USGS:Biology Biological Informatics Program Vegetation Characterization Program Glacier National Park Spatial Vegetation Data FAQ Metadata

Spatial Vegetation Data FAQ Metadata

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• What does this data set describe?
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  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
  3. What does it look like?
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  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
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Title:

1999 Glacier National Park Vegetation Map - Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project

Abstract:

The geographic information system (GIS) format spatial data set of vegetation for Glacier National Park (GNP) was created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Mapping Program (VMP) for the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (WGIPP). The WGIPP covers an area of approximately 458,556 ha (1,133,116 acres), and includes approximately 30.5 km (19 miles) of the Canada-United States International Boundary. The United States portion of this park (GNP) is located in northwestern Montana, in the Rocky Mountains. The map classification scheme used to create the vegetation data set is designed to represent local plant communities at the finest level possible using the National Vegetation Classification Scheme. Physiognomic information was also recorded, including tree height, canopy density, and coverage patterns. The vegetation data set was developed by interpreting aerial photographs collected in 1999, supplemented with aerial photography collected in 1997-98 and extensive field surveys. Individuals who cooperated in this project include; USGS Center for Biological Informatics, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, NPS Glacier National Park, Parks Canada Waterton Lakes National Park, NatureServe, and the Montana Natural Heritage Program. The vegetation data are distributed as a geographic information system (GIS) shapefile data set, using Universal Transverse Mercator zone 12 mapping coordinates, North American Datum 1983.

Supplemental_Information:

The WGIPP is located in southwest Alberta, Canada and northwest Montana, United States. The Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide traverse the WGIPP north to south. The entire WGIPP covers an area of approximately 458,556 ha (1,133,116 acres), and includes approximately 30.5 km (19 miles) of the Canada-United States International Boundary. The WGIPP protects an important mosaic of ecosystems, which include prairies, montane, alpine, and maritime ecosystems. Photointerpreters, ecologists, and botanists from the U.S. and Canada collaborated to describe National Vegetation Classification (NVC) System plant associations (communities) and determine how best to map them using aerial photographs. The team collected 682 vegetation plot samples within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (WGIPP) project extent; 628 from the Glacier National Park (GNP) project area, and 54 from the Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP) project area. Vegetation samples from other existing datasets were utilized, providing over 1,100 sampling plots for the vegetation analysis. Along with vegetation data from accuracy assessment (AA) sites, 226 NVC plant communities were identified in WGIPP (198 from plots, and 28 from AA), plus a few other vegetation types were less defined. Forty-eight map classes were developed to map the vegetation and general landcover of WGIPP, with forty-two of them representing NVC vegetation types. The other six map classes depict general land cover; three representing non-vegetated land cover and three representing developed areas. Two spatial data bases were produced to show locations of vegetation and general landcover; one of GNP and environs and one of WLNP and adjoining Blood Indian Timber Limit. Features were interpreted using high-quality stereoscopes over light tables and 1:15,840-scale true color aerial photographs collected in August 1999. An additional set of aerial photos were used for additional reference, 1:24,000-scale color infrared collected in August 1997. Polygon units were mapped to 0.5 ha (1.25 acres) and, for specific cases, to 0.25 ha (0.62 acres). The interpreted data were computerized and spatially referenced, so they could be accessed using geographic information systems (GIS) computer software. Collectively, the GNP and WLNP spatial data bases provide nearly 109,833 polygons of detailed attribute data covering 494,842.6 ha (1,222,782.8 acres), with an average polygon size of 4.5 ha (11.1 acres). Of the area mapped, 102,124 polygons (93%) represent NVC vegetation types, encompassing 469,190 ha (1,159,394.3 acres; 94.8%) of the total map extent. The GNP lands account for 82.5% of the entire map extent, with an additional 7.1% for environs around GNP, making up 89.6% of the combined WGIPP project boundary extent. The WLNP lands account for about 10% of the map extent, with the BITL about 0.4%; the WLNP spatial data base makes up 10.4% of the full boundary extent. The GIS format data set has been projected to Universal Transverse Mercator zone 12 mapping coordinates, using the North American Datum of 1983.

1. How should this data set be cited?

   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences , 200708, 1999 Glacier National Park Vegetation Map - Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics, Denver, Colorado.

   Online Links:

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

   Other_Citation_Details:

   A detailed report on how this data set was created is available to download from the Vegetation Mapping Program's Web site. The report discusses methods and results, and include plant community descriptions and dichotomous keys, map classification and descriptions, and AA contingency tables. It also provides information on the aerial photographs and how they were interpreted. Detailed background information for each map class and attribute code contained in this data set is provided in this report.

   This is part of the following larger work.

   U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program, 2007, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project: U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.

   Other_Citation_Details: none

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -114.501706

   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -113.212423

   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 49.033057

   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.202507

   Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Glacier National Park and environs

3. What does it look like?

4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

   Beginning_Date: 18-Aug-1999

   Ending_Date: 22-Aug-1999

   Currentness_Reference: ground condition

5. What is the general form of this data set?

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
   1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • G-polygon (98675)

   2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator

      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:

      UTM_Zone_Number: 12

      Transverse_Mercator:

      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 0.000001
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000001
      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.
      

7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

   GLAC_VegMap

   Attribute information for the vegetation map of Glacier National Park (Source: The attribute table is used to store information collected by the photo interpreters working on the vegetation mapping project. Included in this table are the photo interpreter's map classification codes, along with background information on what those codes are describing.)

   FID

   Internal feature number. These numbers are automatically generated by the software program ArcInfo Workstation, and are used by the software to track individual polygon features stored in shapefiles. Most software program will not display these numbers when the data set's attribute table is displayed. (Source: ESRI)

   Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

   Shape

   Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI)

   Coordinates defining the features (i.e., polygons).

