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. Geological Survey Department of Interior

Publication_Date: 19980310

Title:

Fort Laramie National Historic Site Vegetation Mapping Project - Spatial Vegetation Data

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver CO

Publisher:

USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Other_Citation_Details: Created under contract to the USGS-CSS-CSAS

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/ftp/vegmapping/fola/fola.zip>

Description:

Abstract:

The National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with the Core Science Systems (CSS) 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 CSS 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. Fort Laramie National Historic Site 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 upland woodland, prairie grassland, riverine woodland, and wetlands.

Supplemental_Information:

Fort Laramie National Historic Site was created by the National Park Service on July 16, 1938. The park occupies 833 acres of land on the Laramie River, west of its confluence with the North Platte River in western Wyoming. Bureau of Land Management land south of the park (referred to as Plot 3) and northwest of the park (referred to as Plots 1 and 5) are also within the mapping study area. The park is primarily preserved as an historic site. The fort site was occupied first as a fur trading center, then subsequently as a military outpost. It further served as a way station for trappers, traders, and emigrants on the Oregon Trail. The old fort site, located in the western end of the park, contains a complex of restored buildings and ruins, dating from mid and late 19th century, surrounding a lawn quadrangle. The remainder of the park contains disturbed prairie and floodplains. The park itself lies mainly on the floodplain terrace of the Laramie River, with a portion on the North Platte River floodplain terrace just west of their confluence. A small portion of the northwest corner of the park lies above the terrace. Plot 3 lies directly south of the park, across the Fort Laramie Canal. It is an area of rolling hills. Plots 1 and 5 lie 1/4 mile northwest of the park, also in rolling hills. The park is surrounded by rolling hills that are used for grazing and some agricultural cultivation. The city of Fort Laramie is located 3 miles to the northeast of the park.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19950715

Currentness_Reference: Source photography date

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None Planned

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.5729

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.5269

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.225

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.18889

Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Fort Laramie National Historic Site and selected environs.

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: Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Theme_Keyword: land cover

Theme_Keyword: vegetation

Theme_Keyword: alliance

Theme_Keyword: association

Theme_Keyword: land use

Theme_Keyword: Environmental System Research Institute

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: none

Place_Keyword: Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Place_Keyword: Wyoming

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/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Browse_Graphic:

Browse_Graphic_File_Name: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/images/folavegmap.pdf>

Browse_Graphic_File_Description:

Vegetation distribution of Fort Laramie National Historic Site and environs; low resolution for web browser.

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 82.0% (confidence interval 70% - 100%). Individual class accuracies range from 70% to 100% 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 duplictae 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.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Unknown. The positional accuracy of the base digital ortho image 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 digital ortho image 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: field plots

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 Core Science Analytics and Synthesis of the Core Science Systems 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 BOR as the mapping portion of the project proceeds. Provide field notes and site descriptions BOR 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. Vegetation issues particular to the park were addressed. 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 Fort Laramie National Historic Site. 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 also 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 49 plots were obtained from July through August 1996. 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 July 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:

Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming CSS/NPS Vegetation and Inventory and 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

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Kenny Aerial Mapping Company, Phoenix, AZ

Publication_Date: 19950912

Title: Fort Laramie National Historic Site CIR Aerial Photography

Edition: Version 1

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: CIR Photo

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Unknown

Issue_Identification: Unknown

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Phoenix, AZ

Publisher: Kenney Aerial Mapping for USGS

Other_Citation_Details:

The aerial photography is CIR 1:6000 scale. The camera calibration report is USGS report Number OSL/2066 dated January 12, 1995

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

Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000

Type_of_Source_Media: CIR Photography and Natural Color

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19950912

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 Fort Laramie National Historic Site

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: USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

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: Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Other_Citation_Details:

This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract to the USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/folarpt.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: fola 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: USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

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: Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

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/standards/NPSVI_Accuracy_Assessment_Guidelines_ver2.pdf>

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 Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey

Originator: Department of the Interior

Publication_Date: 19980904

Title:

Fort Laramie National Historic Site Photo Interpretation and Map Generation Procedures

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher:

USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Other_Citation_Details:

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

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/folapirpt.pdf>

Type_of_Source_Media: digital

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19980904

Source_Currentness_Reference: Report date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: fola 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

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Air Photo Interpretation All map classes were interpreted from existing 1:12,000 scale, color photography taken on July 25, 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, CSS, CSAS) 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: fola CIR Aerial Photography

Process_Date: 199510

Source_Produced_Citation_Abbreviation:

