The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Final WUPA map classes used for interpreting the aerial photographs were derived (1) from plant associations and alliances described by CPRS, (2) from the Anderson (1976) Level II land use classification system, (3) from land cover classes, and (4) from unique stands specific to WUPA. A draft hard copy vegetation map at the 1:12,000 scale was printed and checked against the interpreted aerial photographs. As a final internal accuracy check, RSGIG applied photointerpretation observations and classification relevés over the vegetation map to determine if the polygon labels matched the field data. Map validation occurred prior to the accuracy assessment. Because of the difficulties in interpreting the vegetation directly from the aerial photographs, we eventually mapped and/or validated much of the project area in the field. Metadata are required for all spatial data produced by the federal government. RSGIG used SIMMS™ software to create the three FGDC-compliant metadata files attached to the spatial databases and to this report. The metadata files explain the vegetation coverage and ancillary coverages created by RSGIG, the plot data coverage created by CPRS, and the accuracy assessment data created by CPRS.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. To produce the spatial database and map layer, 2006, 0.6-meter, 4-band Quickbird satellite imagery (supplemented with 2008 Quickbird imagery) was provided by PACN. By comparing the signatures on the imagery to field and ground data 30 map units (18 vegetated, five barren, and seven land-use / land-cover) were developed and directly crosswalked or matched to their corresponding rUSNVC plant associations. The interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and maps were printed, field tested, reviewed, and revised. The final map layer was accessed for thematic accuracy by overlaying 90 independent accuracy assessment points. The final overall accuracy of the map layer was determined to be 97% with a Kappa value of 82%.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. To produce the spatial database and map layer, 2006, 0.6-meter, 4-band Quickbird satellite imagery (supplemented with 2008 Quickbird imagery) was provided by PACN. By comparing the signatures on the imagery to field and ground data 30 map units (18 vegetated, five barren, and seven land-use / land-cover) were developed and directly crosswalked or matched to their corresponding rUSNVC plant associations. The interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and maps were printed, field tested, reviewed, and revised. The final map layer was accessed for thematic accuracy by overlaying 90 independent accuracy assessment points. The final overall accuracy of the map layer was determined to be 97% with a Kappa value of 82%.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Using field sample site information, the Alliance/Association classes were extrapolated to polygons sharing like aspects in the same regional area. A preliminary vegetation map was created and then reviewed by TNC field biologists for accuracy. If necessary, revisions to the delineations or the computer model were made and another map was produced for review. This process was repeated until the TNC biologists approved of all classification assignments.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Using field sample site information, the Alliance/Association classes were extrapolated to polygons sharing like aspects in the same regional area. A preliminary vegetation map was created and then reviewed by TNC field biologists for accuracy. If necessary, revisions to the delineations or the computer model were made and another map was produced for review. This process was repeated until the TNC biologists approved of all classification assignments.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Ultimately, we developed a geodatabase containing four feature classes: vegetation points (containing vegetation sample points and AA sites), vegetation and land use polygons (showing locations of vegetation types and general land features), 1:12,000-scale CIR aerial photograph centers, and project boundary extent. Included in the geodatabase are several tables providing a suite of supporting information, from classification crosswalks to detailed sampling data. All geospatial products are projected in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), Zone 16, using the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Ultimately, we developed a geodatabase containing four feature classes: vegetation points (containing vegetation sample points and AA sites), vegetation and land use polygons (showing locations of vegetation types and general land features), 1:12,000-scale CIR aerial photograph centers, and project boundary extent. Included in the geodatabase are several tables providing a suite of supporting information, from classification crosswalks to detailed sampling data. All geospatial products are projected in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), Zone 16, using the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. The map was designed to facilitate ecologically- based natural resources management at a 1:24,000 scale with 0.5-ha minimum map unit size. Based on a provisional assessment, overall accuracy was 82.5% for Level 1 and 66.8% for Level 2. Level 1 units will likely be sufficient and most appropriate for many natural resource planning and evaluations, while Level 2 units provide added fine-scale information within major ecological groups. To support the map as a management tool, we provide an annotated map legend along with descriptions of each plant association, a corresponding diagnostic key, field forms, and a plant species list. The map was delivered in both printed form and as digital Geographic Information System (GIS) map files. The GIS format allows flexibility to update the map as new information becomes available, or as major vegetation changes, such as fire, disease or other impacts, occur in the park.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. The map was designed to facilitate ecologically- based natural resources management at a 1:24,000 scale with 0.5-ha minimum map unit size. Based on a provisional assessment, overall accuracy was 82.5% for Level 1 and 66.8% for Level 2. Level 1 units will likely be sufficient and most appropriate for many natural resource planning and evaluations, while Level 2 units provide added fine-scale information within major ecological groups. To support the map as a management tool, we provide an annotated map legend along with descriptions of each plant association, a corresponding diagnostic key, field forms, and a plant species list. The map was delivered in both printed form and as digital Geographic Information System (GIS) map files. The GIS format allows flexibility to update the map as new information becomes available, or as major vegetation changes, such as fire, disease or other impacts, occur in the park.

The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles. Following segmentation, only those lines/polygons that matched the vegetation patterns within the WHMI project area were exported as ArcInfo shapefiles and converted into ArcInfo coverages. The resulting coverages were refined through a series of smoothing routines until no obvious artificial or relict breaks in the lines were visible. When the interpretation effort was considered complete, topology for the final polygon layer was built and attributed and then imported into a spatial database (geodatabase). Each polygon was attributed with a dedicated map unit name, code, and modifier. Polygon-specific modifiers included additional data on the height, density, and patterns of the dominant vegetation. Also polygons of disturbed sites were identified in a comments field along with any notable dominate understory or locally common plant species. Finally other map class data including the NVCS crosswalk and the land-use classes were added.