   OBJECTID

   These numbers are also automatically generated by the software program ArcInfo Workstation, and are used by the software to track individual polygon features stored as coverages (files used with ArcInfo Workstation). (Source: ArcInfo Workstation)

   Numbers identifying features (i.e., polygons).

   AREA

   Area of an individual polygon, represented in square meters. (Source: ArcInfo Workstation)

   Positive real numbers that were automatically generated by the software program ArcInfo Workstation.

   PERIMETER

   Length of the line used to define the outer boundary of an individual polygon. Perimeter measurements are expressed in meters. (Source: ArcInfo Workstation)

   Positive real numbers that were automatically generated by the software program ArcInfo Workstation.

   MAP_ATT

   The Map_att field contains the map codes that were written onto the photo overlays created by the photointerpreters. Each code contains background information on the map class and any physiognomic identifiers (when present) associated with the polygon. A total of 847 different map_att codes are contained in this data set. As result, a complete listing of each map_att code and its definition has not been developed. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   The photo interpreter's classification and modifier codes.

   Acres

   Number of acres located in each polygon. These numbers were calculated using information stored in the Area field. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Area of each polygon, expressed as acres.

   Hectares

   Number of hectares located in each polygon. These numbers were calculated using information stored in the Area field. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Area of each polygon, expressed as hectares.

   MAP_CLASS

   The three character code used to identify each map classification (i.e., land cover) type. The definitions provided in this data set are the one contained in the attribute field Map_desc. A more detailed listing of these codes and their descriptions are available in the project's report, Table 16. This table not only lists the 3-character code and its description, but also includes subdivision information that groups similar codes by their classification subclasses, formations, and groupings. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Value	Definition
   CSA	Dwarf-shrub/Herbaceous Complex: Dry - Mesic
   CSW	Dwarf-shrub/Herbaceous Complex: Mesic - Wet
   DWD	White Dryad Dwarf-shrubland
   FAP	Poplar - Birch Forest
   FCH	Cedar - Hemlock Forest (mesic phase)
   FCR	Mixed Conifer Regenerate Forest
   FCS	Cedar - Hemlock Forest (wet phase)
   FCW	Black Cottonwood Forest
   FDF	Douglas-fir Forest
   FEP	Mixed Conifer - Deciduous Forest
   FFS	Subalpine Fir - Engelmann Spruce Forest
   FLP	Lodgepole Pine Forest
   FPW	Lodgepole Pine Wet Forest
   FSP	Engelmann Spruce Forest
   FSW	Engelmann Spruce - Wet Shrub Forest
   FWL	Western Larch Forest
   FWM	Mixed Conifer - Deciduous Wet Forest
   HES	Exposed Shoreline Herbaceous: Pioneering Vegetation
   HGL	Grassland Herbaceous
   HPF	Permanently Flooded Herbaceous
   HSF	Semi-permanently Flooded Herbaceous
   HSS	Sagebrush - Fescue Shrub Herbaceous
   HWM	Wet Meadow Herbaceous
   NGS	Glacier/Snowfield
   NLP	Natural/Artificial Lake/Pond
   NQR	Quarry
   NRC	Residential/Commercial Area
   NRR	Road/Railroad
   NST	Stream/River
   SAD	Deciduous Shrubland: Avalanche/Snow Burial
   SAM	Mixed Conifer - Deciduous Shrubland: Avalanche/Snow Burial
   SDS	Deciduous Shrubland: Dry - Mesic
   SFK	Krummholz Shrubland
   SMR	Mixed Regenerate Shrubland
   SWL	Deciduous Wet Shrubland
   VBA	Burned Vegetation: Bare Soil
   VCT	Cliff/Talus Sparse Vegetation
   VEE	Exposed Shoreline Sparse Vegetation (eroded embankment phase)
   VSL	Exposed Shoreline Sparse Vegetation (wet riparian/basin phase)
   WDF	Douglas-fir Woodland
   WFS	Subalpine Fir - Engelmann Spruce Woodland
   WLM	Limber Pine Woodland
   WLP	Lodgepole Pine Woodland
   WPP	Ponderosa Pine Woodland
   WSL	Subalpine Larch Woodland
   WWB	Whitebark Pine Woodland
   XHC	Hayfield/Cropland

   MAP_DESC

   Full map class name, the Base and Phase name listed together. A listing of the individual map classes has already been provided, underneath the heading of Map_class. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Full Description of Map Class Vegetation Types (See Map Class Value Definition)

   MAP_BDESC

   The base map class name, without phase classes. These names were previously listed underneath the heading of Map_class. The base names are written underneath the headings of Attribute_Definition: If a phase class name is present, it appears after the class name surrounded by parenthesis. Only 4 entries have phase names associated with them. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Base Map Names

   MAP_PDESC

   Phase Map Class name. Only two of the map classes have phase names associated with them. The Cedar - Hemlock Forest has both a mesic and wet phase, Exposed Shoreline Sparse Vegetation has both an eroded embankment and a wet riparian/basin phase. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Phase Names

   DENS_MOD

   The coverage density modifier is an estimation of the percentage of area covered by a given map class, within a given polygon. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Value	Definition
   1 - Closed Canopy/Continuous (60-100% coverage)	When the photointerpreters included a density modifier of 1 in a polygon's Map_att code, this signified that 60% to 100% of that polygon was covered with the identified map class.
   2 - Open Canopy/Discontinuous (25-60% coverage)	When the photointerpreters included a density modifier of 2 in a polygon's Map_att code, this signified that 25% to 60% of that polygon was covered with the identified map class.
   3 - Dispersed/Sparse Canopy (10-25% coverage)	When the photointerpreters included a density modifier of 3 in a polygon's Map_att code, this signified that only 10% to 25% of that polygon was covered with the identified map class.

