Spatial Vegetation Data FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title:
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial Vegetation Mapping Project - Spatial Vegetation Data
- Abstract:
-
The National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with the Core
Science Systems (CSS) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has
implemented a program to "develop a uniform hierarchical vegetation
methodology" at a national level. The program will also create
a geographic information system (GIS) database for the parks under its
management. The purpose of the data is to document the state of
vegetation within the NPS service area during the 1990's, thereby
providing a baseline study for further analysis at the Regional or
Service-wide level. The vegetation at Mount Rushmore was mapped using
1:16,000 scale U.S. Forest Service Color Aerial Photography acquired
August 28, 1993. The mapping classification used two separate
classification systems. All natural vegetation used the National
Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) as a base. The vegetation
classifcation was created after extensive on site sampling and numerical
analysis. The vegetation map units were derived from the vegatation
classification. Other non-natural or cultural mapping units used the
Anderson Level II classification system. The mapped area includes a
buffer around the Memorial boundary.
- Supplemental_Information:
-
The purposes of the mapping effort are varied and include the
following: Provides support for NPS Resources Management. Promotes
vegetation-related research for both NPS and USGS/CSS. Provides
support for NPS Planning and Compliance. Adds to the information base
for NPS Interpretation. Assists in NPS Operations.
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, and The Nature Conservancy, 19980310, Mount Rushmore National Memorial Spatial Vegetation Data; Cover Type / Association level of the National Vegetation Classification System: 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: Created 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, Black Hills, South Dakota, USA
- What does it look like?
- <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/moru/images/moruvegmap.pdf> (PDF)
-
Graphic in map composition layout
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Calendar_Date: 12-Sep-1995
- Currentness_Reference: Source photography date
- What is the general form of this data set?
- Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Map
- 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 Vector data set.
- 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 ellipsoid used is Geodedic Reference System 80.
The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257.
- How does the data set describe geographic features?
- Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
-
The database contains two separate classification systems. The two systems
represent vegetation map units and land cover map units. The vegetation
map units are usually combinations of vegetation associations described in
the TNC companion report. The vegetation map units have also been
categorized into 5 general vegetation classes. The land use map units use
the Anderson Level II classification system. The vegetation attributes
contain character codes and descriptors. The land use contain numeric
codes. The descriptors are available in two look-up tables provided with
this data set. These are map.lut and anderson.lut. Modifiers also exist
representing percent of vegetation cover and tree height. These modifiers
are available in the look-up table structure.lut. Contact David Salas at
the Bureau of Reclamation Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Group
D-8260 for more information about the classification system.
National Park Service/Core Science Systems Vegetation
Inventory and Mapping Program for Mount Rushmore National Memorial,
South Dakota, Final Community Association Classification, May 1, 1998.
Alliance/Community HB=Bur Oak / Ironwood Forest PJ=Ponderosa Pine /
Common Juniper Complex P1=Ponderosa Pine Complex 1 P2=Ponderosa Pine
Complex II.
HEIGHT
2 = 0.5 - 1 meters
3 = 1 - 5 meters
4 = 5 - 15 meters
5 = 15 - 30 meters
6 = > 30 meters
DENSITY
1 = Closed/Continuous < 60%
2 = Discontinuous 40% - 60%
3 = Dispersed 25% - 40%
4 = Sparse 10% - 25%
PATTERN
1,'Evenly Dispersed'
2,'Clumped/Bunched'
3,'Gradational/Transitional'
4,'Alternating'
ANDERSON CODE
11 = Residental
12 = Commercial and Services
14 = Transportation, Communications and Utilities
21 = Cropland and Pasture
53 = Reservoirs
62 = Nonforested Wetland
75 = Strip Mines, Quarries, and Gravel Pits
VEGETATION CODE
PB = Ponderosa Pine / Bur Oak Woodland
PL = Ponderosa Pine / Little Bluestem Woodland
PJ = Ponderosa Pine / Common Juniper Woodland
PR = Ponderosa Pine / Rough Leafed Rice Grass Woodland
PW = Ponderosa Pine / Bearberry Woodland
SS = Stream side Shrubland
HB = Bur Oak / Ironwood Forest
PH = Paper Birch / Beaked Hazel Forest
WM = Wooly Sedge / Blue Joint Herbaceous Vegetation (Wet Meadow)
- Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
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Grossman, D. Et al. 1994. National Park Service/ National Biological
Service Vegetation Mapping Project, Standardized 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
- Applicable_Common_Name: plants
- Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, and The Nature Conservancy
- Who also contributed to the data set?
