Data Dictionary for

EVSC 362 – VCR-LTER homework project datasets

David Richardson, Instructor

Summer 2007

The following datasets are available for students of EVSC 362 : GIS Methods to use as part of their class homework projects. The filename and format of each dataset along with a brief metadata description of the contents is provided. See the metadata associated with each individual file, or additional text files included with homework datasets, for more information.

LIST OF DATASETS AND THEIR FILE FORMATS

Boundaries (in vcrBounds directory) :

shoreboxu83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

shore91u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

siteboxu83 - shapefile

hogu83 - shapefile

islandnames - shapefile

VCR-LTER Infrastructure (in vcrBounds and hogsites directories):

vcrBounds/shoreroads83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

vcrBounds/rt13_83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

vcrBounds/shorepower83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

vcrBounds/shorelmarks - shapefile

hogsites/hogstructures - shapefile

hogsites/hogtrails - shapefile

VCR-LTER Specific Research Areas (in vcrGPS, hogsites, and hogbaysites directories):

vcrGPS/vcrgps04u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

vcrGPS/set_u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

vcrGPS/marshelev_u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

vcrGPS/tidemet2 - shapefile

vcrGPS/megamarsh2 - shapefile

hogsites/transects_u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

hogsites/nhdunes99_u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

hogsites/nhogsantos - ArcInfo vector Coverage

hogsites/nhogdunesites - shapefile

hogsites/nhogsaltflats - shapefile

hogsites/hogwlr6 - shapefile

hogsites/layman1 - shapefile

hogsites/rembox_u83 - shapefile

hogsites/rempts_u83 - shapefile

hogsites/silliman1 - shapefile

hogsites/tylercrkbnk - shapefile

hogsites/walshmplots - shapefile

hogbaysites/shoalsurv_u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

hogbaysites/waterqual2b - shapefile

Additional Bird Nesting and Vegetation Monitoring Data (in Homework#5 and Supplemental and Demo exercises):

Birds6 - shapefile

Birds98np - shapefile

Parrtree96 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

Parrshrub96 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

Plotcenter05 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

Plotgrid05 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

Mccaffrey74b - shapefile

Additional Topographic Data (in Supplemental and Demo exercises):

Trinebms1 - shapefile

Trinesurv1 - shapefile

Trinesurv2.csv - comma-delimited ascii text file

Geology and Soils data (in hogLcovGeo and shoreLandcover/shoreSoil directories):

hogage_u83 - shapefile

nh_soil_u83b - shapefile

Scanned Image of USGS Quadrangle Maps (in shoreDRGs directory):

quinbyDRG.tif, .tfw - TIFF image and geolocated worldfile

grmachDRG.tif, .tfw - TIFF image and geolocated worldfile

USGS Digital Elevation Models (in shoreDEMs directory):

shore83dem_n - ArcInfo raster Grid

shore83dem_s - ArcInfo raster Grid

USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter-Quadrangle Aerial Photos (in shoreDOQs directory):

quinby_ne.sid, .sdw, .hdr, .html - MrSID image, worldfile, and metadata

quinby_nw.sid, .sdw, .hdr, .html - MrSID image, worldfile, and metadata

quinby_se.sid, .sdw, .hdr, .html - MrSID image, worldfile, and metadata

quinby_sw.sid, .sdw, .hdr, .html - MrSID image, worldfile, and metadata

grmachinlt_nw.sid, .sdw, .hdr, .html - MrSID image, worldfile, and metadata

nassawadox_nw.sid, .sdw, .hdr, .html - MrSID image, worldfile, and metadata

More Aerial Photos and Satellite Imagery (in hogER2 and shoreTM directories):

hog90r5_83.lan, .sta - ERDAS 7.x image file and header file

tm910116r_83.lan, .sta - ERDAS 7.x image file and header file

hogarea2001tm.img, .rrd - ERDAS Imagine image file and header file

Regional Landuse/Landcover (in shoreLandcover/shoreNLCD and /shoreGAP directories):

shoreNLCD/vcr_nlcd92 - ArcInfo raster Grid

shoreNLCD/nlcdcodes.txt - ascii metadata (what the grid cell values mean)

shoreGAP/vcr_vagapu83 - ArcInfo raster Grid

shoreGAP/vcr_mdgapu83 - ArcInfo raster Grid

shoreGAP/VAWVMDlc_codes.xls - MS excel metadata (what the grid cell values mean)