   PTRN_MOD

   The pattern modifiers are used to describe how the vegetation associated with that particular map class is growing within each polygon. Are any particular growth patterns noticeable? Is the vegetation clumped? Is it evenly distributed? (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Value	Definition
   A - Evenly Dispersed	When the photointerpreters included a pattern modifier of A, this meant that vegetation associated with that particular map class appeared evenly distributed within the polygon.
   B - Clumped/Bunched	When the photointerpreters included a pattern modifier of B, this meant that vegetation associated with that particular map class appeared in bunches or clumps within the polygon.
   C - Gradational/Transitional	When the photointerpreters included a pattern modifier of C, this meant that vegetation associated with that particular map class appeared to follow a gradational or transitional pattern in that polygon. Examples of when this might occur is if a shrubland has been identified in an avalanche/snow burial zone, or the density of plant growth decreases as elevation increases.
   D - Regularly Alternating	When the photointerpreters included a pattern modifier of D, this meant that vegetation regularly alternated between two or more land cover types within a single polygon.
   N/A	Used as a place holder in this field, when no pattern modifiers were recorded.

   HT_MOD

   An estimation of the average height of the vegetation associated with the map class, within that polygon. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Value	Definition
   1 - 30-50 meters (98-162 ft)	When the photointerpreters recorded a height modifier of 1, this meant the vegetation associated with that particular map class averaged approximately 30 to 50 meters in height.
   2 - 15-30 meters (50-98 feet)	When the photointerpreters recorded a height modifier of 2, this meant the vegetation associated with that particular map class averaged approximately 15 to 30 meters in height.
   3 - 5-15 meters (16-50 feet)	When the photointerpreters recorded a height modifier of 3, this meant the vegetation associated with that particular map class averaged approximately 5 to 15 meters in height.
   4 - 0.5-5 meters (1.5-16 feet)	When the photointerpreters recorded a height modifier of 4, this meant the vegetation associated with that particular map class averaged approximately 0.5 to 5 meters in height.
   5 - <2 meters	When the photointerpreters recorded a height modifier of 5, this meant the vegetation associated with that particular map class averaged less than 2 meters in height.
   6 - 0.5 meters (< 1.5 feet)	When the photointerpreters recorded a height modifier of 5, this meant the vegetation associated with that particular map class averaged a half a meter (0.5m) in height.
   N/A	Used as a place holder in this field, when no height modifiers were recorded.

   XYZ_MOD

   The park's whitebark (Pinus albicaulis) and limber pine (P. flexilis) trees have been affected by the disease white pine blister rust. To help identify the status of these trees (alive or dead), the xyz modifiers have been created. (Source: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project)

   Value	Definition
   N/A	Polygons that have an N/A value assigned to them did not have a xyz_mod attribute recorded in their map_att code.
   X - Dead (significant dead trees of any species present within the polygon; no live whitebark or limber pine trees)	For those polygons that had an X modifier recorded, whitebark and/or limber pine trees were present, though no living trees were visible in the photos.
   Y - Dead and Alive (significant dead trees of any species, and live whitebark and/or limber pine trees present within the polygon)	For those polygons that had a Y modifier recorded, a significant number of dead trees were noticed. Some alive whitebark and/or limber pine trees were also noticed.
   Z - Alive (all whitebark and limber pine trees present within the polygon appear alive within the polygon)	For those polygons that had a Z modifier recorded, all whitebark and/or limber pine trees appeared to be alive.

   NVC2_L1X

   This field contains level 1 (formation class) maps codes, as defined by the National Vegetation Classification scheme (version 2, draft). Level 1 is also known as the formation class. A vegetation classification unit of high rank (1st level) defined by a characteristic combination of dominant growth forms adapted to a very basic set of moisture/temperature regimes. (Source: National Vegetation Classification Standard, Version 2 - Working Draft)

   Value	Definition
   Agricultural Vegetation	Areas of hayfields or croplands are included in this formation class.
   Forest and Woodland	Forests contain trees usually taller than 5m (16ft), shorter only when forest regeneration (from fire, bug kill, blow-down) with a well-developed understory of shrubs and/or herbaceous growth. Canopy cover usually >60%, but may go as low as 25%. Woodlands contain trees generally shorter than 10m (35ft) with an understory of herbaceous/dwarf shrub and/or rock. Stands shorter than 2m (6ft) are mapped as subalpine fir-Engelmann spruce woodland (WFS) regardless of tree species. Canopy cover usually >25%, but may go as low as 10%. Under sparsest cases, shrubland, dwarf-shrubland, and herbaceous types are inherent; these are too numerous and not necessarily defined.
   Non-vegetated Land (non-NVC)	A category used to classify lands with limited capacity to support life and typically having less than 1 percent vegetative cover. Vegetation, if present, is widely spaced. Map classes in this group are; glacier/snowfields, natural or artificial lakes or ponds, quarries, residential or commercial areas, railroads or roads, and streams or rivers.
   Nonvascular and Sparse Vascular Vegetation	Only one map class fell into the level 1 class of nonvascular and sparse vascular vegetation class, cliff/talus sparse vegetation. These areas were most commonly found above the tree line on steep rocky mountain slopes, but occasionally were also located in montane and foothill zones.
   Polar and High Montane Vegetation	Map classes that fell into this level 1 class were used to describe areas containing dwarf shrubs, shrubs shorter than 0.5m (1.5ft) with cover layer >25%.
   Semi-Desert Scrub and Grassland	Only one map class fell into this level 1 class, sagebrush - fescue shrub herbaceous. It is restricted in location west of the continental divide in the northwest corner of the park. It closely follows the prairie lands along the Northfork Flathead River corridor, essentially from the U.S.-Canada International border to the Polebridge area.
   Shrubland and Grassland	Shrublands are contain shrubs with heights between 0.5-5m (1.5-16ft). Grasslands are dominated by perennial grasses and grass-like plants.

