Field Plots FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title:
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Tuzigoot National Monument Vegetation Mapping Project - Field Plot Points
- Abstract:
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Vegetation field plots at Tuzigoot NM were visited, described, and
documented in a digital database. The database consists of 3 parts -
(1)Physical Descriptive Data, (2) Species Listings, and (3) Vegetative
Strata.
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Geological Survey Department of the Interior, 199710, Tuzigoot National Monument, Field Plots Data Base for Vegetation Mapping: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Tuzigoot 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 from USGS/CSS/CSAS
- What geographic area does the data set cover?
- West_Bounding_Coordinate: -112.028
- East_Bounding_Coordinate: -112.017
- North_Bounding_Coordinate: 34.78583
- South_Bounding_Coordinate: 34.6584
- Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Tuzigoot National Monument and environs
- What does it look like?
- <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/tuzi/images/tuziplots.pdf> (PDF)
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Locations of vegetation plot samples; low resolution for web browsing.
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Beginning_Date: 10-Oct-1995
- Ending_Date: 27-Oct-1995
- Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition
- What is the general form of this data set?
- Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Database
- How does the data set represent geographic features?
- How are geographic features stored in the data set?
- Indirect_Spatial_Reference:
-
The Ecology Field Sites were digitized to indicate the area for which a TNC
ecologist conducted an ecological field sampling.
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: 12
- Transverse_Mercator:
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- Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -111
- Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
- False_Easting: 500000
- False_Northing: 0
- Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996
Planar coordinates are encoded using Coordinate Pair
Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Planar coordinates are specified in Meters
The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
The ellipsoid used is 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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Each of 35 vegetation plots has attributes for physical description, species and
strata. Physical description - (Plot number, plot code, common name, scientific
name, state, park name, quad name, utm zone, map project,
gps file, raw utm x, raw utm y, corrected utm x, corrected utm y, surveyors date,
surveyors, length, width, photos, permenant, elevation, slope, aspect,
topographical position, landform, surficial geology, Cowardin system type,
hydrography, bedrock, large rock, small rock, sand, litter duff, wood, bare soil,
other soil, soil texture, soil drainage, leaf phenology, leaf type, and
physiololgy). Species - (sp_code is a project specific code for each species found,
species is the scientific name for that species, spcover is the species present and
the percent cover for each species, plant code is the first two letters of the genus
and first two letters of the species. If the code are not unique a number is
added to make the code unique). Strata - (height and cover are average percent cover
of that particular species, 1 = 0-10%, 2 = 10-25%, 3 = 25-60% and 4 = 60-100%,
pstrata is the type of vegetation, T1 = emergent, T2 = canopy, T3 = sub-canopy, S1 =
tall shrub, S2 = short shrub, H = herbaceous, N = non-vascular, V = vine/liana, and E
= epiphyte). Species - Each of 35 vegetation mapping plot sites has attributes of
species found. Strata - Plot strata are defined according to plot identification code,
physiognomic descriptors, height and cover estimates, diagnostic species,
and an alphanumeric structure code. Plot strata information in the
database is listed by plot identification code, with most plots containing
multiple strata. Descriptive factors include physiognomic type, height and
cover estimates, latin name of diagnostic plant species, and a strata code
delineating type and structure.
- Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
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Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping,December 1994, Prepared for: the
United States Department of Interior, National Biological Survey (Now the
USGS Core Science Systems) and National Park Service. Prepared
By: The Nature Conservancy, and Environmental Systems Research Institute.
<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/standards/fieldmethodsrpt.pdf>.
- What biological taxa does this data set concern?
- Taxonomy:
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- Keywords/Taxon:
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- Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
- Taxonomic_Keywords: vegetation classification
- Taxonomic_Keywords: Standardized National Vegetation Classification System
- Taxonomic_Keywords: alliance
- Taxonomic_Keywords: community association
- Taxonomic_System:
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- Classification_System/Authority:
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- Classification_System_Citation:
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- Citation_Information:
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- Originator: U.S. Government; Federal Geographic Data Committee
- Publication_Date: 19971022
- Title: National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS)
- Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
- Publication_Information:
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- Publication_Place: Washington D.C.
- Publisher: Federal Geographic Data Committee
- Online_Linkage:
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<http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/vegetation/index_html>
- Taxonomic_Procedures:
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Vegetation alliances were identified; no specimens nor vouchers were
collected as a part of this process
- Taxonomic_Completeness:
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Conforms with FGDC standardized vegetation
classifiction system.
- Taxonomic_Classification:
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- Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
- Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
- 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?
Bill Rosenberg, in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, collected field data.
- To whom should users address questions about the data?
