USGS:Biology Biological Informatics Program Vegetation Characterization Program Rocky Mountain National Park Field Plots Data Metadata

Field Plots Data Metadata

Metadata also available as - [Questions & Answers] - [Text] - [Adobe Acrobat pdf file]

Metadata:

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation/National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park

Publication_Date: 20060720

Title:

Rocky Mountain National Park Vegetation Project Field Plot Locations

Edition: 20060720

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/romo/index.html>

Other_Citation_Details:

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Group (USBR/RSGIG) delivered this dataset to Rocky Mountain National Park on 20060105. Any modifications of these data after 20060105 are the responsibility of the Rocky Mountain National Park Resources Management Division and its GIS Program. The NPS Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) Rocky Mountain Network (ROMN) assists RMNP GIS with updates and modifications to this dataset.

Description:

Abstract:

This dataset represents the locations of field plots and accuracy assessment plots at Rocky Mountain National Park. This effort is a part of the National Vegetation Mapping Program of the National Park Service.

This dataset documents the LOCATIONS of the original and accuracy assessment field plots, but does NOT contain the information collected at these locations. Most of the data of these sites are in the associated lookup tables that can be JOINED or RELATED to these data via the attribute item 'Plot_Code'.

The associated database tables: PlotData.dbf - contains the data from each field plot's data sheets in a data table; AA_PlotData.dbf - contains the data from each AA plot's data sheets in a data table; PlotSpeciesAll.dbf - contains a listing of all the plant species found at each individual plot.

PlotSpeciesAll.dbf must be RELATED (i.e., not JOINED) to the VegPlots data in a one-to-many relationship. This data table contains over 24,000 records.

Details on the data sheets used in the field and the data collected in PlotData.dbf and AA_PlotData.dbf can be found in Appendix C of the vegetation documentation. The Field Methods Manual can be found as Appendix B of the vegetation documentation.

Users of this particular dataset and all other datasets of the USGS-NPS Vegetation Monitoring Program Rocky Mountain National Park project are advised to read the report:

"Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, 2001-2005 VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION AND MAPPING, Final Report - August, 2005, Technical Memorandum 8260-05-02, USBR/RSGIS".

This report is available as either a single compiled PDF document or broken down as a series of PDF documents, and should have been included with these datasets. If not, request a copy from the contact listed in the Distribution_Information section of this metadata.

Purpose:

To help meet the management needs of Rocky Mountain National Park and fulfill contract with USGS-NPS National Vegetation Mapping Program.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 20011001

Currentness_Reference: ground condition

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Rocky Mountain National Park and environs

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -105.933549

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -105.416952

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 40.567749

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 40.139504

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Theme_Keyword: National Vegetation Classification System

Theme_Keyword: National Park Service

Theme_Keyword: Vegetation Associations

Theme_Keyword: USGS-NPS National Vegetation Mapping Program

Theme_Keyword: Land Cover Land Use

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Place_Keyword: Colorado

Place_Keyword: Rocky Mountain National Park

Place_Keyword: Estes Park

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

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints:

Users of these data are advised to FULLY and CAREFULLY READ the "DISTRIBUTION LIABILITY" section of this metadata before using these data. The USBR/RSGIG supplied this constraint with the data: "Acknowledgment of the USBR/RSGIG would be appreciated in products derived from these data. Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the data collection and compilation process before beginning their analysis/use. The burden of determining fitness for use lies with the user."

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: GIS Coordinator

Contact_Organization: Rocky Mountain National Park GIS Program

Contact_Position: GIS Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing address

Address: US Hwy 36

City: Estes Park

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80517

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: N/A

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: N/A

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: romo_gis_coordinator@nps.gov

Contact_Instructions: Contact via email.

Data_Set_Credit:

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Group (USBR/RSGIG), Denver, CO: David Salas. The acquisition and quality checking of the aerial photos and digital imagery was overseen by Alan Bell of USBR/RSGIG. Acknowledgment of the USBR/RSGIG would be appreciated in products derived from these data.

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.1.0.722

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

RMNP text:

The attribute accuracy is deductively estimated to be "good". If a higher proof of data accuracy is required, do not use this data. User is dvised to FULLY and CAREFULLY READ the "DISTRIBUTION LIABILITY" section of this metadata before using this data.

USBR text (relating to the attributes of the polygons of the vegetation data): This project received an accuracy assessment in the summer of 2004. 1207 accuracy assessment points are recorded. The results were subject to a fuzzy accuracy assessment. Fuzzy accuracies are reported for overall map accuracy and individual map unit accuracy. Overall map accuracy for fuzzy classess five, four and three are 50.3%, 74.7% and 86.7%. We refer the reader to the vegetation mapping report for information about individual map unit accuracies and more specifics with regard to methods.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

All polygon features are checked for topology and existence of attributed label points. Coverage checked for un-intentional dangling arcs.