   NVC2_L2X

   The level 2 classification contains the formation subclass entries. The subclass name reflects the structure, physiognomy and environmental factors that characterize the subclass. The primary environmental factor is macroclimate. (Source: National Vegetation Classification Standard, Version 2 - Working Draft)

   Value	Definition
   Cool Semi-Desert Scrub and Grassland	Only one map class fell into this level 2 class, sagebrush - fescue shrub herbaceous. It is restricted in location west of the continental divide in the northwest corner of the park. It closely follows the prairie lands along the Northfork Flathead River corridor, essentially from the U.S.-Canada International border to the Polebridge area.
   Herbaceous Agricultural Vegetation	Areas of hayfields or croplands are included in this formation subclass.
   Mediterranean, Temperate, and Boreal Nonvascular and Sparse Vascular Vegetation	Only one map class fell into the level 1 class of nonvascular and sparse vascular vegetation class, cliff/talus sparse vegetation. These areas were most commonly found above the tree line on steep rocky mountain slopes, but occasionally were also located in montane and foothill zones.
   Temperate Forest and Woodland	The temperate modifier identifies forests and woodlands located geographically in a region between the polar and tropical regions. Climatically, this region is moderate with distinct seasons of alternating long, warm summers and short, cold winters.
   Temperate and Boreal Alpine Vegetation	The temperate modifier identifies forests and woodlands located geographically in a region between the polar and tropical regions. Climatically, this region is moderate with distinct seasons of alternating long, warm summers and short, cold winters. The boreal modifier identifies the northern biogeographical region, subpolar and cold temperate areas. Map classes that fell into this level 1 class were used to describe areas containing dwarf shrubs, shrubs shorter than 0.5m (1.5ft) with cover layer >25%.
   Temperate and Boreal Grassland, Meadow, and Shrubland	The temperate modifier identifies forests and woodlands located geographically in a region between the polar and tropical regions. Climatically, this region is moderate with distinct seasons of alternating long, warm summers and short, cold winters. The boreal modifier identifies the northern biogeographical region, subpolar and cold temperate areas.
   Terrestrial Cultural Non-vegetated Land (non-NVC)	Cultural non-vegetated lands are areas whose structure, composition, and development are determined by regular human activity. Non-vegetated areas that fall into this subclass are; quarries, residential or commercial areas, and roads or railroads.
   Terrestrial Natural Non-vegetated Land (non-NVC)	Naturally occurring non-vegetated areas whose structure, composition, and development are not determined by regular human activity. Non-vegetated areas that fall into this subclass are; glaciers or snowfields, natural or artificial lakes or ponds, and streams or rivers.

   NVC2_L3X

   The level 3 classification contains the formation entries. The formation name reflects the structure, physiognomy and environmental factors that characterize the formation. The primary environmental factors are soil moisture conditions and elevation. Physiognomic terms are sometimes more specific than the class or subclass name. All physiognomic terms should be defined in the vegetation type description. (Source: National Vegetation Classification Standard, Version 2 - Working Draft)

   Value	Definition
   Alpine Scrub, Forb Meadow, and Grassland	Map classes in this category are; dwarf-shrub/herbaceous complex: dry - mesic, and white dryad dwarf-shrubland.
   Cool Semi-Desert Scrub and Grassland	The map class in this category is; sagebrush - fescue shrub herbaceous.
   Cool Temperate Forest and Woodland	Map classes in this category are; cedar - hemlock forest (mesic phase), Douglas-fir forest, Douglas-fir woodland, Krummholz shrubland, limber pine woodland, lodgepole pine forest, lodgepole pine woodland, mixed conifer - deciduous forest, ponderosa pine woodland, poplar - birch forest, subalpine fir - Engelmann spruce forest, subalpine fir - Engelmann spruce woodland, subalpine larch woodland, western larch forest, and whitebark pine woodland.
   Cultivated Crop	The map class in this category is; hayfield/cropland.
   Developed Land (non-NVC)	Map classes in this category are; quarry, residential/commercial area, and road/railroad.
   Glacier, Ice, and Snowfield (non-NVC)	The map class in this category is; glacier/snowfield
   Temperate and Boreal Cliff, Scree, Talus, and Other Rock Vegetation	The map class in this category is; cliff/talus sparse vegetation.
   Temperate and Boreal Wet Riparian, Freshwater Marsh, and Shrub Swamp	Map classes in this category are; deciduous wet shrubland, dwarf-shrub/herbaceous complex: mesic - wet, exposed shoreline herbaceous: pioneering vegetation, exposed shoreline sparse vegetation (eroded embankment phase), exposed shoreline sparse vegetation (wet riparian/basin phase), permanently flooded herbaceous, semi-permanently flooded herbaceous, and wet meadow herbaceous.
   Temperate Grassland, Forb Meadow, and Shrubland	Map classes in this category are; burned vegetation: bare soil, deciduous shrubland: avalanche/snow burial, deciduous shrubland: dry - mesic, grassland herbaceous, mixed conifer - deciduous shrubland: avalanche/snow burial, mixed conifer regenerate forest, and mixed regenerate shrubland.
   Temperate Wetland Forest and Woodland	Map classes in this category are; black cottonwood forest, cedar - hemlock forest (wet phase), Engelmann spruce - wet shrub forest, Engelmann spruce forest, lodgepole pine wet forest, and mixed conifer - deciduous wet forest.
   Water-body (non-NVC)	Map classes in this category are; natural/artificial lake/pond, and stream/river.

