Accuracy Assessment FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title: Jewel Cave National Monument Vegetation Mapping Project - Accuracy Assessment Points
- Abstract:
-
The accuracy assessment field work was performed in July and August,
1996 to verify the accuracy of the vegetation communities spatial data
developed by the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program for Jewel Cave
National Monument. The data points were randomly distributed
stratified according to vegetation association over the project area
according to protocols developed by the Program. Points were located by
GPS navigation and the community information was collected at the point,
without knowledge of the attributes of the vegetation spatial data. The
data points were compared to the attributes of the polygon in which
they were contained. Attributes of the polygons or accuracy assessment
points that did not match were changed during later analysis due to
errors in the AA methodology or map attribution errors. A contingency
table was completed from the final dataset.
- Supplemental_Information:
-
All codes used in the digital file are referenced by the look-up table that
accompanies this file. The look-up table is called veg.lut. It contains both
the common name and latin names of the vegetation types.
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Geological Survey, and Department of the Interior, 199810, Jewel Cave National Monument Accuracy Assessment: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Jewel Cave National Monument, USGS Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
This is part of the following larger work.
US Dept of Interior, National Biological Survey (aka National Biological Service), [Now the Core Science Systems of USGS], and and National Park Service, 199411, Field Assessment Procedures: USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
Report prepared by the USGS (Core Science Analytics
and Synthesis in cooperation with Environmental
Systems Research Institute, 380 New York Street,
Redlands, CA.
- What geographic area does the data set cover?
- West_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.87
- East_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.75
- North_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.77
- South_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.62
- Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
-
Jewel Cave National Monument - and about a 2 mile environ around Monument Boundaries Black Hills, South Dakota, USA
- What does it look like?
- <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/jeca/images/jecaaa.pdf> (PDF)
-
298 kbyte file showing vegetation associations and location of accuracy
assessment points
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Beginning_Date: Jul-1996
- Ending_Date: Aug-1996
- Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition
- What is the general form of this data set?
- Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database and report
- How does the data set represent geographic features?
- How are geographic features stored in the data set?
- Indirect_Spatial_Reference:
-
Jewel Cave National Monument is in Custer County and is part of the south western Black
Hills. The Monument lies 11 miles west of the town of Custer, South Dakota.
This is a Point data set.
It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
- What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
- Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
- Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
-
- UTM_Zone_Number: 13
- Transverse_Mercator:
-
- Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105
- Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
- False_Easting: 500000
- False_Northing: 0
- Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996
Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Planar coordinates are specified in Meters
The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/297.257.
- How does the data set describe geographic features?
- Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
-
The system is organized hierarchically to support conservation and
resource stewardship applications across multiple scales. The upper
levels of the hierarchy are based on the physical form or structure
of the vegetation (physiognomy) and have been refined from the
international standards developed by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The two most detailed
levels of the 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 Jewel Cave National Monument,
South Dakota, Final Community Association Classification, May 1, 1998.
Alliance/Community BW=Ash Leaf Maple / Choke Cherry Forest
PT=Quaking Aspen / Choke Cherry Forest GS=Grass / Shrubland Complex
PP1=Ponderosa Pine Complex 1 PP2=Ponderosa Pine Complex II.
- Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
-
Grossman, D. Et al. 1994. National Park Service / National Biological Service
Vegetation Mapping Project, National Vegetation Classification System 209 pp.
- What biological taxa does this data set concern?
- Taxonomy:
-
- Keywords/Taxon:
-
- Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
- Taxonomic_Keywords: Plant Communities
- Taxonomic_Classification:
-
- Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
- Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
- Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Department of the Interior
- Who also contributed to the data set?
- To whom should users address questions about the data?
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
These data were necessary assess the mapping effort in addition to meeting the
requirements of the mapping program.
- What methods were used to collect the data?
- Method 0 of 1
-
Type: Field
To assess the thematic accuracy of the vegetation map we conducted an
accuracy assessment that allows the user of the digital information an
additional perspective upon the data. The final product attempts to
achieve the 80% per class accuracy required for this product. Not all
mapping units were tested for accuracy. Since the final map contains
two separate classification systems, only the mapped areas that fall
under the NVCS were included in the accuracy assessment. Areas such
as agricultural and undescribed vegetation units and other areas
classified using Anderson Level II classification were eliminated
from the sample process. Besides excluding the Anderson classified
polygons we also excluded vegetation polygons visited and sampled
during either the vegetation description or verification phase that
were small enough to confidently say were entirely correct. These were
typically riparian polygons in Hell Canyon. These small polygons were
eliminated from a site visit in the random selection process but were
included in the final accuracy assessment matrix. The remaining areas
for sampling were then stratified and sampled according to the number
of polygons in each class and the area occupied by each class. Field
Procedure: The field crew consisted of two botanists that were not
involved in any part of the previous work on the park. This crew
either worked together or separately depending upon local conditions.