Analysis of Accuracy Assessment Procedures at Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

USGS Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing Address

Address: USGS

Address:

Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

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

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located in Gossen County, Wyoming. The Historic Site is 2 miles south of Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

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: 50000

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 NBS/NPS mapping efforts. National Park Service/Core Science Systems Vegetation Inventory and Mapping Program for Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming, Final Community Association Classification, September 4, 1998. Alliance/Community 01=Populus Deltoides Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance Populus deltoides / Symphoricarpos occidentalis Woodland 02=Pinus Ponderosa Wooded Medium-Tall Herbaceous Alliance Pinus ponderosa - Schizachyrium scoparium Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation 03=Not Used 04=Salix Exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance Salix exigua Shrubland 05=Stipa Comata Bunch Herbaceous Alliance Stipa comata - Yucca glauca Herbaceous Vegetation 06=Typha (Angustifolia, Latifolia) - (Scirpus spp.) Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Typha latifolia Western Herbaceous Vegetation 07=Spartina Pectinata Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Spartina pectinata - Scirpus pungens Herbaceous Vegetation 08=Carex Nebrascensis Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Carex nebrascencis Herbaceous Vegetation 09=Alliance Undefined Bromus inermis Disturbed Herbaceous Vegetation 10=Alliance Undefined Upland Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation 11=Pascopyrum Smithii Herbaceous Alliance Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation 12=Stipa Comata - Bouteloua Gracilis Herbaceous Alliance Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation 13=Alliance Undefined Sporobolus cryptandrus Disturbed Herbaceous Vegetation 14=Sand Flats Temporarily Flooded Sparse Vegetation Riverine Sand Flats - Bar Sparse Vegetation 15=Alliance Undefined Upland Sand and Gravel Sparse Vegetation 16=Bouteloua Gracilis Herbaceous Alliance Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation 17=Rock Outcrop / Butte Sparse Vegetation Sandstone Rock Outcrop Sparse Vegetation 98 =Water Body 99=Urban/Built-Up/Maintained Lawn/Canal/Road/Mowed Road ROW/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 120=Commercial 130=Industrial 140=Transportation, Communication, and Utilities 141=Canal, Canal Water, Maintained Right-of-Way, Canal Access Road, Adjacent Disturbed and Maintained Area, Levee, Cut and Fill 150=Mixed Commercial and Industrial 160=Mixed Urban 170=Under Construction 180=Open Space and Recreation 181=Oregon Trail Ruts Parking Area (Plot 1) 190=Vacant within Urban Context 200=Agriculture 300=Mining 400=National Park/Monument Facilities 401=Fort Laramie Site Area, Visitor Center, Ruins, Parking Area, Parade Grounds and Associated Facilities 402=Visitor Picnic Area 403=Road/Maintained Right-of-Way 404=Maintenance Area 405=Old North Platte River Bridge Parking Area 500=Water Body 600=Vacant Fort Laramie National Historic Site Alliance/Community Association Photo Signature Key - Table Descriptions The Final Alliance/Community Association Photo Signature Key is divided into six categories. The column descriptions are as follows: Column 1 - ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE This column contains the code in the database representing the alliance/community association category. Column 2 - ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION This column contains the title of the alliance/community association category. Alliance name is listed above the community association name. Column 3 - PHOTO SIGNATURE This column describes the photo signatures that characterize the life form of the alliance/community association 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 alliance/community association. Column 4 - HEIGHT This column describes the relative height range of the life form of the alliance/community association. Column 5 - CONTEXT This column describes the general occurrence of the alliance/community association within the park from a geomorphological, physiographic, topographical, or regional perspective. Column 6 - NOTES This column includes other pertinent information that may be useful in the photointerpretation of the alliance/community association. It may contain examples of occurrences or character of the vegetation within the park. Final Alliance/Community Association Photo Signature Key ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 01 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Populus deltoides / Symphoricarpos occidentalis Woodland PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-Tall to short crowns of medium to dark green dots, with shorter dark green to medium green dots, in matrix of medium green to brown Texture-Coarse Crown Size-Large Crown Shape-Round Density- Moderate to high HEIGHT (meters): <6 - 50 CONTEXT: Middle and lower floodplain terrace. NOTES: Grass or shrub understory; occurs in rows, large groups, small clumps, or isolated individuals; some sapling or young trees groups also occur ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 02 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Pinus ponderosa / Schizachyrium scoparium Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-Dark green dots in white to gray green matrix Texture- Coarse Crown Size- Large Crown Shape- Large Density- Low HEIGHT (meters): <5-8 meters height CONTEXT: Rocky escarpment of northern hills, canyons of southern hills NOTES: Occurrences in northern hills have sparse understory, those in southern hills have denser, less rocky understory ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 04 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Salix exigua Shrubland PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-Blue green, gray green, to medium green Texture-Moderate Crown Size-Small Crown Shape-Round Density-Moderate to high HEIGHT (meters): <3 CONTEXT: Lower floodplain terrace, seepage area NOTES: Short on sandbars and by river, taller in seepage area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 05 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Stipa comata - Yucca