   NVC2_L5X

   The level 5 classification is the macrogroup. Macrogroups are vegetation classification units of intermediate rank (5th level), defined by a group of plant communities with a common set of specific growth forms and many diagnostic plant taxa (including many character taxa of the dominant growth forms), preferentially sharing a similar broad geographic region and regional climate, and disturbance. (Source: National Vegetation Classification Standard, Version 2 - Working Draft)

   Value	Definition
   Developed and Other Cultural Area (non-NVC)	The map classes in this category are; quarry, residential/commercial area, and road/railroad.
   Northern (Cool) Rocky Mountain - Vancouverian Montane Shrubland and Grassland	The map classes in this category are; deciduous shrubland: avalanche/snow burial, deciduous shrubland: dry - mesic, grassland herbaceous, and mixed conifer - deciduous shrubland: avalanche/snow burial.
   Northern Great Basin Shrub Steppe and Grassland	The map class in this category is; sagebrush - fescue shrub herbaceous.
   Open Water-body (non-NVC)	The map classes in this category are; natural/artificial lake/pond and stream/river.
   Perennial Glacier and Snowfield (non-NVC)	The map class in this category is; glacier/snowfield.
   Rocky Mountain Alpine Scrub, Forb Meadow, and Grassland	The map classes in this category are; dwarf-shrub/herbaceous complex: dry - mesic and white dryad dwarf-shrubland.
   Rocky Mountain and Great Basin Wet Forest	The map classes in this category are; dwarf-shrub/herbaceous complex: black cottonwood forest, cedar - hemlock forest (wet phase), Engelmann spruce - wet shrub forest, Engelmann spruce forest, lodgepole pine wet forest, and mixed conifer - deciduous wet forest.
   Rocky Mountain Cliff, Scree, Talus, and Other Rock Vegetation	The map class in this category is; cliff/talus sparse vegetation.
   Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Forest and Woodland	The map classes in this category are; cedar - hemlock forest (mesic phase), Douglas-fir forest, Douglas-fir woodland, limber pine woodland, ponderosa pine woodland, and western larch forest.
   Rocky Mountain Subalpine and High Montane Forest and Woodland	The map classes in this category are; Krummholz shrubland, lodgepole pine forest, lodgepole pine woodland, mixed conifer - deciduous forest, poplar - birch forest, subalpine fir - Engelmann spruce forest, subalpine fir - Engelmann spruce woodland, subalpine larch woodland, and whitebark pine woodland.
   Rocky Mountain Successional Vegetation	The map classes in this category are; burned vegetation: bare soil, mixed conifer regenerate forest, and mixed regenerate shrubland.
   Temperate and Tropical Row Crop/Close Grown Crop	The map class in this category is; hayfield/cropland.
   Western North America Freshwater Shrub, Marsh, and Wet Meadow	The map classes in this category are; deciduous wet shrubland, dwarf-shrub/herbaceous complex: mesic - wet, exposed shoreline herbaceous: pioneering vegetation, exposed shoreline sparse vegetation (eroded embankment phase), exposed shoreline sparse vegetation (wet riparian/basin phase), permanently flooded herbaceous, semi-permanently flooded herbaceous, and wet meadow herbaceous.

   NVC2_L6X

   The level 6 classification is the unit of intermediate rank (6th level) defined by a group of plant communities with a common set of specific growth forms and several diagnostic species (taxa) (including character species of the dominant growth forms), preferentially sharing a similar set of regional edaphic (soil conditions), topographic, and disturbance factors. (Source: National Vegetation Classification Standard, Version 2 - Working Draft)

   Value	Definition
   Developed Area (non-NVC)	The map class in this category is; residential/commercial area.
   Inter-Mountain Basin Montane Sagebrush Steppe	The map class in this category is; sagebrush - fescue shrub herbaceous.
   Mountain Perennial Glacier and Snowfield (non-NVC)	The map class in this category is; glacier/snowfield.
   Northern Rocky Mountain Avalanche Chute Shrubland	The map classes in this category are; deciduous shrubland: avalanche/snow burial and mixed conifer - deciduous shrubland: avalanche/snow burial.
   Northern Rocky Mountain Conifer Swamp and Riparian Forest	The map class in this category is; cedar - hemlock forest (wet phase).
   Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Deciduous Shrubland	The map class in this category is; deciduous shrubland: dry - mesic.
   Northern Rocky Mountain Montane Riparian Forest	The map classes in this category are; black cottonwood forest and mixed conifer - deciduous wet forest.
   Northern Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine Woodland	The map class in this category is; ponderosa pine woodland.
   Open Water Stream/River and Lake/Pond (non-NVC)	The map classes in this category are; natural/artificial lake/pond and stream/river.
   Other Cultural Area (non-NVC)	The map classes in this category are; quarry and road/railroad.
   Rocky Mountain Alpine Cliff, Scree, and Other Rock Vegetation	The map class in this category is; cliff/talus sparse vegetation.
   Rocky Mountain Alpine Dry Scrub and Fell-field	The map class in this category is; white dryad dwarf-shrubland.
   Rocky Mountain Alpine Meadow	The map class in this category is; dwarf-shrub/herbaceous complex: dry - mesic.
   Rocky Mountain Cedar - Hemlock Rainforest	The map class in this category is; cedar - hemlock forest (mesic phase).
   Rocky Mountain Conifer Swamp and Riparian Forest	The map classes in this category are; Engelmann spruce - wet shrub forest, Engelmann spruce forest, and lodgepole pine wet forest.
   Rocky Mountain Early Successional Forest, Shrubland, and Forb Meadow	The map classes in this category are; burned vegetation: bare soil, mixed conifer regenerate forest, and mixed regenerate shrubland.
   Rocky Mountain Mesic Montane Conifer Forest	The map classes in this category are; Douglas-fir forest, Douglas-fir woodland, and western larch forest.
   Rocky Mountain Montane Grassland	The map class in this category is; grassland herbaceous.
   Rocky Mountain Montane Limber Pine - Juniper Woodland	The map class in this category is; limber pine woodlands.
   Rocky Mountain Shoreline Vegetation	The map classes in this category are; exposed shoreline herbaceous: pioneering vegetation, exposed shoreline sparse vegetation (eroded embankment phase), and exposed shoreline sparse vegetation (wet riparian/basin phase).
   Rocky Mountain Subalpine (Cool) Deciduous Broadleaf and Mixed Forest	The map classes in this category are; mixed conifer - deciduous forest and poplar - birch forest.
   Rocky Mountain Subalpine and Montane Riparian Shrubland	The map class in this category is; deciduous wet shrubland.
   Rocky Mountain Subalpine Mesic Conifer Forest and Woodland	The map classes in this category are; Krummholz shrubland, subalpine fir - Engelmann spruce forest, and subalpine fir - Engelmann spruce woodland.
   Rocky Mountain Subalpine Whitebark Pine and Subalpine Larch Woodland	The map classes in this category are; subalpine larch woodland and whitebark pine woodland.
   Rocky Mountain Subboreal and Montane Conifer Forest	The map classes in this category are; lodgepole pine forest and lodgepole pine woodland.
   Rocky Mountain Wet Meadow and Snowbed	The map class in this category is; dwarf-shrub/herbaceous complex: mesic - wet.
   Temperate Row Crop/Close Grown Crop	The map class in this category is; hayfield/cropland.
   Western North America Emergent Marsh	The map classes in this category are; permanently flooded herbaceous, semi-permanently flooded herbaceous, and wet meadow herbaceous.

