Field Plots FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title:
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Fort Laramie National Historic Site Vegetation Mapping Project - Field Plot Points
- Abstract:
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Vegetation field plots at Fort Laramie NHS were visited, described, and
documented in a digital database. The database consists of two parts - (1)
Physical Descriptive and Stratum Data, and (2) Species Listings.
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Geological Survey Department of the Interior, 199808, Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Field Plots Data Base for Vegetation Mapping: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Fort Laramie National Historic Site, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Created by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.,
Redlands, CA under contract from USGS/CSS/CSAS.
- What geographic area does the data set cover?
- West_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.13276
- East_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.34382
- North_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.13276
- South_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.11212
- Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
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Fort Laramie National Historic Site and
environs.
- What does it look like?
- <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/images/folaplots.pdf> (PDF)
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Locations of vegetation plot samples; low resolution for web browsing.
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Beginning_Date: 21-Jun-1997
- Ending_Date: 29-Jun-1997
- Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition
- What is the general form of this data set?
- Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Database
- How does the data set represent geographic features?
- How are geographic features stored in the data set?
- Indirect_Spatial_Reference:
-
Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located in Goshen County, Wyoming.
The Historic Site is 2 miles south of Fort Laramie, Wyoming.
This is a Point 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: 13
- Transverse_Mercator:
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- Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105
- Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
- False_Easting: 500000
- False_Northing: 0
- Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996
Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Planar coordinates are specified in Meters
The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
The ellipsoid used is Geodedic Reference System 80.
The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257.
- How does the data set describe geographic features?
- Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
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Each of 49 vegetation mapping plot sites contains the attributes of
species found. Phsical description - General plot information is
described by identification codes, locational information (including
state, park name, and USGS 7 1/2' topographic quad name). Physical
factors tabulated in the database include UTM_X, UTM_Y, UTM Zone, map
projection, survey date, name of surveyors, plot lenght and width, type
of photos used, plot elevation, slope aspect, topographic position,
landform type, surface geology, Cowardin system descriptor, hydrology,
rock size, surface material type, soil texture and drainage, leaf
phenology, leaf type, physiognomy type, plant height and animal use
evidence. Species - (sp_code is a project specific code for each
species found, species is the scientific name for that species, spcover
is the species present and the percent cover for each species, plant
code is the first two letters of the genus and first two letters of
the species. If the code are not unique a number is added to make the
code unique). This includes strata cover which is an average percent
cover of that particular species, 1 = 0-10%, 2 = 10-25%, 3 = 25-60%
and 4 = 60-100%, pstrata is the type of vegetation, T1 = emergent,
T2 = canopy, T3 = sub-canopy, S1 = tall shrub, S2 = short shrub,
H = herbaceous, N = non-vascular, V = vine/liana, and E = epiphyte).
- Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
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Field Methods for Vegetation mapping, December 1994. Prepared for: the
United States Department of the Interior, National Biological Survey (now
the USGS Core Science Systems) and the National Park Service.
Prepared by: The Nature Conservancy, and Environmental Systems Research
Institute. <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/standards/fieldmethodsrpt.pdf>
- What biological taxa does this data set concern?
- Taxonomy:
-
- Keywords/Taxon:
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- Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
- Taxonomic_Keywords: vegetation classification
- Taxonomic_Keywords: Standardized National Vegetation Classification System
- Taxonomic_Keywords: alliance
- Taxonomic_Keywords: community association
- Taxonomic_Classification:
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- Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
- Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
- Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
- U.S. Geological Survey Department of the Interior
- Who also contributed to the data set?
Hollis Marriot, in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, collected field
data
- To whom should users address questions about the data?
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
Provide National Parks with the necessary tools to effectively manage
their natural resources. Plot data is collected and analyzed to develop a
classification (using the Standardized National Vegetation Classification
System) and description of vegetation types in preparation for
photointerpretation and mapping of the monument's vegetation types.
- What methods were used to collect the data?
- Method 0 of 1
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Type: Field
Field sampling using releve plots
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- SNVCS protocol document (source 1 of 3)
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National Biological Survey (Now USGS/Core Science Systems), and and National Park Service, 199411, Standardized National Vegetation Classification System; protocol document for the USGS-NPS Vegetation mapping Program (unpublished report): USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Protocol documents, USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
Report prepared under contract by The Nature Conservancy, 1815 N.