Both botanists were supplied with a list of points to visit, a field
key for map class identification, field data forms, and a GPS to
navigate to each site forms . Both crew members worked "blind',
meaning that neither one was aware of the existing mapped class
designations. Upon arriving at each site, the crews scanned a wide
area around the immediate location and observed any local variation
in the plant associations. Using the key,the crew then assigned a
plant association to the accuracy point. In cases where the variation
was significant the crew made a "best fit" judgment to the class name.
In addition, other associations in the area and those that might be
confused with other plant associations were also noted on each field
form. Site Selection: The stratified random selection of accuracy
assessment sites was done on the original map classes. The x and y
coordinates of each accuracy point were derived from the original
vegetation coverage. The coverage was gridded into 50 x 50 meter cells
using ArcGrid. A 50-meter grid was chosen because it approximates the
minimum mapping unit (MMU) for the project. Using a random number
generator, we then re-selected the appropriate number of grids/samples
from each class and put them into a separate grid. Additional points
were selected for each class over the required number to allow the
field crew some latitude in case some sites were inaccessible. The
reselected cells where then converted into a point coverage. The x
and y coordinate for each point was then transferred to an ascii file.
This coordinate file was then used by the field team along with a GPS
PLGR unit to locate the position in the field. The point coverage with
the accuracy locations and the assigned map unit code are included as
a digital coverage. Data Analysis: Due to the inherent heterogeneity
of many natural systems, many of the map class determinations to be
incorrect. However, when considered in the larger context were
correct. To address this issue we attempted to include a 'fuzzy'
protocol in analyzing the field accuracy data. For example, when the
field crew visited a site they noted not only the appropriate
vegetation association designation for the immediate area but also
other associations present. When field codes where then compared with
the mapped class the point was designated correct if it agreed with
any of the associations noted on the field form.
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- Accuracy Assessment Procedures Document (source 1 of 2)
-
Systems, USGS-Core Science , U.S. National Park Service, and Department of the Interior, 199411, Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program: USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
Prepared by: Environmental Systems Research Institute; Redlands, CA
and National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis,
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA and The Nature Conservancy,
Arlington, VA under contract from U.S. Department of the Interior
Core Science Systems and National Park Service.
- Type_of_Source_Media: electronic document
- Source_Contribution:
-
This document established the procedures and protocols for the accuracy assessment at Jewel Cave National Monument.
- Spatial data of vegetation communities for Jewel Cave National Monument. (source 2 of 2)
-
U.S. Geological Survey, and Department of the Interior, 199809, Jewel Cave National Monument Spatial Vegetation Data: Cover type / Association level of the National Vegetation Classification System: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Jewel Cave National Monument, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
Created in large part by Environmental Systems Research
Institute, Inc. Redlands, CA under contract from USGS/CSS/CSAS.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Disc
- Source_Contribution:
-
The vegetation spatial data were tested for accuracy with the AA data.
- How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
- Date: Jul-1996 (process 1 of 1)
-
The accuracy assessment field work was performed
in July, 1996 to verify the accuracy of the
vegetation communities spatial data developed by
the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program for Jewel
Cave National Monument. The data points were
randomly distributed stratified according to
vegetation association over the project area
according to protocols developed by the Program.
Points were located by GPS navigation and the
community information was collected at the point,
without knowledge of the attributes of the
vegetation spatial data.
Data sources used in this process:
- Spatial data of vegetation communities for Jewel Cave National Monument.
- Accuracy Assessment Procedure Document
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
- How well have the observations been checked?
The attributes for the accuracy assessment were recorded in the field
in July and August, 1996. Vegetation associations were identified based
on the field key and plant identification. If additional communities were
found within a 50 meter radius of the plot center, they were recorded
as well. During the analysis, it was concluded that some attributes
were in error and changed to match the mapped attributes. This was done
by examination of the aerial photographs under stereoscopic view. The
attributes were in error due to 1) spatial error in the GPS derived
coordinates (4-8 meters), 2) change of vegetation community due
to temporal changes, or mis-identification of the community on the ground.
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
The points were located using a military-style GPS receiver (PLGR),
which has a published accuracy of 4-8 meters.
- How accurate are the heights or depths?
Not applicable
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
All points were collected and analyzed.
- How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
All attributes are codes that correspond to
vegetation communities and have been checked for
typographical and logical errors.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints:
-
Any person using the information presented here should fully understand
the data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these
metadata, before beginning 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.
- Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
- What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
- What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such.
The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data.
The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service.
- How can I download or order the data?
- Availability in digital form:
- Cost to order the data: None
- Dates:
- Last modified: 22-Oct-2001
Last Reviewed: 31-May-2010
- Metadata author:
-
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
- Metadata standard:
- FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001.1-1999)
- Metadata extensions used:
-
Generated by mp version 2.9.12 on Mon May 31 11:59:27 2010
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