   ASSN_CEGL

   Community element global codes. (Source: NatureServe)

   Community Global Codes

   ALL_KEY

   Alliance key code national codes. (Source: NatureServe)

   NVCS Alliance Codes

8. 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:

   Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom

   Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae

1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
   • U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

2. Who also contributed to the data set?

3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

   USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
   c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
   USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
   U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics, MS 302, Room 8000, Building 810, Denver Federal Center
   Denver, CO 80225
   USA
   

   (303) 202-4220 (voice)
   (303) 202-4219 (FAX)
   gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
   

The USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program (VMP) is a cooperative effort by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) to classify, describe, and map existing vegetation of national park units for the Natural Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program. The goals of the WGIPP vegetation mapping project were to (1) adequately describe and map plant communities of WGIPP and (2) provide the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program, resource managers, and biological researchers with useful baseline vegetation information.

1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

   1999 Aerial Photos (source 1 of 10)

   U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program, 199908, 1999 True Color Aerial Photos - Glacier National Park: U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   In August 1999, Glacier National Park was photographed using true color positive transparency film, at a scale of 1:15,840. A total of 1,618 photographs were collected, using a Zeiss RMK TOP 15 camera. The contractor used to collect the photos was HJW & Associates, located in Irvine, California.

   Type_of_Source_Media: true color positive transparency

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 15840

   Source_Contribution:

   The 1999 aerial photos were used by the photointerpreters to identify land cover features. Photointerpretation was performed on this set of photos.

   1997 Aerial Photos - GNP (source 2 of 10)

   U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program, 199708, 1997 Color Infrared Aerial Photos - Glacier National Park: U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   In August 1997, Glacier National Park was photographed using color infrared positive transparency film, at a scale of 1:24,000. A total of 892 photographs were collected, using a Zeiss RMK TOP 15 camera. The contractor used to collect the photos was HJW & Associates, located in Irvine, California.

   Type_of_Source_Media: color infrared positive transparency

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000

   Source_Contribution:

   The photointerpreters used this set of photos as a source of supplemental information.

   1997 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers (source 3 of 10)

   U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program, 199708, 1997 Color Infrared Aerial Photos - Select Glaciers and Lakes: U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   In August 1997, select glaciers and lakes located in Glacier National Park were photographed using color infrared positive transparency film, at a scale of 1:12,000. A total of 418 photographs were collected, using a Zeiss RMK TOP 15 camera. The contractor used to collect the photos was HJW & Associates, located in Irvine, California.

   Type_of_Source_Media: color infrared positive transparency

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000

   Source_Contribution:

   The photointerpreters used this set of photos as a source of supplemental information.

   1998 Aerial Photos - GNP (source 4 of 10)

   U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program, 199808, 1998 Color Infrared Aerial Photos - Glacier National Park: U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   In August 1998, select areas in Glacier National Park were photographed, to fill in several data gaps noticed in the 1997 aerial photos. A total of 87 photographs were collected, using a Zeiss RMK TOP 15 camera. The contractor used to collect the photos was HJW & Associates, located in Irvine, California.

   Type_of_Source_Media: color infrared positive transparency

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000

   Source_Contribution:

   The photointerpreters used this set of photos as a source of supplemental information.

   1998 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers (source 5 of 10)

   U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program, 199808, 1998 Color Infrared Aerial Photos - Select Glaciers and Lakes: U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   In August 1998, select areas in Glacier National Park were photographed, to fill in several data gaps noticed in the 1997 aerial photos. A total of 87 photographs were collected, using a Zeiss RMK TOP 15 camera. The contractor used to collect the photos was HJW & Associates, located in Irvine, California.

   Type_of_Source_Media: color infrared positive transparency

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000

   Source_Contribution:

   The photointerpreters used this set of photos as a source of supplemental information.

   USGS DOQ (source 6 of 10)

   USGS - National Mapping Division, and U.S. Geological Survey, Unknown, Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles: EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, MN.