USGS, NPS, 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
This mapping effort originates from a long-term vegetation monitoring
program that is part of a larger Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) program
started by the National Park Service (NPS). I&M goals are, among others,
to map the vegetation of all national parks and memorials and provide a
baseline inventory of vegetation. The I&M program currently works in
close cooperation with the Core Science Systems (CSS) of the
United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS/CSS continues overall
management and oversight of all ongoing mapping efforts in close
cooperation with the NPS.
- What methods were used to collect the data?
- Method 0 of 1
-
Type: Field
Developmental of Programmatic and Technical Team:
This project required the combined expertise and oversight of several
organizations. Oversight and programmatic considerations are managed
by the Core Science Analytics and Synthesis of the Core Science
Systems of the U.S. Geological Survey. The National Park Service
provided additional guidance. The technical responsibilities for the
mapping effort were divided between TNC and BOR. TNC responsibilities
and deliverables included the following: Create a vegetation
classification system based upon field species level data and
consistent with the Standard National Classification System at the
Alliance or Community Element level Provide documentation that
describes the national classes at the local and global levels, with
field keys, and field data in a *.dbf format. Provide technical
opinion to BOR as the mapping portion of the project proceeds. Provide
field notes and site descriptions BOR responsibilities and
deliverables included the following: Digital files of vegetation on
Compact (CD); including topology and labeling for height, density, and
pattern subclasses; location of field sample sites; and locations of
sites used for accuracy assessment in Arc/Info format Any ancillary
digital files developed during the mapping process Digital FGDC
compliant metadata file for each digital file delivered Annotated
field site photographs Original mylar overlays of interpreted
photographs Hard copy vegetation map Accuracy assessment Final report
describing all procedures used in developing the final map and
accuracy assessment Planning and Review Meeting An initial meeting was
held with all interested parties to discuss several aspects of the
mapping effort. Foremost among these was the mapping extent.
Vegetation issues particular to the park were addressed. Mount
Rushmore National Memorial was responsible for obtaining permission
from adjacent land owners for property access for sampling purposes.
Most of the private lands were under some form of grazing or farming.
Consequently, sampling on these lands was not necessary. The remainder
of the lands within the mapping area are U.S. Forest Service Lands so
permission was not necessary. Preliminary Data Collection and Review
of Existing Information To reduce duplicating previous work and to
help in our effort we collected existing vegetation reports and maps
from the staff at Mount Rushmore National Memorialt. These materials
were referenced during the mapping process and the information
contained in them was incorporated where it was deemed useful. Because
soils also affect the distribution of vegetation, soil maps and soil
descriptions were also obtained as reference. These were not converted
to a digital file. Digital elevation models (DEM) were obtained to
create slope and aspect maps that helped in determining vegetation
community distribution. Vegetation Sampling The sampling approach used
in this mapping effort was typical of small park sampling, where all
polygons within the park boundary are sampled. Two levels of field
data gathering were conducted in this park; plots and observations.
Plots represented the most intensive sampling of the landscape and
used TNC's 'Plot Form'. Observations consisted of brief descriptions
and were designed to obtain a quick overview of the landscape without
spending a large amount of time at each sample site. Observation
points used the 'Observation Form' data sheet. Examples of both 'Plot'
and 'Observation' forms are included in the companion report by TNC.
Initially, plots were used to describe the vegetation of the park. A
total of 19 plots were obtained from July 22 through July 30, 1996.
These plots were used by TNC to describe the vegetation associations
found within the park. These descriptions are in the companion report
by TNC. Map Validation A field trip was conducted in June of 1997 to
assess the initial mapping effort and to refine map class.
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- moru Aerial Photos (source 1 of 5)
-
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:
-
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:
-
These aerial photographs were the basis for the photointerpretation
process
- moru orthophoto (source 2 of 5)
-
Unknown, Unknown, Digital Orthophotograph of Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Unknown, Unknown.
- Other_Citation_Details: The digital orthophotograph is a 1:2400 scale image.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Cartridge Tape
- Source_Contribution: This digital orthophoto provided the project basemap
- MORU sample and classification (source 3 of 5)
-
USGS,CSS,Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19960405, Mount Rushmore National Memorial Sampling and Classification: USGS, CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
This report was generated by the Nature Conservancy under contract to
the USGS, CSS, CSAS.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution: Report summarizing plot data collection effort
- Accuracy Assessment Procedures Documents (source 4 of 5)
-
USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 199411, Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Mount Rushmore National Memorial, USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
This report was prepared by Environmental Systems Research Institute;
Redlands, CA, National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis,
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA and The Nature Conservancy,
Arlington, VA under contract from the U.S. Department of Interior National
Biological Survey and National Park Service.