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
Provide National Parks with the necessary tools to effectively manage
their natural resources. Plot data are collected and analyzed to develop a
classification (using the Standardized National Vegetation Classification
System) and description of vegetation types in preparation for
photointerpretation and mapping of the monument's vegetation types.
- What methods were used to collect the data?
- Method 0 of 2
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Type: Field
Field sampling using releve plots
- Method 0 of 2
-
Type: Field
Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- tuzi Aerial Photos (source 1 of 4)
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Kenney Aerial mapping Company, Pheonix, AZ, 19950912, Tuzigoot National Monument CIR Aerial Photography: Kenney Aerial Mapping Company, Phoenix, AZ.
- Other_Citation_Details:
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The aerial photography is CIR and 1:6000 scale. The camera
calibration report is USGS Report Number OSL/2066 dated January 10,
1995.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Transparency
- Source_Scale_Denominator: 6000
- Source_Contribution:
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Color Infrared (CIR) aerial photos were used for selection of plot
locations, and as the basis for the photointerpretation process.
- tuzi sample and classification (source 2 of 4)
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USGS, CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19960405, Tuzigoot National Monument 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
- SNVCS protocol document (source 3 of 4)
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US Dept of Interior, National Biological Survey (Now USGS/Core Science Systems), and and National Park Service, 199411, Standardized National Vegetation Classification System; protocol document for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program (unpublished report): USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
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Report prepared under contract by The Nature Conservancy, 1815 N.
Lynn Street, Arlington, Virginia 22209 and Environmental Systems
Research Institute, 380 New York street, Redlands, California 92373
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution:
-
Report prepared under contract by The Nature Conservancy, 1815 N. Lynn
Street, Arlington, VA and the Environmental Systems Research Institute,
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373. Describes the structure,
content, and origins of the Standard National Vegetation Classification
System, and it describes the process by which the system is to be
applied to changing requirements.
- field methods protocol document (source 4 of 4)
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United States Department of Interior, National Biological Survey (now USGS Core Science Systems) and the National Park Service, 199412, Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping: USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
This report was generated by the Nature Conservancy under contract
to the USGS, CSS, CSAS.
- Type_of_Source_Media: Online
- Source_Contribution:
-
This document defines the methods and protocols for field data
collection to be used as part of the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping
Program.
- How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
- Date: 05-Apr-1996 (process 1 of 3)
-
The following describes the tasks performed by The Nature Conservancy to
produce descriptive data for 35 vegetation sampling plots in three
separate database files. The first of the three contains general
descriptive information at each of the plots. Plot sites were selected
by information obtained during a reconnaissance visit to the park in
April of 1995, and by examining tone and textural patterns on the TUZI
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS. Site physical parameters, species types, and
vegetation strata were described at each site. The PLOTS database
contains tabulations of site physical factors, listed under
the ATTRIBUTE ACCURACY REPORT for each of the 35 plots. Plot data were
manually recorded on field forms on-site, and subsequently keyed into
the database files described herein. Information in the plot database
was then used to develop the classification system and plant
identification keys contained in the TNC TUZI SAMPLING AND
CLASSIFICATION REPORT.
- Date: 05-Apr-1996 (process 2 of 3)
-
The following describes the tasks performed by The Nature Conservancy to
produce descriptive data for 35 vegetation sampling plots in three
separate database files. The second of the three contains listings of
individual species found in each plot, along with cover estimates and
height (strata) delineations. The SPECIES LISTING database contains line
entries for each species including the Plot Code, a unique numerical
species code, full species name, Species Cover, Plant Code, and Plant
Strata delineation. See 2.1.1 (Accuracy Assessment Report) for
explanations of these attributes. Plot data were manually recorded on
field forms on-site, and subsequently keyed into the database files
described herein. Information in the plot database was then used to
develop the classification system and plant identification keys
contained in the TNC TUZI SAMPLING AND CLASSIFICATION REPORT.
- Date: 05-Apr-1996 (process 3 of 3)
-
The following describes the tasks performed by The Nature Conservancy to
produce descriptive data for 35 vegetation sampling plots in three
separate database files. The third of the three contains listings of
individual strata found in each plot, along with cover estimates and
height (strata) delineations. The STRATA LISTING database contains line
entries for each strata including the Plot Code, full species name,
height, cover, and Strata delineation. See 2.1.1 (Accuracy Assessment Report) for
explanations of these attributes. Plot data were manually recorded on
field forms on-site, and subsequently keyed into the database files
described herein. Information in the plot database was then used to
develop the classification system and plant identification keys
contained in the TNC TUZI SAMPLING AND CLASSIFICATION REPORT.