   Online Links:

   • <http://nsdi.usgs.gov/products/doq.html>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   A digital orthophoto is a digital image of an aerial photograph in which displacements caused by the camera and the terrain have been removed. It combines the image characteristics of a photograph with the geometric qualities of a map. The standard digital orhthophoto produced by the USGS is a black-and-white, or color infrared, 1-meter ground resolution quarter quadrangle image. The accuracy and quality of USGS digital orthophotos must meet National Map Accuracy Standards at 1:12,000 scale for 3.75-minute quadrangles and at 1:24,000-scale for 7.5-minute quadrangles.

   Type_of_Source_Media: Digital data base file

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000

   Source_Contribution:

   This data set was used during the orthorectification process of the interpreted photo overlays. The digital orthophoto quadrangles (DOQs) are used by the software program Orthomapper as an existing data set that has already been orthorectified (i.e., georeferenced, and elevation distortions have been removed). The photo overlays are aligned with the DOQs, then the software program uses data stored in the DOQ images along with available elevation data to georeference and remove elevation distortions from the photo overlays (i.e., orthorectify).

   1/3 NED Data (source 7 of 10)

   U.S. Geological Survey, and Center, Eros Data , Unknown, National Elevation Data (NED) - 1/3 Arc Second Data: U.S. Geological Survey, Sioux Falls, SD.

   Online Links:

   • <http://gisdata.usgs.net/website/seamless/>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   The National Elevation Dataset (NED) 1/3 Arc Second is a raster product assembled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). NED 1/3 Arc Second is designed to provide National elevation data in a seamless form with a consistent datum, elevation unit, and projection. Data corrections are made in the NED 1/3 Arc Second assembly process to minimize, but not eliminate, artifacts, perform edge matching, and fill sliver areas of missing data. NED 1/3 Arc Second has a resolution of 1/3 arc-second (approximately 10 meters) for the conterminous United States.

   Type_of_Source_Media: Digital database file

   Source_Contribution: Provided elevation data for the study area.

   1 NED Data (source 8 of 10)

   U.S. Geological Survey, and Center, EROS Data , Unknown, National Elevation Data (NED) - 1 Arc Second Data: EROS Data Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

   Online Links:

   • <http://gisdata.usgs.net/website/seamless/>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   The National Elevation Dataset (NED) 1 Arc Second is a raster product assembled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). NED is designed to provide National elevation data in a seamless form with a consistent datum, elevation unit, and projection. Data corrections are made in the NED assembly process to minimize, but not eliminate, artifacts, perform edge matching, and fill sliver areas of missing data. NED has a resolution of one arc-second (approximately 30 meters) for the conterminous United States.

   Type_of_Source_Media: Digital database file

   Source_Contribution: Provided elevation data for the study area.

   WGIPP Vegetation Classification (source 9 of 10)

   Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences , National Park Service, Glacier National Park, Parks Canada, Waterton Lakes National Park, NatureServe, and Montana Natural Heritage Program, 2007, Final Vegetation Classification of Waterton-Glacier IPP: U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado.

   Online Links:

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

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Map classification developed specifically for the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Vegetation Mapping Project. Includes crosswalk to the National Vegetation Classification System floristic and physiognomic levels (names and codes), NatureServe Ecological Systems, and U.S. Geological Survey Land Use and Land Cover Classification System (Level 2). The final report for this mapping project contains a detailed listing of this classification scheme, in Appendix I, Final Vegetation Classification of Waterton-Glacier IPP.

   Type_of_Source_Media: database

   Source_Contribution:

   Map classification defining polygon data (vegetation and general land cover).

   NVCS Physiognomic Classes (FGDC 1997) (source 10 of 10)

   National Spatial Data Infrastru, Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vege, 199706, National Vegetation Classification Standard (1997): Standards Vegetation Classification and Information Standards, Federal Geographic Data Committee, Reston, Virginia.

   Online Links:

   • <http://www.fgdc.gov/participation/working-groups-subcommittees/vsc/index_html>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Federal Geographic Data Committee. 1997. Vegetation classification standard, FGDC-STD-005.

   Type_of_Source_Media: document

   Source_Contribution:

   Standard vegetation classification system (physiognomic levels) used for classification structure.

2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

   Date: 1997 (process 1 of 7)

   Introduction: Mapping vegetation of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (IPP) and environs involved four primary steps; (1) field reconnaissance, (2) map classification, (3) photointerpretation, and (4) digital map automation and database development. Although these steps occurred sequentially, they overlap to some degree.

   Date: 1997 (process 2 of 7)

   Field Reconnaissance: The Park was mapped in sections. Before photointerpretation was initiated, photo interpreters would visit each section to perform field reconnaissance. At this time, field trips were performed to a variety of locations within the section that was scheduled to be mapped. Printed copies of the aerial photos that would be used during the photointerpretation process were brought along, so conditions on the ground could be compared to images contained in the photos. These trips helped the photointerpreters determine which plant types could be identified within the aerial photos.

   Data sources used in this process:

   • 1999 Aerial Photos
   • 1997 Aerial Photos - GNP
   • 1997 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers
   • 1998 Aerial Photos - GNP
   • 1998 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers
   • WGIPP Vegetation Classification
   • NVCS Physiognomic Classes (FGDC 1997)

   Date: 1997 (process 3 of 7)

   Map Classification: The ultimate goal of the map classification was to represent the plant communities of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park as defined by the individuals who performed the vegetation classification project. The photointerpreters cooperated with the vegetation specialists to determine which vegetation types and communities could be accurately identified using the aerial photography. Some of the classes appearing in the final vegetation map might be comprised of a single vegetation type as identified by the vegetation classifiers, others may contain one of several different types. Not all vegetation types/communities visible on the ground are identifiable in an aerial photograph.

