USGS:Biology Biological Informatics Program Vegetation Characterization Program Scotts Bluff National Monument Spatial Vegetation Data Metadata

Spatial Vegetation 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. Geological Survey

Originator: Department of the Interior

Publication_Date: 199809

Title:

Scotts Bluff National Monument Spatial Vegetation Data: Cover type / Association level of the National Vegetation Classification System

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Map

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Scotts Bluff National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher:

USGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details:

Created in large part by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. Redlands, CA under contract rom USGS/BRD/CBI.

Online_Linkage:

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

Description:

Abstract:

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.

Purpose:

Provide National Parks with the necessary tools to effectively manage their natural resources.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19950725

Currentness_Reference: Source photography date

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

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.

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Theme_Keyword: vegetation classification

Theme_Keyword: Standardized National Vegetation Classification

Theme_Keyword: SNVCS

Theme_Keyword: NVCS

Theme_Keyword: alliance

Theme_Keyword: community association

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Place_Keyword: Nebraska

Place_Keyword: NE

Place_Keyword: Scottsbluff

Place_Keyword: Gering

Place_Keyword: Mitchell

Place_Keyword: Mitchell Bottom

Place_Keyword: North Platte River

Place_Keyword: Roubadeau

Place_Keyword: Scottsbluff County

Place_Keyword: Scotts Bluff

Taxonomy:

Keywords/Taxon:

Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Taxonomic_Keywords: vegetation classification

Taxonomic_Keywords: Standardized National Vegetation Classification System

Taxonomic_Keywords: alliance

Taxonomic_Keywords: community association

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom

Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae

Applicable_Common_Name: plants

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.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Organization: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Contact_Position: Geospatial Technology Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Physical Address

Address: USGS Biological Resources

Address: Center for Biological Informatics

Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810

Address: Room 8000, MS302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: CO

Postal_Code: 80225-0046

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4229

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 (org)

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Browse_Graphic:

Browse_Graphic_File_Name: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/scbl/images/scblveg.pdf>

Browse_Graphic_File_Description: 406 kbyte graphic image of map and key

Browse_Graphic_File_Type: PDF

Native_Data_Set_Environment: UNIX-Arc/Info

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: USGSBRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Publication_Date: 19980223

Title:

Vegetation Sampling and Classification of Scotts Bluff National Monument

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

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 CBI 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>

Logical_Consistency_Report:

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.

Completeness_Report:

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.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

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.

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Not applicable

Lineage:

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Donahue Aerial Survey, Parker, CO

Publication_Date: 19950725

Title:

Aerial photography (CIR and true color) of Scotts Bluff National Monument

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: image

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: USGS Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details:

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.

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/scbl/photos.pdf>

Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000

Type_of_Source_Media: Contact paper prints of film transparencies

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19950725

Source_Currentness_Reference: Imagery date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: scbl Aerial Photos

Source_Contribution:

These aerial photographs were the basis for the photointerpretation process.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: County of Scottsbluff, Gering, NE

Publication_Date: Unknown

Title: Digital Orthophotograph of Scotts Bluff National Monument

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: BIL digital file

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Gering, NE

Publisher: County of Scottsbluff

Other_Citation_Details:

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/BRD.

Type_of_Source_Media: Cartridge Tape

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: Unknown

Source_Currentness_Reference: Imagery date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: scbl orthophoto

Source_Contribution: This digital orthophoto provided the project basemap

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: USGSBRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Publication_Date: 19980223

Title: Vegetation Sampling and Classification Report

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Scottsbluff National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details:

This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract to the USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/scbl/scblrpt.pdf>

Type_of_Source_Media: digital

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 19980223

Source_Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: scbl field data

Source_Contribution:

This document provides the Field Key, and Vegetation categories used in the mapping process.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Publication_Date: 199411

Title:

Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Scottsbluff National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

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.

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

Type_of_Source_Media: electronic document

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 199411

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Accuracy Assessment Procedures Documents

Source_Contribution:

This document established the procedures and protocols for the accuracy assessment at Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey

Originator: Department of the Interior

Publication_Date: 199810

Title:

Scotts Bluff National Monument Photo Interpretation and Map Generation Procedures

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report

Series_Information:

Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program

Issue_Identification: Scotts Bluff National Monument

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Denver, CO

Publisher:

USGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics

Other_Citation_Details:

Created in large part by Aerial Information Systems, Inc. under contract rom USGS/BRD/CBI.

Online_Linkage: <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/scbl/scblpirpt.pdf>

Type_of_Source_Media: digital

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 199810

Source_Currentness_Reference: Report date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: scbl mapping report

Source_Contribution:

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

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

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.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: AA Report

Process_Date: 1994

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Aerial photography was taken of the Monument to serve as the basis for photo interpretation. Vegetation communities were identified on the aerial photography.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: scbl Aerial Photos

Process_Date: 1995

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

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.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: scbl orthophoto

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

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.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: scbl field data

Process_Date: 1998

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: vector

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: 0.9996

Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105

Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0

False_Easting: 500000

False_Northing: 0

Planar_Coordinate_Information:

Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair

Coordinate_Representation:

Abscissa_Resolution: 1

Ordinate_Resolution: 1

Planar_Distance_Units: meters

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983

Ellipsoid_Name: Geodedic Reference System 80

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

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:

Grossman, D. Et al. 1994. National Park Service/ National Biological Service Vegetation Mapping Project, Standardized National Vegetation Classification System 209 pp.

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Organization: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics

Contact_Position: Geospatial Technology Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Physical Address

Address: USGS Biological Resources

Address: Center for Biological Informatics

Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810

Address: Room 8000, MS302

City: Denver

State_or_Province: CO

Postal_Code: 80225-0046

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4229

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 (org)

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

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/scbl/index.html>

Fees: None

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20011022

Metadata_Review_Date: 20080507

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address:

U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics, MS 302,
Room 8000, Building 810, 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_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Metadata_Standard_Name:

FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, 1998 Part 1: Biological Data Profile, 1999

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