Completeness_Report:

All data with a minimum mapping unit of 1/2 hectare that can be interpreted from the aerial photographs are entered into the digital database. This includes features defined by the NVCS. Some classes under the MMU are included due to its ease of interpretation and due to the specialty of the class. Road and utility corridors and streams/canals wider that 10 meters are included as polygons in this vegetation coverage.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Unknown

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Not applicable

Lineage:

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Two separate shapefile datasets containing the locations of the vegetation project field plots and accuracy assessment plots were received along with the vegetation polygon classification dataset.

The data contained in these shapefiles were combined, and the plots renamed to a common standard. The vegetation plot codes are standardized as ROMO.###, where '###' represents the unique number of the plot. The accuracy assessment plots were standardized as ROMOAA.####, where '####' represents the unique number of the plot. (In the original datasets, the vegetation field plots were a named as a text item, in the AA assessment dataset the plots were numbered as long integers).

The coordinate data supplied with the original datasets, UTM coordinates in NAD83, were retained in this dataset. All the additional data associated with the original datasets has been separated from this dataset, and the data resides in two lookup tables, PlotData.dbf and AA_PlotData.dbf, or in geodatabase tables similarly named.

Process_Date: 2006

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

This PROCESS STEP is from the metadata of the original VEG_PLOTS shapefile dataset received by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Group (USBR/RSGIS). It describes the process of collecting data at the original field plots. Most of the data collected at these sites are in the associated lookup tables that can be JOINED or RELATED to these data via the attribute item 'Plot_Code'.

"Four crews of two people each were hired to collect data in ROMO. The crews were trained in the vegetation and fuels sampling methodology and provided with BPU maps identifying possible plot collection sites. Crews were also given a list of the 180 potential vegetation types to be sampled and instructed to try to collect three plots in each type. Since ROMO is large, diverse, and inaccessible by car in many places, crews were hired both for their botanical and ecological skills, and for their ability to work effectively in variable outdoor conditions, and to work while backpacking. Crews were provided with training in project methods, and with housing and vehicles.

The process of collecting vegetation plots is long and complicated, and required several months of planning and preparation. Based on the results of the GRADSECT analysis, proposed plot locations were evaluated for distance from access points and difficulty of travel. Plot locations in areas determined to likely be more than three or four hours from an access point were considered as backcountry, while those less than that were considered as front country. All front country sites were accessed via day hikes from the nearest road access point. Backcountry sites were accessed via foot trail on multi-night backpacking trips. Crews accessing backcountry sites camped in established campsites and cross-country camping zones. A total of 102 backcountry camp night reservations were required to collect data from all of the backcountry sites. Crews typically stayed in a single established site for 1 to 3 nights, and remained in the backcountry for 3 to 7 nights.

The crews were provided with a field manual describing all of the methodology for the plot sampling, as well as supplemental information on backcountry safety, species lists, and accepted plant species codes. The field manual provided to the crews and a plot field form are provided in Appendix B. Examples of the field forms are in Appendix C. The following is a general description of the process.

Data Collection: Relevé Plots Before leaving for the field each day, and before each multi-day trip, crews would plan a strategy for collecting plots most efficiently. They would take into consideration the proximity of selected BPUs to roads, trails, and each to other, as well as topography and vegetation in the area to be surveyed, and would plan routes to collect the most plots in the most different potential vegetation types without excessive travel time. Crews would then gather all field equipment and personal gear needed for the duration of the trip.

The crews would navigate to the selected area using GPS units as well as maps and compasses. After arriving at the selected BPU, crews would select a specific location to place the plot. They would walk through the polygon to get an idea of the vegetation. If the polygon contained vegetation in a type, or types that crews still needed to collect, they would choose a relatively homogenous and representative area to place a plot. If the polygon was diverse, the crew might select two or more locations in order to capture that variation. If the polygon contained only types that crews did not need to collect they could choose to collect an Observation point or navigate to a different polygon. An observation point is a short version of a plot which uses a dimensionless plot to document the structure, dominant species, and environmental attributes in the area. It can be collected using the same forms and instructions as for full vegetation plots.

Along the way to and from the selected polygons, crew members would pay attention to vegetation types they were passing through. If they observed other needed vegetation types (especially rare types) or found possible new vegetation types (undocumented vegetation composition which repeated on the landscape) which might help inform the classification of ROMO, they would stop and collect either a full vegetation plot, or an observation point. If crews noticed weeds or rare plants, they would stop and record those as well.