Projection Information

All datasets in this VCR-LTER collection, unless otherwise noted, are in the same horizontal coordinate system using identical projections and spheroid models. This preferred coordinate/projection/spheroid system is:

Projection: UTM zone 18, units: meters

Spheroid: GRS80 - Geodetic Reference System 80

Datum: NAD83 - North American Datum 1983

Dataset Descriptions

BOUNDARIES:

shoreboxu83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

This dataset was created from the "usgs75quads" shapefile of USGS quadrangle boundaries (see the STATES metadata dictionary for details). It includes all 30 quadrangles that cover the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula (Virginia’s Eastern Shore) plus open water in the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay to make the box a rectangle. The resulting box contains the so-called “Greater-Virginia-Coast-Reserve-Study-Region” (for lack of a better name) and was transformed into the preferred (UTM zone 18, nad83) coordinate system.

shore91u83 - ArcInfo vector Coverage

Created from the “shore91” coverage (obtained from VCR-LTER, 2005), which shows island, marsh, and mainland boundaries as derived from a classified 1991 Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) image.

Additional Attributes:

Grid-code : land type [number] : 1 = open water, 2 = upland (mainland or barrier island),

3 = marsh.

siteboxu83 - shapefile

Primary study area boundaries of the Virginia Coast Reserve – Long Term Ecological Research program, as obtained from VCR-LTER (spring 2005), as portrayed in NSF proposals and the VCR-LTER’s Internet Mapping Server, then transformed into preferred (UTM zone 18, nad83) coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Site : study site name [text string]

hogu83 - shapefile

A subset of the “shore91u83” coverage above showing just the boundary of Hog Island, VA, with the upland and marsh portions combined and undifferentiated, then transformed into preferred (UTM zone 18, nad83) coordinate system.

islandnames - shapefile

A point shapefile that records the name of the major islands in the VCR barrier island chain. Useful for displaying island names next to island shapes from other datasets (like “shore91u83” above) by labeling the points without visibly drawing them.

Additional Attributes:

Name : barrier island name [text string]

VCR-LTER INFRASTRUCTURE:

vcrBounds/shoreroads83 - ArcInfo coverage

This line coverage shows the locations of the roads and highways of Northampton and Accomac Counties, VA. Obtained from the VCR-LTER (spring 2005), originally obtained as 1:100,000 scale Digital Line Graph (DLG) files from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center and created by the USGS. Data was transformed into preferred (UTM zone 18, nad83) coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

See online documentation for similarly created Northampton transportation dataset at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/northampton/index.html#trans” for more data creation details.

vcrBounds/rt13_83 - ArcInfo coverage

This line coverage shows the location of U.S. Highway 13, the major road running the length of the Virginia Eastern Shore. Obtained from the VCR-LTER (spring 2005), originally obtained as 1:100,000 scale Digital Line Graph (DLG) files from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center and created by the USGS. A subset of the above “shoreroads83” coverage. Data was transformed into preferred (UTM zone 18, nad83) coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

See online documentation for similarly created Northampton transportation dataset at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/northampton/index.html#trans” for more data creation details.

vcrBounds/shorepower83 - ArcInfo coverage

This line coverage shows the locations of powerline transmission corridors in Northampton and Accomac Counties, VA. Obtained from the VCR-LTER (spring 2005), originally obtained as 1:100,000 scale Digital Line Graph (DLG) files from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center and created by the USGS. Data was transformed into preferred (UTM zone 18, nad83) coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

See online documentation for similarly created Northampton transportation dataset at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/northampton/index.html#trans” for more data creation details.

vcrBounds/shorelmarks - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the locations of landmarks and important or useful places in Northampton and Accomac Counties, VA, with respect to the operation of the VCR-LTER (ex. location of labs, dorms, boat docks, hospital, etc.). Created as aid for UVA GIS classes (spring 2005).

