Field Plots FAQ Metadata
Frequently-anticipated questions:
- Title:
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Wind Cave National Park Vegetation Mapping Project - Field Plot Points
- Abstract:
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Vegetation field plots at Wind Cave NP were visited, described, and
documented in a digital database. The database consists of 2 parts - (1)
Physical Descriptive Data, and (2) Species Listings.
- How should this data set be cited?
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, Technical Service Center Mail Code D-8260, POB 25007, Denver CO 80225, 1999, Wind Cave National Park, Field Plots Data Base for Vegetation Mapping: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Wind Cave National Park, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details: Created under contract to the USGS-CSS-CSAS.
- What geographic area does the data set cover?
- West_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.6194
- East_Bounding_Coordinate: -103.3222
- North_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.65139
- South_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.50639
- Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
-
Wind Cave National Park and about a 2 mile which includes private lands and
portions of Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest.
- What does it look like?
- <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/wica/images/wicaplots.pdf> (PDF)
-
Graphic file showing vegetation filed plot
locations. Low resolution for web browser - 425 KB file size.
- Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
- Beginning_Date: Jun-1997
- Ending_Date: Aug-1997
- Currentness_Reference: Field Work
- 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?
This is a Vector data set.
It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
- What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
- Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
- Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
-
- UTM_Zone_Number: 13
- Transverse_Mercator:
-
- Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105
- Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
- False_Easting: 500000
- False_Northing: 0
- Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996
Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
Planar coordinates are specified in meters
The 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 69 vegetation mapping plot sites contains the attributes of
species found. Physical Description - General plot information is
described by identification codes, locational information (including
state, park name, and USGS 7 1/2' topographic quad name). Physical
factors tabulated in the database include UTM_X, UTM_Y, UTM Zone, map
projection, survey date, name of surveyors, plot lenght and width,
type of photos used, plot elevation, slope aspect, topographic
position, landform type, surface geology, Cowardin system descriptor,
hydrology, rock size, surface material type, soil texture and drainage,
leaf phenology, leaf type, and physiognomy. 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). This includes strata
cover which is an 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).
- Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
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Wind Cave National Park, USGS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program, Technical
Memorandum No. 8260-99-03, USBR
- What biological taxa does this data set concern?
- Taxonomy:
-
- Keywords/Taxon:
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- Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
- Taxonomic_Keywords: Plants
- Taxonomic_Keywords: vegetation
- Taxonomic_Keywords: National Vegetation Classification System
- Taxonomic_System:
-
- 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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Sequence of field test data and observation plots, and CIR photo signature
field observations.
- General_Taxonomic_Coverage:
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Refer to complete listing of mapped plant alliances/associations
under Supplemental Information above.
- 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. Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, Technical Service Center Mail Code D-8260, POB 25007, Denver CO 80225
- Who also contributed to the data set?
CSS-USGS, U.S, BOR, TNC
- To whom should users address questions about the data?
USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
The vegetation plots were used to describe the vegetation in and around
Wind Cave National Park and to assist in developing a final mapping
classification system.
- What methods were used to collect the data?
- Method 0 of 1
-
Type: Field and Remote Sensing
Field sampling using releve plots
- From what previous works were the data drawn?
- WICA sample and classification (source 1 of 4)
-
USGS,CSS,Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19960405, Wind Cave National Park 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 2 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:
-
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.
- WICA Veg Descriptions (source 3 of 4)
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USGS, CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19960405, Wind Cave National Park Vegetation Descriptions: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Park Vegetation Descriptions Wind Cave National Park, 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:
-
This document describes and defines the vegetation classification system
which is to be used for describing and mapping the vegetation at Wind Cave
National Park
- field methods protocol document (source 4 of 4)
-
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 1)
-
The following describes the tasks performed by The Nature Conservancy to
produce descriptive data for 69 vegetation sampling plots in two separate
database tables. Physical description - The first of the two tables 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 WICA AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS. Site physical parameters, species types,
and vegetation strata were described at each site. 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 WICA SAMPLING AND CLASSIFICATION
REPORT. Species - The second of the two tables contains listings of individual
species found in each plot, along with height and cover estimates, and
strata delineations. The SPECIES LISTING database contains line entries
for each species including the Plot Code, Numeric species code, full
scientific species name, cover estimate, a unique alphnumeric species identifier
(plant code), and Plant Strata delineation. Plot sites were
selected subjectively because of the heterogeneity of the vegetation and
the small number of samples per type. Since aerial photos were not
available at the time of plot selection, visual reconnaissance was
conducted at the summit of the bluff to examine vegetation patterns for
determining plot placement. 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 WIND
CAVE 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:
- wica Aerial Photos
- SNVCS protocol document
- Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping
Data sources produced in this process:
- wica sample and classification
- wica Veg Descriptions
- What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Remote Sensing and GIS Group, Denver, CO and The Nature Conservancy, 19980310, Wind Cave National Park, Field Plots Data Base for Vegetation Mapping: Plot Data, Species Listing Data for Plots: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Wind Cave National Park, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details: Created under contract to the USGS-CSS-CSAS.
USGS/CSS, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, 19990430, Accuracy Assesment Procedures and Results: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Wind Cave National Park, USGS, Core Science Systems, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, CO.
Online Links:
- Other_Citation_Details:
-
This report was prepared by The National Conservancy,
Arlington, VA and U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of
Reclamation, Denver, CO, under contract from the U.S.
Department of Interior Core Science Systems and
National Park Service.
- How well have the observations been checked?
Physical description - Descriptive plot data were collected for 69 sites whose
vegetation represents a full spectrum of alliance types present within Wind
Cave National Park 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
69 sites whose vegetation represents a full spectrum of alliance types
present within Wind Cave National Park and its immediate surroundings.
This database which is the second of two databases containing plot field
data, delineates species. Individual species described at each of 69 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).
- How accurate are the geographic locations?
X,Y UTM coordinates representing each of the 69 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?
Not applicable
- Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
Descriptive entries for each of the 69 plots are complete for each of the
applicable attributes listed in the database.
- 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 - 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 the 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, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
- 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?
WICA 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: 21-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 Mon Jun 21 12:41:03 2010
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