Lynn Street, Arlington, Virginia 22209 and Environmental Systems
Research Institute, 380 New York Street, Redlands, California 92373
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution:
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This document describes and defines the vegetation classification system
which is to be used for describing and mapping the vegetation at Fort
Laramie National Historic Site
- FOLA sample and classification (source 2 of 3)
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USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19980223, Classification of the Vegetation of Fort Laramie National Historic Site: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Fort Laramie National Historic Site, USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract
to the USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution: Report summarizing plot data collection effort
- field methods protocol document (source 3 of 3)
-
United States Dept. of the Interior, National Biological Survey (no USGS Core Science Systems) and the National Park Service, 199412, Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping: USGS/Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract
to the USGS/CSS, CSAS
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution:
-
This document defines the methods and protocols for field data
collection to be used as part of the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
- How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
- Date: Aug-1995 (process 1 of 1)
-
The following describes the tasks performed by The Nature Conservancy
to produce descriptive data for 49 vegetation sampling plots in two
separate database files. Physical description - The first of the two
contains general descriptive and stratum information at each of the
plots. Plot sites were selected subjectively because of the heterogeneity
of the vegetation and the small number of samples per type. Since aerial
photos were not available at the time of plot selection, visual
reconnaissance was conducted at the summit of the site to examine
vegetation patterns for the purpose of plot placement. Site physical
parameters, species types, and vegetation strata were then described at
each site. The PLOT DATA database contains tabulations of site physical
factors, listed under the ATTRIBUTE ACCURACY REPORT for each of the 49
plots. Plot data were manually recorded on field forms on-site, and
subsequently keyed into the database files described herein. Information
in the plot database was then used to develop the classification system
and plant identification keys contained in the FORT LARAMIE SAMPLING AND
CLASSIFICATION REPORT. Species - The second of the two contains listings
of individual species found in each plot, along with height and cover
estimates, and strata delineations. The SPECIES LISTING database
contains line entries for each species including the Plot Code, Numeric
species code, full scientific species name, common names, cover
estimate, a unique alphnumeric species identifier (plant code), and
Plant Strata delineation. Plot sites were selected subjectively because
of the heterogeneity of the vegetation and the small number of samples
per type. Since aerial photos were not available at the time of plot
selection, visual reconnaissance was conducted at the summit of the
bluff to examine vegetation patterns for determining plot placement.
Plot data were manually recorded on field forms on-site, and
subsequently keyed into the database files described herein. Information
in the plot database was then used to develop the classification system
and plant identification keys contained in the FORT LARAMIE SAMPLING AND
CLASSIFICATION REPORT.
Person who carried out this activity:
Jim Drake
The Nature Conservancy
Regional Chief Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy
1313 5th Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
USA
(612)331-0729 (voice)
jdrake@tnc.org
Data sources used in this process:
- SNVCS protocol document
- Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping
Data sources produced in this process:
- fola sample and classification
- FOLA Vegetation Descriptions
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
- How well have the observations been checked?
Descriptive plot data were collected for 49 sites whose vegetation
represents a full spectrum of alliance types present within Fort Laramie
National Historic Site and its immediate surroundings. Physical description -
Attributes collected for each site include: a plot number, a unique plot
identification code, community name, field name, state, park name, quad
name, map projection, datum, GPS file name, raw UTM coordinates ,
differentially corrected UTM coordinates, plot survey date, name(s) of
surveyors, length, width, photo type, elevation, slope, aspect,
topographic position, landform, surface geology, Cowardin System category,
hydrology, surface material description, soil texture, soil drainage, leaf
phenology, leaf type, physiognomy type, plant height and animal use
eivdence. Species - Individual species described at each of 49 plots is
listed, one line per species, with the following information: Plot
Identification Code, Numeric Species Code, Species Name, Species Cover (
0=trace, 1=< 1%, 2=1-5%, 3=5-25%, 4=25-50%, 5=50-75%, 6=75-100%),
Plantcode, and Strata Code (T1=emergent, T2=canopy, T3=sub-canopy, S1=tall
shrub, S2=short shrub, H=herbaceous, N=non-vascular, V=vinae/liana,
E=epiphyte).
evidence. Species -
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
X,Y UTM coordinates representing each of the 49 plots were collected via
GPS under selective availability with post processing for differential
correction. The differentially correted GPS coordinates have accuracies
in the X and Y direction of +/- 3 to 11 meters.
- How accurate are the heights or depths?
Not applicable
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
Physical description: Comprehensive descriptions exist for each of the 49
plots, but some do not contain entries under headings which are not applicable.
Species - One species is entered per line, by plot code, with multiple species
listed for each plot, one per row. Plot codes and species names are complete
for each row, but some species codes, cover and strata information is missing
- How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
Physical description - Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the
form of consistent groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors.
Species - Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the form of
consistent groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors, as deifned
above under "Attribute Accuracy Report". NOTE 1: The significance of numbers
appended to some of the Plant Codes is not known.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints:
-
Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the
data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these metadata,
before beginning analyses. The burden for determining fitness for use lies
entirely with the user. For purposes of publication or dissemination, citations
or credit should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.
- 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?
Physical Descriptive and Strata Data and Species Listing 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: 22-Oct-2001
Last Reviewed: 21-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 Fri May 21 09:42:53 2010
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