Spatial Vegetation Data FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title:
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Scotts Bluff National Monument Vegetation Mapping Project - Spatial Vegetation Data
- Abstract:
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The vegetation units on this map were determined through the stereoscopic
interpretation of aerial photographs supported by field sampling and
ecological analysis. The vegetation boundaries were identified on the
photographs by means of the photographic signature and collateral
information on slope, hydrology, geography, and vegetation in accordance
with the Standardized national Vegetation Classification System (October
1995). The mapped vegetation reflects conditions that existed during the
specific year and season that the aerial photographs were taken. There is
a margin of error inherent in the use of aerial photographs. Therefore, a
detailed ground and historical analysis of a single site may result in a
revision of the vegetation alliance boundaries established through
photographic interpretation.
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Geological Survey, and Department of the Interior, 199809, Scotts Bluff National Monument Spatial Vegetation Data: Cover type / Association level of the National Vegetation Classification System: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Scotts Bluff National Monument, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Created in large part by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
Redlands, CA under contract rom USGS/CSS/CSAS.
- What geographic area does the data set cover?
- West_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.74663
- East_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.68121
- North_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.86887
- South_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.80845
- Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Scotts Bluff National Monument and environs.
- What does it look like?
- <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/scbl/images/scblvegmap.pdf> (PDF)
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Graphic image of map and key
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Calendar_Date: 25-Jul-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?
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:
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- UTM_Zone_Number: 13
- Transverse_Mercator:
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- Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
- Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105
- Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
- False_Easting: 500000
- False_Northing: 0
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 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:
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The National Vegetation Classification Standard 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 hierarchy are based on the
species composition of 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 USGS/NPS mapping efforts. Data file
attributes include vegetation height, density, species, alliance, community
element, and land cover.
HEIGHT
1=< 0.5 meters
2=0.5 - 2 meters
3=2 - 5 meters
4=5 - 15 meters
5=15 - 35 meters
6=35 - 50 meters
7=> 50 meters
9=Not Applicable
DENSITY
1=Closed/Continuous < 60%
2=Discontinuous 40% - 60%
3=Dispersed 25% - 40%
4=Sparse 10% - 25%
5=Rare 2% - 10%
9=Not Applicable
Pattern
1,'Evenly Dispersed'
2,'Clumped/Bunched'
3,'Gradational/Transitional'
4,'Alternating'
9,'Not Applicable'
- 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:
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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_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 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
Provide National Parks with the necessary tools to effectively manage
their natural resources.
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- scbl Aerial Photos (source 1 of 5)
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Donahue Aerial Survey, Parker, CO, 19950725, Aerial photography (CIR and true color) of Scotts Bluff National Monument: 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 1:12,000. 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.
- scbl orthophoto (source 2 of 5)
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County of Scottsbluff, Gering, NE, Unknown, Digital Orthophotograph of Scotts Bluff National Monument: County of Scottsbluff, Gering, NE.
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Scotts Bluff orthophoto is part of a larger project by the county of
Scottsbluff to produce a digital basemap for the cities of
Scottsbluff and Gering and their immediate surroundings, including
all of Scotts Bluff National Monument. The orthophoto was
independently verified for horizontal accuracy by use of GPS-derived
control points by USGS/CSS.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Cartridge Tape
- Source_Contribution: This digital orthophoto provided the project basemap
- scbl field data (source 3 of 5)
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USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19980223, Vegetation Sampling and Classification Report: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Scottsbluff 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: digital
- Source_Contribution:
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This document provides the Field Key, and Vegetation categories used in the mapping process.
- Accuracy Assessment Procedures Documents (source 4 of 5)
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USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 199411, Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Scottsbluff National Monument, 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 Scotts Bluff National Monument.
- scbl mapping report (source 5 of 5)
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U.S. Geological Survey, and Department of the Interior, 199810, Scotts Bluff National Monument Photo Interpretation and Map Generation Procedures: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Scotts Bluff National Monument, 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:
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Photo interpretation was done by trained interpreters familiar with the vegetation communities of the Monument on overlays registered to the aerial photographs under a stereoscope. Vegetation communities were idendified n 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: 1994 (process 1 of 4)
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Accuracy assesment field data collection was performed independently of the mapping effort. 512 field plots were taken which were then compared with the attributes of the spatial data. A contigency table was developed comparing the attributes of 21 vegetation map classes with the field data developed by the accuracy assessement.
Data sources used in this process:
- Date: 1995 (process 2 of 4)
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Aerial photography was taken of the Monument to serve as the basis for photo interpretation. Vegetation communities were identified on the aerial photography.
Data sources used in this process:
- Date: Unknown (process 3 of 4)
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Ortho imagery was developed to serve as a registration base to transfer the photo interpreted polygons. The ortho imagery is registered to locations on the surface of the earth and image distorttions due to terrain relief have been eliminated. When the polygons registered to the aerial photos have been transferred and registered to the ortho images the polygons are registered to locations on the surface of the earth and terrnain distortions have been eliminated.
Data sources used in this process:
- Date: 1998 (process 4 of 4)
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Classification of the vegetation communities was performed by ecologists based on the field data that were collected. Compiled data are assembled into a single file and transformed mathematically to a common abundance scale. The element classification process is implemented using quantitative approaches of ordination, clustering, and correlation depending on the information available. Multivariate analysis programs are used to examine the floristic patterns and their relationships to measured environmental variables. Despite their utility in synthesizing large data sets, many of the analytical programs identify vegetation patterns that are statistically but not ecologically meaningful. The quantitative analysis to determine vegetation patterns must be carried out under the guidance and review of experts who have a practical understanding of the ecological relationships in the field.
Data sources used in this process:
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19980223, Vegetation Sampling and Classification of Scotts Bluff National Monument.
- How well have the observations been checked?
The mapped data were originally produced by Aerial Information Systems,
under sub-contract to the Environmental Systems Research Institute. The
data were revised by the contractor after the initial accuracy assessment
was performed by re-interpreting some existing classes and adding two
additional classes. A second revision was made by CSAS personnel, changing
interpretations of some classes with no further revisions in line work.
The raw accuracy assessment data can be downloaded at
<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/ftp/vegmapping/scbl/aa_data.txt>. The
contingency table derived from these data can be viewed at
<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/ftp/vegmapping/scbl/aa_matrix.xls>
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
The vegetation spatial data were visually fitted in small (2 inch square
segments) to a custom-made orthophoto. The custom made orthophoto was
ground tested for horizontal accuracy in three locations in and
immediately adjacent to the park with Y-code (5 m accuracy) GPS with all
test points falling within +/- 4-6 meters of the corresponding image
location. The vegetation spatial data were test fitted to the orthophoto
using a 2nd order polygon transformation using GRASS (Geographical
Resources Analysis Support System) rectification software resulting in
overall resiudals of +/- 5 meters.
- How accurate are the heights or depths?
Not applicable
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
All data in the project area were photointerpreted and digitized. This
includes alliances/community association classes, density classes, height
classes, pattern groups, water, and unvegetated/landuse.
- 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 within the
tolerance it is adjusted manually. The tests for logical consistency are
performed in ARC/INFO. All attribute codes and attributes 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 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?
- 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: 15-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 Tue Jun 15 11:19:10 2010
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