Field Plots FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title:
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial Vegetation Mapping Project - Field Plot Points
- Abstract:
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Vegetation field plots at Mount Rushmore NM were visited, described, and
documented in a digital database. The database consists of 2 parts - (1)
Physical Descriptive Data, and (2) Species Listings .
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Geological Survey Department of Interior, 19980310, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Field Plots Data Base for Vegetation Mapping: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Mount Rushmore National Memorial, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Created by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under contract to the USGS-CSS-CSAS.
- What geographic area does the data set cover?
- West_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.5
- East_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.4
- North_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.9
- South_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.8
- Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
-
Mount Rushmore National Memorial and about 2 mile
environs around Memorial Boundaries - Black Hills,
South Dakota, USA.
- What does it look like?
- <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/moru/images/moruplots.pdf> (PDF)
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Locations of vegetation plot samples; low resolution for web browsing.
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Beginning_Date: Jun-1997
- Ending_Date: Aug-1997
- Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition
- What is the general form of this data set?
- Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Database
- How does the data set represent geographic features?
- How are geographic features stored in the data set?
- Indirect_Spatial_Reference:
-
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is in Pennington County and is part of the
south eastern Black Hills. The memorial shares its southwest boundary with
the Norbeck Wilderness Preserve. All other boundaries are shared with the
Black Hills National Forest.
This is a Point data set.
It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
- What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
- Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
- Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
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- UTM_Zone_Number: 13
- Transverse_Mercator:
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- Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105
- Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
- False_Easting: 500000
- False_Northing: 0
- Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996
Planar coordinates are encoded using Coordinate Pair
Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Planar coordinates are specified in Meters
The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
The ellipsoid used is 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:
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Each of 19 vegetation mapping plot sites has attributes of species found.
Physical description - General plot information is described by
identification codes, locational information (including state, park
name, and USGS 7 1/2' topographic quad name). Physical factors
tabulated in the database include UTM_X, UTM_Y, UTM Zone, map
projection, survey date, name of surveyors, plot lenght and
width, type of photos used, plot elevation, slope aspect, topographic
position, landform type, surface geology, Cowardin system descriptor,
hydrology, rock size, surface material type, soil texture and drainage,
leaf phenology, leaf type, and physiognomy. Species - (sp_code is a
project specific code for each species found, species is the
scientific name for that species, spcover is the species present and
the percent cover for each species, plant code is the first two letters
of the genus and first two letters of the species. If the code are not
unique a number is added to make the code unique). This includes strata
cover which is an average percent cover of that particular species,
1 = 0-10%, 2 = 10-25%, 3 = 25-60% and 4 = 60-100%, pstrata is the type
of vegetation, T1 = emergent, T2 = canopy, T3 = sub-canopy, S1 = tall
shrub, S2 = short shrub, H = herbaceous, N = non-vascular, V = vine/liana,
and E = epiphyte).
- Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
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Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping,December 1994, Prepared for: the
United States Department of Interior, National Biological Survey (Now the
USGS Core Science Systems) and National Park Service. Prepared
By: The Nature Conservancy, and Environmental Systems Research Institute.
<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/standards/fieldmethodsrpt.pdf>.
- What biological taxa does this data set concern?
- Taxonomy:
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- Keywords/Taxon:
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- Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
- Taxonomic_Keywords: vegetation classification
- Taxonomic_Keywords: Standardized National Vegetation Classification System
- Taxonomic_Keywords: alliance
- Taxonomic_Keywords: community association
- Taxonomic_Keywords: Plant Communities
- Taxonomic_Classification:
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- Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
- Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
- Applicable_Common_Name: plants
- Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
- U.S. Geological Survey Department of Interior
- Who also contributed to the data set?
CSS-USGS, U.S, BOR, TNC
- To whom should users address questions about the data?
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
Provide National Parks with the necessary tools to effectively manage
their natural resources. Plot data is collected and analyzed to develop a
classification (using the Standardized National Vegetation Classification
System) and description of vegetation types in preparation for
photointerpretation and mapping of the monument's vegetation types.
- What methods were used to collect the data?
- Method 0 of 1
-
Type: Field
Field sampling using releve plots
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- SNVCS protocol document (source 1 of 4)
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National Biological Survey (Now USGS/Core Science Systems), and and National Park Service, 199411, Standardized National Vegetation Classification System; protocol document for the USGS-NPS Vegetation mapping Program (unpublished report): USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Protocol documents, USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
Report prepared under contract by The Nature Conservancy, 1815 N.
Lynn Street, Arlington, Virginia 22209 and Environmental Systems
Research Institute, 380 New York Street, Redlands, California 92373
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution:
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This document describes and defines the vegetation classification system
which is to be used for describing and mapping the vegetation at Mount
Rushmore National Monument
- MORU sample and classification (source 2 of 4)
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USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19960405, Classification of the Vegetation of Mount Rushmore National Monument: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Mount Rushmore National Monument, USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract
to the USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution: Report summarizing plot data collection effort
- moru Aerial Photos (source 3 of 4)
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Kenny Aerial Mapping Company, Phoenix, AZ, 19930823, Aerial photography (CIR and true color) of Mount Rushmore National Memorial: USGS Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Aerial photography was taken at a scale of 1:24,000. Original media
are in the form of positive transparencies. Photointerpretation was
done on contact prints of the true color photos.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Contact paper prints of film transparencies
- Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000
- Source_Contribution:
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These aerial photographs were the basis for the photointerpretation
process
- field methods protocol document (source 4 of 4)
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United States Dept. of the Interior, National Biological Survey (no USGS Core Science Systems) and the National Park Service, 199412, Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping: USGS/Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract
to the USGS/CSS, CSAS
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution:
-
This document defines the methods and protocols for field data collection
to be used as part of the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program.
