosaur National Monument Vegetation Mapping Project - Spatial Vegetation Data
- Abstract:
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This polygon feature class represents vegetation communities mapped at Dinosaur National Monument. The polygons were delineated following guidelines set by the National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995). Original lines were drawn on a mylar overlay on top of printed 1:12,000 digital scale orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ), collected in the summer of 2002. Hard copy 9X9 stereo aerial photography was used for photo interpretation. Intuitive ecological modeling and visual interpretation cues, such as shape, size, pattern, tone, texture, color, and shadow, were used to develop the polygons. Additional data layers used to aid the interpretation include slope, hydrology, geography, and ground-collected vegetation information. The lines developed in the image interpretation step were scanned using a large format scanner. The resultant scanned raster image was converted into a vector coverage to facilitate editing the linework within ArcGIS. The line work was cleaned, polygons created and attributed. The attributed vegetation classes were subjected to an accuracy assessment, following which final adjustments were made to the vegetation classes. As with any digital layer, this layer is a representation of what is actually occurring on the ground. Errors are inherent in any interpretation of ground qualities. Due to the "snapshot" nature of the DOQs, this vegetation layer reflects conditions that existed when the imagery was collected.
- Supplemental_Information:
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To update the hotlinks to the map unit description PDFs, update the MAP_UNIT_PDF_PATH field in TBL_VEGMAP_INFO with the directory path where the map unit PDFs are stored (e.g., Calculate: MAP_UNIT_PDF_PATH = "C:\GIS\Parks\DINO\Vegetation\MU_PDFs\" & [MAP_UNIT_PDF]).
- How should this data set be cited?
Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Inventory and Monitoring Program, 20080715, Dinosaur National Monument Spatial Vegetation Data: Cover type / Association level of the National Vegetation Classification System: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Dinosaur National Monument, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- What geographic area does the data set cover?
- West_Bounding_Coordinate: -110.056245
- East_Bounding_Coordinate: -109.955472
- North_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.641069
- South_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.560518
- Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Dinosaur National Monument and environs
- What does it look like?
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Calendar_Date: 18-Jun-2002
- Currentness_Reference: Source photography date
- What is the general form of this data set?
- Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data
- How does the data set represent geographic features?
- How are geographic features stored in the data set?
This is a Vector data set.
It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
- What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
- Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
- Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
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- UTM_Zone_Number: 12
- Transverse_Mercator:
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- Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
- Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -111.000000
- Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.000000
- False_Easting: 500000.000000
- False_Northing: 0.000000
Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000100
Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000100
Planar coordinates are specified in meters
The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222.
- How does the data set describe geographic features?
- fcl_Veg_Polys
- Feature Class
(Source: National Park Service)
- Shape
- Feature geometry.
(Source: ESRI)
Coordinates defining the features.
- OBJECTID
- Internal feature number.
(Source: ESRI)
Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
- SHAPE
- Feature geometry.
(Source: ESRI)
Coordinates defining the features.
- Polygon_ID
- unique polygon ID
(Source: NPS four letter park code plus unique number)
unique polygon ID
- Map_Unit_ID
- map class number
(Source: NPS map class number)
Code delineating the Map Unit for DINO.
- Map_Unit_Common_Name
- String
(Source: NPS map unit common name)
The common name of the map unit for DINO.
- Edit_Date
- Date of edit(s)
(Source: NPS)
Date of any edits or updates to attributes.
- Edit_Notes
- Explanation of edits
(Source: NPS)
Notes about any edits or updates made to a polygon.
- Acres
- Double
(Source: NPS)
Acres calculated using ArcMap geometry.
- Hectares
- Double
(Source: NPS)
Hectares calculated using ArcMap geometry.
- SHAPE_Length
- Length of feature in internal units.
(Source: ESRI)
Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.
- SHAPE_Area
- Area of feature in internal units squared.
(Source: ESRI)
Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.
- rc_VegPolys_VegMapInfo
- Relationship
(Source: National Park Service)
- Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
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The National Vegetation Classification Standard is organized hierarchically to support conservation and resource stewardship applications across multiple scales. The upper levels of the hierarchy 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 hierarchy are based on the species composition of 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. Data file attributes include vegetation height, density, species, alliance, community element, and land cover.
OBJECTID - ObjectID - Sequential unique whole numbers automatically generated.
SHAPE - Geometry - Feature geometry, ESRI autogenerated.
Polygon_ID- Text - Unique polygon identifier created for relationship purposes.
Map_Unit_ID - Text - Code delineating the Map Unit for DINO.
Map_Unit_Common_Name - Text - The common name of the map unit for DINO. Edit_Date - Date - The date the polygon was last edited.
Edit_Notes - Text - Notes detailing any edits made to a polygon.
SHAPE_Length - Double - Length of feature in internal units.
SHAPE_Area - Double - Area of feature in internal units squared.
Acres - Double - Acres calculated using ArcMap geometry function.
Hectares - Double - Hectares created using ArcMap geometry function
- Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: Unknown.
- What biological taxa does this data set concern?