At each sampling location, plot data were collected using the protocols of the NPS National Vegetation Mapping Program. At the plot center, crews would bury a permanent marker (a small copper tag inscribed with the project acronym, plot code, and date, attached to a coated nail) and record the UTM location from the GPS. They would then lay out the plot, using measuring tapes, according to the size specified in the field manual for that vegetation type (most plots were 400m2). Crews would begin analyzing vegetation by dividing the vegetation visually into strata, or height classes, and recording the dominant species by cover in each stratum. They would then develop a comprehensive species list for the plot by recording the species name and percent cover for each plant found within the plot. Numerous other data describing the environmental characteristics of the site were collected at each plot including elevation, slope, aspect, soil texture, surficial geology, percent ground cover, and hydrology. A complete set of forest fuels data were also collected from each plot. Before breaking down the plot, crews would attempt to place the vegetation into one of the potential vegetation types. If the plot did not fit into a vegetation type, they would assign a type based on the dominant species in the top two strata. Two pictures showing the plot center and typical vegetation were taken at each plot. When the Plot had been completed, crews would navigate to the next selected BPU and begin the process again.

Data Collection: Forest Fuels Data Throughout both the 2002 and 2004 field seasons, fire specific data (fuels data) were collected at each site visited. These data were collected mostly for the use of ROMO fire personnel; however, forest stand structure (tree size and density by species) is valuable data for characterizing vegetation types. Fuels data collected included information on both live and dead/down fuels. Live fuels data included the density, DBH, height, crown ration, and height to the base of the crown for all live trees in the stand, as well as the cover of shrubs and herbaceous species. In particularly dense stands, crews were permitted to sub-sample a quarter of the full plot.

For the dead/down fuels, crews recorded depth of litter and duff, shrub cover, herbaceous cover, cover of bare soil, and the cover of wood, litter, and duff. Four photos were taken at each site and photo information was recorded on the fuels datasheet. Fire data collected during 2002 also included a surface fuels characterization, further information on dead and down wood and extensive information, including DBH, on all trees found at the site"

Process_Date: 2002

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

This PROCESS STEP is from the metadata of the original ACCURACY_ASSESSMENT shapefile dataset received by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Group (USBR/RSGIS). It describes the process of collecting data of the Accuracy Assessments field plots. Most of the data collected at these sites are in the associated lookup tables that can be JOINED or RELATED to these data via the attribute item 'Plot_Code'.

"AA Sample points were collected for the entire mapping area as opposed to the original vegetation sampling which was restricted solely to the Park itself.

Field crews were provided with two sets of samples. The primary set included the preferred target for the sample selection. If a target was inaccessible for any reason, the crews were free to substitute from a secondary set of points.

Field maps were produced that showed the sample point and polygon boundary. The addition of the polygon boundary to the field map aided in navigation to the point and provided the field crews with some contextual information. Field crews navigated to each point using the field maps produced for this effort in addition to a GPS with a known target location.

To help control cost and logistic issues only those map units that had a vegetative component received an accuracy assessment. This resulted in the removal of 5422 polygons from consideration or 15% of the total number of polygons. This translates into 11% of the mapped area not accuracy assessed. Un-assessed map units include areas such as rock outcrops, glaciers, water bodies etc. These areas are assumed to have a very high accuracy, as there is little, if any, ambiguity in their interpretation. The result of this is that the reported overall accuracies are most probably lower than the actual overall map accuracy.

In June of 2004, the CNHP Accuracy Assessment field crews were given printouts of the aerial photographs and topographic maps overlaid with the map unit polygons. These maps contained 1167 randomly selected locations to be used as AA Points. The field crews were instructed to navigate to these points and complete an AA datasheet (Appendix C). Given the time frame of the project, and the rugged nature of the park, it was assumed that not all of the generated points would be accessible. A secondary set of 1010 possible AA Points was included on the maps as replacements for those primary points which might be discovered to be inaccessible or otherwise unusable.

Between June 5th and October 15th 2004, the Field Crews collected 1219 AA Points. 811 AA Points were from the primary point list and 408 were from the secondary list. Figure 10 shows the locations of the collected AA points. Each day crews choose points to visit based on logistical factors. Low elevation points were visited early or late in the season, while high elevation sites were only accessible when not covered by snow. Remote sites were visited during backpacking trips, which were planned prior to the start of the field season. Points located around Lake Granby were accessed by pontoon boat, while all other sites were accessed by car and/or on foot. Field days were planned around collecting as many primary points as possible; however, when secondary points occurred along a planned route for the day, they were surveyed in anticipation of future points which might be missed. The tally of which points had been collected in each Map Unit was updated throughout the summer. During the last few weeks of the project, areas for the crews to visit were chosen strategically, to assure point coverage across all of the Map Units.