glauca Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Gray green matrix with medium green to gray green dots Texture- Smooth, fine, with moderate dots Crown Size- Dots are small Crown Shape- Dots are round Density- Moderate to high, dot density varies HEIGHT (meters): <2 CONTEXT: Northern and southern hill areas NOTES: Densities of shrubs vary greatly; shrubs denser in southern hill area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 06 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Typha latifolia Western Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- White, gray, dark green, or black, some slight mottling Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <3 CONTEXT: Very wet, standing water, well saturated ground NOTES: Narrow band occurrences at edge of river are below mmu ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 07 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Spartina pectinata - Scirpus pungens Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Deep medium green Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <2 CONTEXT: Lower floodplain, margins of river, and sandbars NOTES: Usually very narrow bands; sometimes in understory of trees ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 08 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Carex nebrascensis Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- A) Deep medium green; B) Medium to dark green clumps in a matrix of light green to medium green Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1.5 CONTEXT: Lower floodplain terrace NOTES: Primarily located in the seepage area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 09 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Bromus inermis Disturbed Herbaceous vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Very dark green, to dark green with light irridescent white tinge Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Upper floodplain terrace north of Laramie River, middle floodplain terrace NOTES: Sometimes occurs in understory of trees ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 10 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Upland Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-A) Light yellow brown to dark yellow brown to rust; B) Dark to medium green dots Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <2 CONTEXT: Upper floodplain terrace, valley bottom NOTES: Dark green dots on upper floodplain are weedy forbs ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 11 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- A) Homogeneous medium to dark green, some yellow brown; B) Tan to light green to medium green to brown; C) Dark green with yellow brown mixed; D) Medium to light blue green Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1.5 CONTEXT: Middle to lower floodplain terrace, seepage area, disturbed seeded old field area NOTES: Natural and artificial occurrences; sometimes as understory of trees ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 12 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis / Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-: A) Gray green to tan green, sometimes with medium green or green dots scattered in varying densities; B) Homogeneous deep medium green to medium green; C) Dark olive green to dull tan green, sometimes with gray green dots; C) Medium light brown with medium green tinging mixing Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None, or dots are small to moderate Crown Shape- None, or dots are small to moderate Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Northern and southern hills, valley bottom, and upper to middle floodplain terrace NOTES: Primarily in the valley bottom and hill areas and rises of the floodplain area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 13 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Sporobolus cryptandrus Disturbed Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Medium green to yellow green, tan with green-yellow tinge Texture- Smooth, velvety, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Upper to middle floodplain terrace NOTES: Disturbed ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 14 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Riverine Sand Flats - Bar Sparse Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- White to gray or gray brown Texture- Smooth, fine, dots are moderate Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- None HEIGHT (meters): <.5 CONTEXT: Floodplain sandbars, lower floodplain terrace, dry to moist NOTES: Rare density of vegetation ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 15 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Upland Sand and Gravel Sparse Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- A) Light gray to dark gray to brown gray, B) Brown to yellow brown to white, with green dots Texture- Smooth, fine, dots are moderate Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- Low to Moderate HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Middle floodplain terrace, very dry NOTES: Scattered occurrences on middle floodplain ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 16 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Very homogeneous light gray Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- Very low HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Ridgetops of the northern and southern hills NOTES: Mainly occurs on BLM Plot 5, with a few in BLM Plots 3 and 1 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 17 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Sandstone Rock Outcrop Sparse Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- White, sometimes with widely scattered green dots or gray green to tan tinge Texture- Rough Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- None HEIGHT (meters): NA CONTEXT: Rocky escarpment NOTES: Only occurrence is in BLM Plot 1 in northern hills

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_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Resource_Description: FOLA 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/fola/index.html>

Access_Instructions: Internet Access

Fees: None

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20011022

Metadata_Review_Date: 20100521

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225

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 Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage:

<http://www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt/community/fgdc_metadata/255>