   Data sources used in this process:

   • 1999 Aerial Photos
   • 1997 Aerial Photos - GNP
   • 1997 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers
   • 1998 Aerial Photos - GNP
   • 1998 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers
   • WGIPP Vegetation Classification
   • NVCS Physiognomic Classes (FGDC 1997)

   Date: 1998 (process 4 of 7)

   Photointerpretation: Photointerpretation was performed using Richards MIM light tables and Bausch & Lomb Zoom 240 stereoscopes with variable zoom capabilities. Photointerpretation was performed on the 1999 true color positive photo transparencies, using acetate overlays, Rapidograph ink pens (6x0-size, 0.13 mm) and Rapidraw black India ink (3084; waterproof, fast drying for film). During this process the 1997 and 1998 color infrared aerial photography was used as a reference source, to assist with the identification of various land cover types. Detailed information on how the photointerpretation processes were performed is available in the project's final report.

   Data sources used in this process:

   • 1999 Aerial Photos
   • 1997 Aerial Photos - GNP
   • 1997 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers
   • 1998 Aerial Photos - GNP
   • 1998 Aerial Photos - Lakes & Glaciers
   • WGIPP Vegetation Classification
   • NVCS Physiognomic Classes (FGDC 1997)

   Date: 1998 (process 5 of 7)

   Orthorectification: The photo overlays and contact prints of the 1999 photography were scanned at 400 dots per inch (dpi) and orthorectified. This was accomplished using the software program Orthomapper. Visible features in the aerial photos (e.g., individual rocks, bushes, trees) were used to align the aerial photos to digital orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ). The software then used these data and the region's elevation data to orthorectify the photos. Data used to orthorectify the photos were then applied to scanned images of the photo overlays, to orthorectify them as well. Once several photos in the same area were orthorectified, the software was used to mosaic the overlays and create a single orthorectified image file.

   Data sources used in this process:

   • GNP Photo Overlays
   • 1 NED Data
   • 1/3 NED Data
   • USGS DOQ

   Date: 1998 (process 6 of 7)

   Conversion to GIS format files: The software program ArcInfo Workstation was then used to convert the orthorectified overlays into a GIS format data. The software program's ArcScan processing module was used to convert the raster images into vector data. The modules ArcTools and ArcEdit were used to check the vector data for potential errors and associate the photo interpreter's map classification codes with vector data. During this process numerous accuracy checks were performed on the data.

   Date: 2005 (process 7 of 7)

   Accuracy Assessment: An in-depth accuracy project was performed on the geographic information system (GIS) format land cover data set. This was done to measure the probability of map accuracy (or, the absence of error). A series of computer selected random sampling sites were chosen for each map class in the data set. The mapping coordinates of these sites were then provided to field crews, who used global positioning system (GPS) receivers to locate each site. The land cover at each of these sites was compared to data developed by the photo interpreters, to determine the thematic accuracy of the data set. Detailed information on how this assessment was performed and its results are available in the project report. The overall attribute accuracy of the Glacier National Park vegetation map is 87.9% (Kappa index of 87.4%).

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
   Coordinator - National Park Mapping Program
   2630 Fanta Reed Road
   La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603-1223
   United States of America
   

   (608) 783-6451 (voice)
   (608) 783-8058 (FAX)
   

   Hours_of_Service: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, M-F

   Contact_Instructions:

   Ask receptionist to connect you with the national park mapping coordinator.

3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

1. How well have the observations been checked?

   The USGS-NPS vegetation mapping program has established an attribute accuracy level of 80% for the program. The Glacier National Park vegetation map has an overall attribute accuracy of 87.9% (Kappa index of 87.4%); calculated using information collected at 918 attribute accuracy sampling sites.

2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

   The photointerpreted data were georeferenced and orthorectified using the software program Orthomapper, 3.75-minute USGS digital orthophoto quadrangles, and 1- and 1/3-degree national elevation data sets. The reference orthophotos have a horizontal root mean square error (RMSE) of no greater than 7.0 meters. Field control for the orthophoto's reference images were acquired by third order class 1 or better survey methods, sufficiently spaced to meet National Map Accuracy Standards (NMAS) for 1:12,000-scale products.

3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

   No elevation information is stored in this data set. Instead, elevation data was used during the orthorectification process minimize or eliminates distortions caused by changes in elevation.

4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

   All features identified by the photointerpreters were automated. Information stored in the map codes used by the photointerpreters (e.g., vegetation community, tree height, vegetation cover, ...) are stored in the data set's attribute table. The map codes are cross-referenced within the database attribute table to the National Vegetation Classification Scheme, at all physiognomic and floristic levels. A minimum mapping unit of 0.5 ha (1.25 acre) was used for this project, with a 0.25 ha (0.62 acre) used in select areas.

5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

   All polygon features were checked for potential topology and attribute errors using the software program ArcInfo Workstation (versions 8.02, 9.0, 9.1, and 9.2). Topology checks were performed to make sure each polygon was closed, no dangling features were present, each polygon contained a labeling point, and to make sure that no duplicate lines, polygons, or labels were present.

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: none

Use_Constraints: none

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)

   USGS Center for Biological Informatics
   USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
   United States Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics
   Denver, Colorado 80225
   USA
   

   303 202-4220 (voice)
   303 202-4219 (FAX)
   gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
   

2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

   Downloadable Data

3. 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.

4. How can I download or order the data?
   • Availability in digital form:

     Data format:	HTML
     Network links:	<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/glac/index.html>

   • Cost to order the data: None

Dates:

Last modified: 18-Jul-2007
Last Reviewed: 31-Jan-2008

Metadata author:

USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics, MS 302,
Room 8000, Building 810, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
USA

(303) 202-4220 (voice)
(303) 202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:

FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, 1998 Part 1: Biological Data Profile, 1999 (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Metadata extensions used:

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