Upon arrival at a point, crews would begin with a broad visual survey of the area. This was done to determine whether vegetation at the point was representative of that of the Map Unit polygon (ecotone or inclusions). If vegetation was not representative, the crew would move the point to a more representative location within the polygon and record the distance and bearing to the new point. The crew would then visually determine the boundaries of the point to be sampled. The minimum mapping unit is ½ Ha and this was used as the sample plot. Crews would then begin collecting data on species composition, vegetation structure, and geology and topography of the area. After filling out the AA Point form, the crew would use the Field Key (Appendix F) to assign an NVC Association to the plot. If no Association seemed to fit, the crew would assign an association name to the plot based on the NVC naming conventions for Associations (dominant species of the primary strata). At each plot four pictures were taken in each of the cardinal directions from the plot center. Crews were instructed to document what they observed at the plots by recording extensive field notes. The pictures and the notes that crews collected in the field proved very useful in resolving classification questions later during the AA.

At the end of the field season, all AA point paperwork was subjected to the same quality control (QC) procedures as the vegetation plot data. While all fields on the AA form were checked for accuracy, particular attention was given to checking the UTM's and plot numbers, and to comparing the assigned association name with species data. All AA point data were then entered into the PLOTS database. Following the data entry, the AA data in the database was subjected to another round of QC to catch data entry errors. The Map Unit was not specifically assigned in the field, but was assumed to correlate directly with Association; with one Map Unit encompassing one to several Associations. A Map Unit column was added to the database and filled using a Microsoft Access query. Those points which did not fit well into an existing NVC Association were keyed to Map Unit by hand."

Process_Date: 2004

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Complete chain

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 36158

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Label point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 36158

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: GT-polygon composed of chains

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 36158

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 1864

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Planar:

Grid_Coordinate_System:

Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator

Universal_Transverse_Mercator:

UTM_Zone_Number: 13

Transverse_Mercator:

Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600

Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105.000000

Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.000000

False_Easting: 500000.000000

False_Northing: 0.000000

Planar_Coordinate_Information:

Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair

Coordinate_Representation:

Abscissa_Resolution: 0.000326

Ordinate_Resolution: 0.000326

Planar_Distance_Units: meters

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983

Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

The PLOT_CODE item is a text field populated with the unique plot ID assigned to each plot. Values of ROMO.### represent the vegetation plots where detailed plot vegetation measurements were collected. Values of ROMOAA.#### represent the accuracy assessment plots.

The FIELD_UTM item is a numeric field populated with the easting coordinate of the plot in UTM 13N, NAD83.

The FIELD_UT_1 item is a numeric field populated with the northing coordinate of the plot in UTM 13N, NAD83.

Most of the data collected at these sites are in the associated lookup tables that can be JOINED or RELATED to these data via the attribute item 'Plot_Code'.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: None

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

USGS Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Contact_Position: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Physical Address

Address: USGS

Address: Biological Resources Division, CBI

Address: Building 810, Room 8000

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225-0046

Country: USA

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing Address

Address: USGS

Address: Biological Resources Division, CBI

Address: PO BOX 25046, DFC, MS302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225-0046

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (303) 202-4229

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (303) 202-4219

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Resource_Description: Downloadable Data

Distribution_Liability:

The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such.

The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data.

The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name: HTML

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Online_Option:

Computer_Contact_Information:

Network_Address:

Network_Resource_Name: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/romo/index.html>

Access_Instructions: Internet Access

Fees: None

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name:

Varies: Shapefiles with associated DBF lookup tables, or personal geodatabase

Format_Version_Date: 20060720

File_Decompression_Technique: no compression applied

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Offline_Option:

Offline_Media: CD-ROM

Recording_Capacity:

Recording_Density: 650

Recording_Density_Units: MB

Recording_Format: ISO 9660

Fees: None

Ordering_Instructions:

The RMNP GIS Program does ask to receive blank CD-R media in return for those sent out.

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20070215

Metadata_Review_Date: 20090312

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

USGS Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Contact_Position: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: U. S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics

Address: MS 302, Building 810, Room 8000

Address: Denver Federal Center

City: Denver

State_or_Province: Colorado

Postal_Code: 80225

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (303) 202-4219

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (303) 202-4229

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage:

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

Profile_Name: Biological Data Profile FGDC-STD-001.1-1999