- Taxonomy:
-
- Keywords/Taxon:
-
- Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
- Taxonomic_Keywords: Standardized National Vegetation Classification System
- Taxonomic_Keywords: vegetation classification
- Taxonomic_Keywords: alliance
- Taxonomic_Keywords: community association
- Taxonomic_Classification:
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- Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
- Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
- Applicable_Common_Name: plants
- Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
- Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Inventory and Monitoring Program
- Who also contributed to the data set?
NPS, NCPN
- To whom should users address questions about the data?
Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Inventory and Monitoring Program
c/o Janet Coles
Vegetation Ecologist
P.O. Box 848
Moab, UT 84532
435-719-2358 (voice)
janet_coles@nps.gov
This polygon layer represents vegetation communities found at the Dinosaur National Monument. The intended use of all data in the park's GIS library is to support diverse park activities including planning, management, maintenance, research, and interpretation.
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- DRG (source 1 of 5)
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USGS, varies, Big Joe Basin, Canyon of Lodore North, Canyon of Lodore South, Cross Mountain Canyon, Dinosaur Quarry, Greystone, Haystack Rock, Hells Canyon, Hoy Mountain, Indian Water Canyon, Island Park, Jack Springs, Jensen Ridge, Jones Hole, Limestone Hill, Lodore School, Lone Mountain, Mellen Hill, Plug Hat Rock, Snake John Reef, Split Mountain, Stuntz Reservoir, Tanks Peak, Twelvemile Mesa, Zenobia Peak.
- Type_of_Source_Media: CD-ROM
- Source_Scale_Denominator: 24,000
- Source_Contribution: Digital Raster Graphics were used for field maps.
- DINO Aerial Photos (source 2 of 5)
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USDA Aerial Photo Field Office, Salt Lake City, UT, 20020709, 1:12,000 Aerial photography (true color) of Dinosaur National Monument: USGS Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Aerial photography was taken at a scale of 1:12,000. Original media
are in the form of positive transparencies. Photo interpretation was
done on contact prints of the true color photos.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Contact paper prints of film transparencies
- Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000
- Source_Contribution:
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These aerial photographs were the basis for the mapping process.
- DINO orthophoto (source 3 of 5)
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County USDA Aerial Photo Field Office, Salt Lake City, UT, 20020709, Digital Orthophoto quadrangle of Dinosaur National Monument: Horizons, Inc., Rapid City, SD.
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Horizons, Inc. built the orthos at 1:12,000 with 1m resolution, from true-color aerial photos flown at 1:40,000.
- Type_of_Source_Media: CD-ROM
- Source_Scale_Denominator: 40000
- Source_Contribution: This digital orthophoto provided the project basemap.
- Accuracy Assessment Procedures Documents (source 4 of 5)
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USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19941101, Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Dinosaur National Monument, USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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This report was prepared by Environmental Systems Research
Institute+ADs- 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.
- Type_of_Source_Media: electronic document
- Source_Contribution:
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This document established the procedures and protocols for the accuracy assessment at Dinosaur National Monument.
- DINO DOQQ prints (source 5 of 5)
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USDA Aerial Photo Field Office, Salt Lake City, UT, 20020709, Aerial Photography 1:40,000 (true color) of Dinosaur National Monument.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
Aerial photography was taken at a scale of 1:40,000. These photos were used in the creation of the digital orthophoto quadrangles.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Contact paper prints of film transparencies
- Source_Scale_Denominator: 40000
- Source_Contribution:
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These contact prints were the basis for the mylar overlays for mapping purposes.
- How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
- Date: 18-Aug-2002 (process 1 of 6)
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Imagery collection and publication. Two scales of aerial photography were flown, 1:40,000 (used for DOQ creation) and 1:12,000 (used for image interpretation). DOQs were printed in 69 overlapping quarter quadrangle sheets to facilitate line drawing.
Data sources used in this process:
- Aerial Photography 1:40,000 (true color) of Dinosaur National Monument
- DINO Aerial Photos
- Date: 01-Jan-2004 (process 2 of 6)
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Mylar overlay production. Frosted mylar sheets were overlaid on DOQs. Traditional image interpretation techniques were used to draw lines on the mylar sheets. 9X9 aerial photography was used to assist in line placement.
- Date: 01-Jan-2005 (process 3 of 6)
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Mylar scanning. Mylar sheets with line work were scanned using a large format scanner. The product of these scans was a .tiff image.
- Date: 01-Jan-2005 (process 4 of 6)
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Polygon creation. Images of mylar sheets were brought into ArcGIS. They were converted from images into line feature classes using ArcScan. The line feature classes were cleaned and converted into polygons. The polygons were examined for topology, and were then attributed using map codes written on the mylar sheets.
- Date: 01-Jan-2005 (process 5 of 6)
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Accuracy assessment. An accuracy assessment was conducted using methods approved by the National Vegetation Classification guidelines. The accuracy assessment involved field plots determined by class size and number of polygons per class.