- How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
- Date: 05-Apr-1996 (process 1 of 1)
-
The following describes the tasks performed by The Nature Conservancy to
produce descriptive data for 19 vegetation sampling plots in two separate
database files. Physical description - The first of the two contains general
descriptive information at each of the plots. Plot sites were selected by
information obtained during a reconnaissance visit to the park in April of
1995, and by examining tone and textural patterns on the MORU AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS.
Site physical parameters, species types, and vegetation strata were
described at each site. The PLOT DATA database contains tabulations of
site physical factors, listed under the ATTRIBUTE ACCURACY REPORT for each
of the 19 plots. Plot data were manually recorded on field forms on-site,
and subsequently keyed into the database files described herein.
Information in the plot database was then used to develop the
classification system and plant identification keys contained in the TNC
MORU SAMPLING AND CLASSIFICATION REPORT. Species - The second contains listings
of individual species found in each plot, along with cover estimates and height (strata) delineations.
The SPECIES LISTING database contains line entries for
each species including the Plot Code, a unique numerical species code, full
species name, Species Cover, Plant Code, and Plant Strata delineation. See 2.1.1
(Accuracy Assessment Report) for explanations of these attributes. Plot
data were manually recorded on field forms on-site, and subsequently keyed
into the database files described herein. Information in the plot database
was then used to develop the classification system and plant
identification keys contained in the TNC MORU SAMPLING AND CLASSIFICATION
REPORT.
Person who carried out this activity:
The Nature Conservancy
c/o Dennis Grossman
Chief Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy
1815 Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22209
USA
(703) 841-5305 (voice)
dgrossman@tnc.org
Data sources used in this process:
- MORU Aerial Photos
- SNVCS protocol document
- Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping
Data sources produced in this process:
- MORU sample and classification
- MORU Veg Descriptions
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
- How well have the observations been checked?
Physical description - Descriptive plot data were collected for 19 sites whose
vegetation represents a full spectrum of association types present within Mount
Rushmore National Memorial and its immediate surroundings. Attributes collected
for each site include: a unique plot identification code, park name, quad
name, UTM coordinates, UTM projection, plot survey date, surveyor's name,
length, width, photo type, elevation, slope aspect, topographic position,
landform, surface geology, Cowardin System category, hydrology, surface
material description, soil texture, soil drainage, leaf phenology, leaf
type, and physiognomy. Species - Descriptive plot data were collected for 19
sites whose vegetation represents a full spectrum of alliance types present
within Mount Rushmore National Memorial and its immediate surroundings. This
database which is the second of two databases containing plot field data,
delineates species. Individual species described at each of 19 plots is listed,
one line per species, with the following information: Plot Identification
Code, Species Name, Species Cover ( 0=trace, 1=< 1%, 2=1-5%, 3=5-25%,
4=25-50%, 5=50-75%, 6=75-100%), Plantcode (first 2 letters of genus+first
2 letters of spp.), and Plant Strata (T, S, H, v.s, and no entry).
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
X,Y UTM coordinates representing each of the 19 plots were collected by
P-code PLGR (Precise Lightweight GPS Receiver) receivers, with an
accuracy ranging from +/- 10 m. to +/- 30 m. based on 60 second
averaging at each point.
- How accurate are the heights or depths?
Not applicable
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
Descriptive entries for each of the 19 plots are complete for each of the
applicable attributes listed in the database.
- How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
Physical description - Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the form
of consistent groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors. Species -
Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the form of consistent
groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors as described under
2.1.1: attribute accuracy report. NOTE1: The significance of numbers
appended to some of the Plant Codes is not known. NOTE2: entries under Plant
Strata were not clearly defined on the original field forms. It is assumed
that T=tree, S=shrub, and H=herbaceous. It is also assumed that numbers
represent canopy levels (starting with 1 as tallest), v.s. = very short.
Plant strata entries in this database are not always consistent with these
assumed labeling conventions.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints:
-
Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the
data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these metadata,
before beginning analyses. The burden for determining fitness for use lies
entirely with the user. For purposes of publication or dissemination, citations
or credit should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.
- Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
- What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
MORU Plots data; Physical Descriptive Data and Species Listing Data.
- What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such.
The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data.
The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service.
- How can I download or order the data?
- Availability in digital form:
- Cost to order the data: none
- Dates:
- Last modified: 22-Oct-2001
Last Reviewed: 03-Jun-2010
- Metadata author:
-
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
- Metadata standard:
- FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001.1-1999)
- Metadata extensions used:
-
Generated by mp version 2.9.12 on Thu Jun 03 07:31:42 2010
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