- Type_of_Source_Media: electronic document
- Source_Contribution:
-
This document established the procedures and protocols for the accuracy assessment at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
- moru mapping report (source 5 of 5)
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U.S. Geological Survey, and Department of the Interior, 19980510, Mount Rushmore National Memorial Photo Interpretation and Map Generation Procedures: 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:
-
Created in large part by Aerial Information Systems, Inc.
under contract rom USGS/CSS/CSAS.
- Type_of_Source_Media: digital
- Source_Contribution:
-
Photo interpretation was done by trained interpreters familiar with
the vegetation communities of the Memorial on overlays registered to
the aerial photographs under a stereoscope. Vegetation communities
were idendified on the basis of their color, pattern, texture, and
location on the landscape and lines were drawn around the communities.
The photo interpreters had visited the monument and conferred with the
ecologists who performed the vegetation classification and were familiar
with the vegetation communities. Not all vegetation associations could be
identified on the photography due to size constraints and complexity of
the vegetation. Map classes were assigned in these cases and a cross-
walk was made to the vegetation classification.
- How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
- Date: 29-Jul-1993 (process 1 of 2)
-
Air Photo Interpretation All map classes were interpreted from existing
1:16,000 scale, color photography flown on July 29, 1993. The
photographs were acquired from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Photointerpretation used the standard identification features such as
tone, texture, color, pattern, topographic position, and shadow. In
addition, field sample locations and their vegetation descriptions aided
in assigning map class to each polygon. All photographs were examined
using a stereoscope. Digital elevation models (DEM's) were processed and
converted to slope and aspect coverages. These helped to provide
additional perspectives of the landscape. Seven photographs were
interpreted for the entire mapping area. Digital scans of these
photographs are included as .tif files on the CD included with this
report.
Person who carried out this activity:
Bureau of Reclamations
Redlands, CA Unknown
USA
Unknown (voice)
- Date: Oct-1995 (process 2 of 2)
-
In conjunction with the photoverification and field sampling effort,
NBS (now USGS, CSS, CSAS) personnel performed a locational accuracy
test comparing the accuracy of a global positioning system (GPS)
versus manual location techniques. The TNC biologist "pin-pricked" all
of the sample site locations onto the aerial photos while the NBS
staff captured the location using GPS. The "pin-pricked" locations
were subsequently input into the GIS database for comparison against
the GPS locations for the same site.
Data sources used in this process:
- MORU CIR Aerial Photography
Data sources produced in this process:
- Analysis of Accuracy Assessment Procedures at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
- How well have the observations been checked?
These data have a combined total accuracy of 69.6% (confidence interval
62.7 - 75.4%). Individual class accuracies range from 50.0 % to 100% in
both errors of commission and omission.
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
The horizontal positional accuracy is tested by visual comparison of digital
data to the source materials and verifying the location of the data
on-screen relative to other data layers in the same geographic area. The
base used for this mapping effort is a scanned and registered paper
orthophotograph. Visual examination of these data shows them to comply
(usually exceed) with national map accuracy standards for 1:24,000 scale
products. See Analysis of Accuracy Assessment Procedures.
- How accurate are the heights or depths?
There is no accuracy assessment for vertical position.
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
All data that can be photo-interpreted is also digitized. This includes
features that fall into the NVCS vegetation classification and the Anderson
Level II classification. Minimum mapping unit is obstensibly .5 hectares but
some low frequency classes below the MMU are included.
- How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
All polygon features are checked for topology using the ARC/INFO software.
Each polygon begins and ends at the same point with the node feature. All
nodes are checked for error so that there are no dangling features. There
are no duplicate lines or polygons. All nodes will snap together and close
polygons based on a specified tolerance. If the node is not with the
tolerance it is adjusted manually. The tests for logical consistency are
performed in ARC/INFO using certain commands.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints:
-
No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy or
utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes.
Any person using the information presented here should fully understand
the data collection and compilation procedures, as described
in the metadata, before beginning analysis. The burden for determining
fitness for use lies entirely with the user.
- 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 Veg map
- 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 07:59:36 2010
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