Additional Attributes:

Lm_name : landmark name or description [text string]

hogsites/hogstructures - shapefile

This polygon shapefile shows the outlines of the various buildings and major structures located on Hog Island, VA, as of 2005. Digitized off of DOQQ air photos covering Hog Island and described elsewhere.

Additional Attributes:

name : building name or description [text string]

ownership : name of owner [text string]

area : size of building footprint in square meters [number]

hogsites/hogtrails - shapefile

This line shapefile traces the paths of the old roads turned foot trails located on Hog Island, VA, as of 2005. Digitized off of DOQQ air photos and DRG scanned maps covering Hog Island and described elsewhere.

VCR-LTER SPECIFIC RESEARCH AREAS:

vcrgps04u83 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the location of the many GPS benchmarks/monuments that make up the VCR-LTER GPS network. UTM coordinates, lat/lon, and elevation are as of latest (2004) adjustment and are relative to the “fixed” National Geodetic Survey (NGS) monument (“VCR LTER 1”) outside Oyster, VA. Horizontal datum is NAD83, vertical datum is NAVD88. The network includes preexisting resurveyed USGS benchmarks (those where Estab=0) as well as numerous monuments established within or in close proximity to ongoing research projects. Acquired from VCR-LTER in spring of 2005.

Additional Attributes:

Stationname : GPS benchmark/monument name [text string]

Elev : Elevation of benchmark/monument in meters above sea level [number], note that

elevations of 99.9999 (or 100) are erroneous and mark missing data.

Estab : Year GPS monument established or added to VCR-LTER network [number],

note that 0 = prior to 1992.

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/gopher/Data/GPS/” for more data creation details.

set_u83 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the location of the Surface Erosion Tables (SETs) established in two lagoonal marshes in 1999 by Mike Erwin and colleagues. Last SET measurements were in 2003 (as of 2007). Horizontal coordinates and vertical elevations are based on and tied into the VCR-LTER GPS network. Acquired from VCR-LTER in spring of 2005.

Additional Attributes:

SET_name : SET site name [text string]

Elev_msl : Elevation of benchmark/monument in meters above sea level [number]

Ellip_ht : Height of benchmark/monument in meters above ellipsoid [number]

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/gopher/Data/GPS/” for more details on the VCR-LTER GPS network.

marshelev_u83 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the location of various marsh elevation survey transects undertaken by Cassondra Thomas in 1999 and measured using GPS tied in to the VCR-LTER GPS network. Note that the N. Hog survey appears to be mis-located and in error while the others seem okay. Acquired from VCR-LTER in spring of 2005.

Additional Attributes:

Site : Marsh Site code [text string] based on marsh name, consists of two letters

(ex. NH = North Hog). See metadata for site codes.

Transect : Transect ID [text string], A-E depending on # of transects

Code : Elevation Point ID [text string] consists of Site code, transect id, and point along

transect #.

MSL : Elevation of benchmark/monument in meters above sea level [number].

Zone : Marsh Zone [text string], C = creek bank, 1=low (S.alterniflora) marsh,

2= high (S.patens/Iva) marsh, 3=marsh/upland transition, 4=upland forest.

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/data/query/ datasets/show_data.html?QDATA_ID=VCR99060” for more details and additional data.

tidemet2 - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the locations of the VCR-LTER’s long-term monitoring meteorological and tide stations, plus additional precipitation gauges. Data was created in 2007 based on verified coordinates from the VCR-LTER dataset catalogs and, when listed coordinates were obviously incorrect, from locations chosen off of DOQQs (described elsewhere) and USGS quad maps with generated UTM coordinates (zone 18, nad83) from www.topozone.com. Locations for Wu and Anderson’s rain gauges are only approximate.