Person who carried out this activity:
The Nature Conservancy
c/o Dennis Grossman
Chief Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy
1815 Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22209
USA
(703) 841-5305 (voice)
dgrossman@tnc.org
Data sources used in this process:
- tuzi Aerial Photos
- SNVCS protocol document
- Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping
Data sources produced in this process:
- tuzi sample and classification
- tuzi Veg Descriptions
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
U.S. Geological Survey Department of the Interior, 199710, Tuzigoot National Monument, Spatial Data: Cover type / Association Level of the National Vegetation Classification system Base for Vegetation Mapping: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Tuzigoot National Monument, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
Created in large part by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
Redlands, CA under contract from USGS/CSS/CSAS
U.S. Geological Survey Department of the Interior, 199710, Tuzigoot National Monument, Accuracy Assessment: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Tuzigoot National Monument, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details: Created by USGS/CSS/CSAS
- How well have the observations been checked?
Physical description - Descriptive plot data were collected for 35 sites whose
vegetation represents a full spectrum of alliance types present within Tuzigoot
National Monument and its immediate surroundings. Attributes collected for
each site include: a unique plot identification code, park name, quad
name, UTM coordinates, UTM projection, plot survey date, surveyor's name,
length, width, photo type, elevation, slope aspect, topographic position,
landform, surface geology, Cowardin System category, hydrology, surface
material description, soil texture, soil drainage, leaf phenology, leaf
type, and physiognomy. Species - Descriptive plot data were collected for 35
sites whose vegetation represents a full spectrum of alliance types present
within Tuzigoot National Monument and its immediate surroundings. This
database which is the second of three databases containing plot field data,
delineates species. Individual species described at each of 35 plots is listed,
one line per species, with the following information: Plot Identification
Code, Species Name, Species Cover ( 0=trace, 1=< 1%, 2=1-5%, 3=5-25%,
4=25-50%, 5=50-75%, 6=75-100%), Plantcode (first 2 letters of genus+first
2 letters of spp.), and Plant Strata (T, S, H, v.s, and no entry). Strata -
Descriptive plot data were collected for 35 sites whose vegetation
represents a full spectrum of alliance types present within Tuzigoot
National Monument and its immediate surroundings. This database which is
the third of three databases containing plot field data, delineates plot
strata. Most of the 35 plots have multiple strata, with each listed as a
separate line entry in the database. Strata are described by plot code,
descriptive name, height, cover, and an alpha-numeric strata code.
Descriptive names include canopy, sub-canopy, tall shrub, short shrub,
herbaceous, and emergent. Height classes, in meters, range from 1 to 7:
1=<0.5 m, 2=0.5-1m, 3=1-2m, 4=2-5m, 5=5-10m, 6=10-15m and 7=15-20m. Cover
groupings, in percent, range from 1 to 4: 1=0-10%, 2=10-25%, 3=25-60%, and
4=60-100%. The diagnostic species for each stratum is listed by latin
name. Stratum codes are defined in the following manner: T1=emergent,
T2=canopy, T3=sub-canopy, S1=tall shrub, S2=short shrub, and H=herbaceous.
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
X,Y UTM coordinates representing each of the 35 plots were collected by
P-code PLGR (Precise Lightweight GPS Receiver) receivers, with an
accuracy ranging from +/- 10 m. to +/- 30 m. based on 60 second
averaging at each point.
- How accurate are the heights or depths?
Vertical accuracies are approximately twice the horizontal accuracy.
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
Physical description - Descriptive entries for each of the 35 plots are
complete for each of the applicable attributes listed in the database. Species
& Strata - Descriptive entries for each of the 35 plots are complete for each
of the applicable attributes listed in the database, with the exception of one
missing plant code in plot 95ROS29. According to convention, the code should
be "CINE".
- How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
Physical description - Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the form
of consistent groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors. Species & Strata -
Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the form of consistent
groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors as described under
2.1.1: attribute accuracy report. NOTE1: The significance of numbers
appended to some of the Plant Codes is not known. NOTE2: entries under Plant
Strata were not clearly defined on the original field forms. It is assumed
that T=tree, S=shrub, and H=herbaceous. It is also assumed that numbers
represent canopy levels (starting with 1 as tallest), v.s. = very short.
Plant strata entries in this database are not always consistent with these
assumed labeling conventions.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints:
-
Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the
data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these metadata,
before beginning analysis. 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?
TUZI Plots data; Physical Descriptive Data and Species Listing Data.
- What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such.
The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data.
The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service.
- How can I download or order the data?
- Availability in digital form:
- Cost to order the data: none
- Dates:
- Last modified: 22-Oct-2001
Last Reviewed: 16-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 Wed Jun 16 13:31:45 2010
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