- Date: 20-Sep-2007 (process 6 of 6)
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Revision and publication. Following the accuracy assessment, specialists examined the thematic accuracy of the vegetation layer. Adjustments were made to the data layer according to those assessments. Edits noted below:
Map Class 9 - only polygons with plots and polygons on north-facing slopes retained - all other polygons reattributed as other woodland types;
Map Class 10 - Absorbed all polygons of former map class 18, renamed Pinyon-Juniper Herbaceous Woodland;
Map Class 12 - All polygons reattributed as other woodland types;
Map Class 14 - Absorbed all polygons of former map class 52, renamed Pinyon-Juniper / Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany Shrubland and Woodland;
Map Class 18 - merged with MU 10;
Map Class 30 - all polygons merged into map class 31;
Map Class 31 - contains all polygons of former map classes 30, 34, 50, 51, and 58, renamed Sagebrush/Rabbitbrush Shrubland;
Map Class 33 - merged into map class 54;
Map Class 34 - merged into map class 31;
Map Class 36 - merged into map class 37;
Map Class 37 - absorbed all polygons of map classes 36, 38, 41, 42, and 43, re-named Bottomland Shrubland;
Map class 38 - merged into map class 37;
Map Class 40 - absorb all polygons of map class 65, rename to Black Sagebrush Shrubland and Cushion Plant Herbaceous;
Map Class 41 - merged into map class 37;
Map Class 42 - merged polygons into map class 37;
Map Class 43 - merged with map class 37;
Map Class 44 - absorb all pre-AA polygons of map class 60 and those of map class 59 not located on Mancos Shale;
Map Class 48 - merged into map class 54;
Map Class 49 - merged into map class 54;
Map Class 50 - merged into map class 31;
Map Class 51 - merged into map class 31;
Map Class 52 - merged into MU 14;
Map Class 54 - absorb all polygons of map classes 33, 48, 49, 55 and 57, although retain most linework and use a modifier to separate polygons of serviceberry and chokecherry shrubland;
Map Class 55 - merged into map class 54, but linework retained and a modifier used to separate these serviceberry stands;
Map Class 57 - merged into map class 54, but linework retained and a modifier used to separate these chokecherry stands;
Map Class 58 - merged into map class 31;
Map Class 59 - retain only those pre-AA polygons occurring on Mancos Shale; all others reattributed as map class 44;
Map Class 66 - merge into map class 68;
Map Class 68 - absorb polygons of map class 66 and 70, rename to Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation;
Map Class 71 - reattribute polygons as map class 73, but retain linework and use a modifier to separate these sand dune grasslands;
Map Class 72 - merge into map class 73;
Map Class 73 - absorb polygons of map classes 71, 72, and 74;
Map Class 76 - absorb all polygons of map class 77, re-name class Broadleaf Cottonwood Woodland;
Map Class 77 - merge into map class 76;
Map Class 78 - merge into map class 79;
Map Class 79 - absorb all polygons of map classes 78 and 90, rename Narrow Canyon Mesic Woodland;
Map Class 80 - absorb all polygons of map classes 82 and 86;
Map Class 82 - merge into map class 80;
Map Class 85 - absorb all polygons of map class 87;
Map Class 86 - merge into map class 80;
Map Class 87 - merge all polygons into map class 85 although retain linework and add a modifier to indicate the presence of Russian-olive;
Map Class 90 - merge into map class 79; Map Class 91 - merge into map class 95;
Map Class 95 - absorb all polygons of map classes 91 and 96 and rename as Mixed Wetland/Riparian Vegetation;
Map Class 96 - merge into map class 95
Person who carried out this activity:
Janet Coles
Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Inventory and Monitoring Program
Vegetation Ecologist
P.O. Box 848
Moab, Ut 84532
435-719-2358 (voice)
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
Coles, J., D. Cogan, D. Salas, A. Wight, G. Wakefield, J. Von Loh, and A. Evenden, 20080715, Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report, Dinosaur National Monument.
Online Links:
- How well have the observations been checked?
Network staff have ground checked and verified all features to the best of their knowledge. GIS personnel verified all features and attributes.
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
The vegetation spatial data meets National Map Accuracy Standards.
- How accurate are the heights or depths?
Not applicable
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
This data contains all the polygons mapped both in and surrounding Dinosaur National Monument. All data in the project area were classified and digitized. This includes alliances/community association classes, density classes, height classes, pattern groups, water, and unvegetated/landuse.
- How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
All polygon features are checked for topology using the ArcGIS software. There are no duplicate features present. The tests for logical consistency are performed in ArcGIS. All attribute codes and attributes have been checked for typographical and logical errors.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints:
-
Acknowledgment of the National Park Service would be appreciated in products derived from these data. Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the data collection and compilation process before beginning their analysis/use. The burden of determining fitness for use lies with the user.
- Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
- What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
Downloadable Data
- What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
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.
- How can I download or order the data?
- Availability in digital form:
- Cost to order the data: None
- Dates:
- Last modified: 17-Jul-2008
Last Reviewed: 20-May-2010
- Metadata author:
-
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
- Metadata standard:
- FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001.1-1999)
- Metadata extensions used:
-
Generated by mp version 2.9.12 on Thu May 20 08:36:56 2010
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