Additional Attributes:

Site : Site name/code [text string]

Location : location description [text string]

Near : additional location description [text string]

Type : point type [text string], i.e. “met_station”, “tide_station”, or “ppt_gauge”

PI : Principle Investigator [text string]

dataset : associated VCR-LTER dataset [text string]

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/data/query/ datasets/show_data.html?QDATA_ID=VCR97018”, “QDATA_ID=VCR97053”, and “QDATA_ID=VCR03083” for more details.

megamarsh2 - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the locations of Thomas, Blum, and Christian’s End-of-Year Marsh Biomass collection sites within the VCR-LTER’s “Megasite”. Data was created in 2007 based on verified coordinates from the VCR-LTER dataset catalogs and, when listed coordinates were obviously incorrect, from locations chosen off of DOQQs (described elsewhere) and USGS quad maps with generated UTM coordinates (zone 18, nad83) from www.topozone.com. Most locations are only approximate.

Additional Attributes:

Site : Site name/code [text string]

Location : location description [text string]

Type : point type [text string], i.e. “met_station”, “tide_station”, or “ppt_gauge”

PI : Principle Investigator [text string]

dataset : associated VCR-LTER dataset [text string]

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/data/query/ datasets/show_data.html?QDATA_ID=VCR03099”, “QDATA_ID=VCR03100”, and “QDATA_ID=VCR03101” for more details.

transects_u83 - ArcInfo coverage

This line coverage shows the approximate locations of the five permanent transects on Hog Island used in studying vegetation zonal patterns as well as semiannual small mammal population dynamics. Transects are numbered 1 to 5 from north to south on the island. Acquired from VCR-LTER in spring of 2005.

nhdunes99_u83 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the location of various dune elevation survey points undertaken by Don Young and students in 1999 and measured using GPS tied in to the VCR-LTER GPS network. Dates of dune establishment on North Hog are circa (1874), 1958, (1970), 1986, 1992, and 1999. Acquired from VCR-LTER in spring of 2005.

Additional Attributes:

Pt_id : point ID code [text string]

Pt_Grp : Group ID [text string], CS-A-C-E are the four measured dune ridges (of six)

from youngest to oldest. Other points are benchmarks, way points, or points

along the cross-island road.

Elev_msl_m : Elevation of survey point in meters above sea level [number].

nhogdunesites - shapefile

This polygon shapefile shows general outlines of the six dune ridges on north Hog Island that together with the intervening swales make up the North Hog chronosequence. Areas digitized with reference to USGS 1994 DOQQ photos, Scott Harrison’s 1992 map of land age, and Young’s “nhdunes99” dune elevation survey (all described elsewhere in this metadata) in 2005 by D. Richardson for use in EVSC362 GIS class.

Additional Attributes:

Dune_age : approximate date of dune establishment [text string]

nhogsantos - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the location of various salt flat and surrounding marsh survey points collected by Marcio Santos in 1995, measured using optical survey equipment and later tied in to the VCR-LTER GPS network. Acquired from VCR-LTER in spring of 2005.

Additional Attributes:

Elev : Elevation of survey point in meters above sea level [number].

Note : Benchmark name [text string] of GPS monuments and temporary benchmarks

used in the combined surveys.

Code : Code [number], meanings now unknown but it appears that:

“411” marks transition from marsh to shrub thicket,

“412” marks transition from S.alterniflora low marsh to S.patens mid/high marsh,

“413” are points marking the edge of the salt flats,

“414” marks edges of creeks or ponds,

and the rest seem to denote either benchmarks, traverse points, or general elevation points associated with the different collection surveys.

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/datamaps/topohtml/santos.html” for more details.

nhogsaltflats - shapefile

This polygon shapefile shows general outlines of the three saltflats on north Hog Island that lie within the area studied by Marcio Santos and Jay Zieman from 1993-1995. Areas digitized with reference to USGS 1994 DOQQ photos and Santos’s “nhsantos” salt flat survey (described elsewhere in this metadata) in 2005 by D. Richardson for use in EVSC362 GIS class.

hogwlr6 - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the locations of Mark Brinson’s water level recorders along T1 on North Hog. Recording platforms were GPS’d in 1996. Data was acquired from the VCR-LTER (2007) and transformed into preferred (UTM zone 18, nad83) coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Site : Water level recorder # [text string]

Location : location description [text string]

PI : Principle Investigator [text string]

Date : GPS collection date [number]

Type : point type [text string], i.e. “Water level recorder”

dataset : associated VCR-LTER dataset [text string]

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/data/query/ datasets/show_data.html?QDATA_ID=VCR05130” for more details.

layman1 - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the pond sampling locations of Craig Layman’s island pond surveys of fish biodiversity and abundance conducted from 1996-1999. Sampling sites were digitized by D. Richardson (2005) with reference to USGS DOQQ aerial photos of Hog Island and the printed location map from Layman’s published thesis.

Additional Attributes:

Samplesite : Name of sampling pond/location [text string]

rembox_u83 - shapefile

This polygon shapefile shows the site boundaries of Rachel Michaels’s fiddler crab exclosure/porewater chemistry experiments conducted from 2001-2002. GPS data was acquired from R. Michaels and the VCR-LTER in 2005.

rempts_u83 - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the site corners, internal plot exclosure/treatment locations, and external individual burrow measurement locations of Rachel Michaels’s fiddler crab exclosure/porewater chemistry experiments conducted from 2001-2002. GPS data was acquired from R. Michaels and the VCR-LTER in 2005.

Additional Attributes:

MSL : Elevation of survey point in meters above sea level [number].

silliman1 - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the general location of Brian Silliman’s snail/marsh grass exclosure experiments conducted from 1996-1998. Site location was digitized by D. Richardson (2005) with reference to USGS DOQQ aerial photos of Hog Island and discussions with Rachel Michaels, a fellow grad student in Zieman’s South Hog lab group.

Additional Attributes:

Descrip : experiment description [text string]

tylercrkbnk - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the general location of Christy Tyler’s creek and lagoon-edge sites used to study geomorphic and hydrological controls on marsh succession from 1995-1996. Site location was digitized by D. Richardson (2005) with reference to USGS DOQQ aerial photos of Hog Island, the TYLR GPS benchmark, Tyler’s thesis, and discussions with Rachel Michaels, a fellow grad student in Zieman’s South Hog lab group.

Additional Attributes:

crkbnksite : site ID [text string]

crkage : relative creek age [text string]

See also “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/data/query/datasets/ show_data.html?QDATA_ID=VCR97014” for more project details and additional data.

walshmplots - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the general location of John Walsh’s marsh chronosequence long-term monitoring plots established in 1995. Plot locations were digitized by D. Richardson (2005) with reference to USGS DOQQ aerial photos of Hog Island, the BROD, WAL1, and WAL2 GPS benchmarks, and discussions with Rachel Michaels, a fellow grad student in Zieman’s South Hog lab group.

Additional Attributes:

Marshage95 : age of marsh as of 1995 [text string]

shoalsurv_u83 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the location of various shoal/mudflat/channel elevation survey points at the mid-lagoon shoal study site in Hog Island Bay undertaken in 2000? and measured using GPS tied in to the VCR-LTER GPS network. Acquired from VCR-LTER in spring of 2005.

Additional Attributes:

MSL : Elevation of survey point in meters above sea level [number].

waterqual2b - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the locations of the VCR-LTER’s long-term water quality monitoring sites, plus additional more recent monitoring sites near the shoals site in Hog Island Bay. Data was created in 2007 based on verified coordinates from the VCR-LTER dataset catalogs and, when listed coordinates were obviously incorrect, from locations from GPS navigation equipment specified by VCR-LTER lab personnel.

Additional Attributes:

Site : Site name/code [text string]

Location : location description [text string]

Type : point type [text string], i.e. “met_station”, “tide_station”, or “ppt_gauge”

Date : Catalog/GPS collection date [number]

PI : Principle Investigator [text string]

dataset : associated VCR-LTER dataset [text string]

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/data/query/ datasets/show_data.html?QDATA_ID=VCR00073”, “QDATA_ID=VCR00074”, and “QDATA_ID=VCR99057” for more details.

ADDITIONAL BIRD NESTING AND VEGETATION MONITORING DATA:

Birds98np – shapefile

This point coverage shows the location of documented nesting sites of various species of colonial nesting birds throughout the VCR, from between 1976-1996. This is the full 1976-1996 colonial nesting bird database and GIS dataset obtained from VCR-LTER in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy (spring 2005) as the ArcInfo coverage “birds98full”, but with all the endangered plover data removed by request. Data has been transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Same as “Birds6” below.

See online documentation listed below.

Birds6 - shapefile

This point shapefile shows the location of documented nesting sites of various species of colonial nesting birds on the north end of Hog Island, VA, from between 1976-1978. This is a very small subset of the full 1976-1996 colonial nesting bird database and GIS dataset obtained from VCR-LTER in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy (spring 2005). Data has been transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Year : year during which nest/colony was observed [number]

Location : location/colony ID [text string]

Species : species code [text string]

Comname : common name of bird species [text string]

Group1 : general bird type [text string], ex. Gulls, Wading Birds, Terns & Skimmers, etc.

Adults : # of adults observed/estimated in colony/nest [number]

Chicks: # of chicks observed in colony/nest prior to fledging [number]

Eggs : # of eggs observed in colony/nest [number]

Nest : # of nests observed/estimated in colony [number]

Owner : owner of management agency of site where colony was found [text string]

Man_area : name of management area (if any) [text string]

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/northampton/birdmeta.html” and “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/vcrbird/birdform1.html” for more data creation details.

Parrtree96 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the mapped location of the trees within the Parramore Island permanent vegetation monitoring plots, established in 1992/1993 and resurveyed in 1996. Data was obtained from D. Richardson and the VCR-LTER (spring 2005). Data has been transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Parrtree96-id : tree ID# [number], matches tree tag #.

Specid : tree species code [text string]

Cond96 : tree condition code during 1996 resurvey [number]

DBH96 : 1996 Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) in cm. [number]

Hgt96 : 1996 Tree Height in meters [number]

Sppdbhc : Major species with diameter classes [text string], for display purposes.

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/data/query/ projects/show_proj.html?QPROJ_ID=VCR05086” and “QPROJ_ID=JHP7E9201” and “QDATA_ID=VCR04110” for more data creation details.

Parrshrub96 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the mapped location of shrubs within the Parramore Island permanent vegetation monitoring plots, established in 1992/1993 and resurveyed in 1996. Data was obtained from D. Richardson and the VCR-LTER (spring 2005). Data has been transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Parrshrub96-id : shrub ID# [number], matches shrub tag #.

Specid : shrub species code [text string]

Cond96 : shrub condition code during 1996 resurvey [number]

BSD96 : 1996 Basal Diameter (BSD) in cm. of largest stem [number]

Hgt96 : 1996 Shrub Height in meters [number]

Sppbsdc : Major species with diameter classes [text string], for display purposes.

Plotcenter05 - ArcInfo coverage

This point coverage shows the center location of each Parramore Island permanent vegetation monitoring plot. Plots were established in 1992/1993 and resurveyed in 1996 with additional plots added after the 2002 fire. Data was obtained from D. Richardson and the VCR-LTER (spring 2005). Data has been transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Plotcenter05-id : plot# [number].

Mccaffrey74b - shapefile

This polygon shapefile shows the different vegetative communities on Parramore and Revels Islands in 1974. Data was obtained from the VCR-LTER (spring 2005) and transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Vegcode : two-letter community/landcover code [text string].

Vegtype : descriptive name of community/landcover type [text string].

See online documentation at “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/DataVeg/” and “http://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/w3-msql2/vcrveg/specform1.html” for more data creation details.

Plotgrid05 - ArcInfo coverage

This line coverage shows the extent of each Parramore Island permanent vegetation monitoring plot, broken into radial grid sections for quickly locating existing trees and shrubs in the field and easy mapping of new stems. Plots were established in 1992/1993 and resurveyed in 1996 with additional plots added after the 2002 fire. Data was obtained from D. Richardson and the VCR-LTER (spring 2005). Data has been transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

ADDITIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC DATA:

Trinebms1 - shapefile

This shapefile shows the location of the benchmarks used by Trine Christiansen in her study of Lower Phillips Creek Marsh in 1993-1997. Obtained from VCR-LTER (spring 2005). Data is from Christiansen’s PhD dissertation (UVA): “Sediment deposition on a tidal salt marsh”, 1998. Data was transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

BM_name : name of VCR-LTER GPS benchmark [text string]

See online documentation at “http://atlantic.evsc.virginia.edu/datamaps/topohtml/phil2.html” for more data creation details.

Trinesurv1 - shapefile

This shapefile shows the location of one set of marsh elevation survey points used by Trine Christiansen in her study of Lower Phillips Creek Marsh in 1993-1997. Obtained from VCR-LTER (spring 2005). Data is from Christiansen’s PhD dissertation (UVA): “Sediment deposition on a tidal salt marsh”, 1998. Data was transformed into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

Elev : elevation above mean sea level, in meters [number]

See online documentation at “http://atlantic.evsc.virginia.edu/datamaps/topohtml/phil2.html” for more data creation details.

Trinesurv2.csv - comma-delimited ascii text file

This text file contains coordinates and elevations for a second set of marsh elevation survey points used by Trine Christiansen in her study of Lower Phillips Creek Marsh in 1993-1997. Obtained from VCR-LTER (spring 2005). Data is from Christiansen’s PhD dissertation (UVA): “Sediment deposition on a tidal salt marsh”, 1998. Data is in original untransformed and unrotated “floating” coordinate system.

Additional Attributes:

PT# : point ID# [number]

X : x-coordinate [number]

Y : y-coordinate [number]

Elev : elevation above mean sea level, in meters [number]

Descrip: description of point [text string]

See online documentation at “http://atlantic.evsc.virginia.edu/datamaps/topohtml/phil2.html” for more data creation details.

SCANNED USGS QUADRANGLE MAPS:

quinbyDRG - TIFF image and accompanying geolocated TFW worldfile

Color image of the Quinby Inlet, VA, USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle map (1968, photorevised 1992). This image was acquired from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center and was originally created by the USGS. Detailed metadata available at “http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/gis/vagaz/”. Image was later transformed from UTM zone17, NAD27, meters into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system.

grmachDRG - TIFF image and accompanying geolocated TFW worldfile

Color image of the Great Machipongo Inlet, VA, USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle map (1968, photorevised 1992). Details same as “quinbyDRG” above.

USGS DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS (DEMs):

shore83dem_n - ArcInfo raster Grid

Combined USGS DEM covering the northern half of the Virginia Eastern Shore (from the Accomac and Metompkin quadrangles north). 30m horizontal (grid cell) resolution, vertical units = meters, Vertical Datum: NGVD 1929, vertical resolution to the nearest meter. Individual DEM Quadrangle datasets were acquired from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center and were originally created by the USGS. Detailed metadata available at “http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/gis/vagaz/”. Grids were later transformed from UTM zone17, NAD27, meters, into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system and mosaiced together.

shore83dem_s - ArcInfo raster Grid

Combined USGS DEM covering the southern half of the Virginia Eastern Shore (from the Exmore and Wachapreague quadrangles south). 30m horizontal (grid cell) resolution, vertical units = meters, Vertical Datum: NGVD 1929, vertical resolution to the nearest meter. Individual DEM Quadrangle datasets were acquired from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center and were originally created by the USGS. Detailed metadata available at “http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/gis/vagaz/”. Grids were later transformed from UTM zone17, NAD27, meters, into preferred UTM zone18, NAD83, meters coordinate system and mosaiced together.

USGS DIGITAL ORTHOPHOTO QUARTER-QUADRANGLES:

quinby_ne, quinby_nw, quinby_se, quinby_sw – MrSID images with worldfiles

grmachinlt_nw, nassawadox_nw

False-color infrared aerial photos of each of the five quadrangle quarters that cover Hog Island, VA, plus one covering Phillips Creek Marsh, produced by USGS. 1 meter horizontal resolution. Images remain in the original distributed UTM zone 18, meters, NAD83 projection. Note that in false color infrared photography, lush green vegetation appears red, dry bare soil appears pale to white, grass pink to pale green, bodies of water appear blue to black, marshes and wetlands with wet soil dark green, many paved or developed surfaces appear gray, and shadows are also still visible. These images were aquired from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center and were originally created by the USGS and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Detailed metadata available at “http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/gis/vagaz/”. All photos were taken on 20 March 1994.

ADDITIONAL AERIAL PHOTO AND SATELLITE IMAGERY:

hog90r5_83 – ERDAS 7.x image file and header file.

This image is a rectified false color infrared aerial photo of Hog Island with 5m resolution taken from a NASA ER2 aircraft in 1990. Obtained from VCR-LTER (spring 2005). The only additional alteration was converting the projection units from NAD27 to NAD83. See DOQQ description concerning interpreting colors.

tm910116r_83 – ERDAS 7.x image file and header file.

This multiband image is a LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) image acquired from the VCR-LTER (2005) after the original TM scene had been subset to include only the VA portion of the Delmarva Peninsula and then rectified. Image taken 16 Jan. 1991. Resolution is 30m. Only TM bands 2,3,4 are present (now bands 1,2,3). The only additional alteration was converting the projection units from NAD27 to NAD83. See “hogarea2001tm” description below concerning interpreting colors.

hogarea2001tm – ERDAS Imagine image file and header file.

This multiband image is a LANDSAT Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) image acquired from the VCR-LTER (2005) after the original ETM scene had been subset to include only the VA portion of the Delmarva Peninsula and then rectified. Resolution is 30m. All nine TM bands 2,3,4 are present. Image cropped so as to include just an east-to-west strip containing Hog Island, Hog Island Bay, Phillips Creek Marsh, and nearby mainland areas, and then converted to change the projection units from NAD27 to NAD83. NOTE: to display the image as a “Natural Color Image” (the way the human eye would see the surface), you need to display the image as a natural-color composite using bands 1 (blue), 2 (green), and 3 (red). To display it as a False-Color Infrared image, use bands 2 (blue), 3 (green), and 4 (red).

REGIONAL LANDUSE/LANDCOVER:

vcr_nlcd92 - ArcInfo raster Grid

This raster grid shows the dominant broadly generalized vegetative communities (or dominant land use in developed and agrarian systems) in the “greater” VCR-LTER area. Examples of landcover types include "decideous forest", “swamp”, and “open water”. Examples of land use include “row crops”, “pastures”, and “high intensity development”. Data acquired from UVA’s Geospatial and Statistical Data Center (see “http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/ collections/gis/nlcd/index.html”) for the following two VA counties that cover most of the regional study area: Northampton and Accomack Cos. County data was combined and then cropped using “shoreboxu83” greater study region boundary and finally reprojected into the preferred coordinate system. VA Dataset reflects ground condition during the 1986-1994 period.

Additional Attributes:

See “nlcdcodes.txt” for a list of the landcover/landuse codes

See online documentation for more details

vcr_vagapu83, vcr_mdgapu83 - ArcInfo raster Grids

These raster grids show the dominant generalized vegetative communities (or dominant land use in developed and agrarian systems) in the “greater” VCR-LTER area. Examples of landcover types include "mixed central hardwood forest", “montane mesic coniferous forest”, and “coastal shrub”. Examples of land use include “fields”, “recent clearcut”, and “residential”. VA, WV, and MD data originally acquired from state GAP distribution sites, currently available from the national archive (see “http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov/”). State data was not combined but was cropped using “shoreboxu83” greater study region boundary and finally reprojected into the preferred coordinate system. VA dataset reflects ground condition during the 1986-1994 period, 1992-1994 for WV, 1991-1993 for MD/DE/NJ.

Additional Attributes:

Projection Information

Dataset Descriptions

See “nlcdcodes.txt” for a list of the landcover/landuse codes

See online documentation for more details

See “VAWVMDlc_codes.xls” for a list of the landcover/landuse codes

See included htmls and online documentation for more details