1988 NWRC Wetland Habitat Data for Gulf of Mexico Coast, Alabama

Metadata:
Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center
Publication_Date: 19880101
Title:
1988 NWRC Wetland Habitat Data for Gulf of Mexico Coast, Alabama
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Map
Description:
Abstract:
This data set consists of digital data describing wetland and upland habitats in the coastal Mobile Bay and nearby Gulf Coast areas of Alabama, in 1988. The data set includes 32 7.5' quadrangles which were digitized at the U. S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center using WAMS (Wetland Analytical Mapping System), from 1:24,000 scale hard copy maps developed by the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Wetlands were classified according on the NWI maps using the Cowardin, et al., wetland classification scheme to the level of salinity modifiers. Uplands were classified using a customized classification scheme which can be cross-referenced to Anderson, et al., and were added by NWRC. Please note that 11 of the 32 quadrangle are draft maps, and have NOT been finalized. This includes the quadrangles of Kreole, Point Clear, Magnolia Springs, Lillian, Perdido Bay, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Bon Secour Bay, Little Point Clear, St. Andrew Bay, and Pine Beach.
Purpose:
The intended use of this data set is to provide historical information for comparison to monitor wetland trends over time.
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 19880101
Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition during source photography acquisition.
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None Planned
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -88.500
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -87.250
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 31.000
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.500
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: basins
Theme_Keyword: bays
Theme_Keyword: bayous
Theme_Keyword: canals
Theme_Keyword: floodplain
Theme_Keyword: wetlands
Theme_Keyword: marshes
Theme_Keyword: swamps
Theme_Keyword: marshlands
Theme_Keyword: habitats
Theme_Keyword: uplands
Theme_Keyword: vegetation types
Theme_Keyword: land cover types
Theme_Keyword: landform types
Theme_Keyword: coast
Theme_Keyword: coastal
Theme_Keyword: delta
Theme_Keyword: coastal habitats
Theme_Keyword: geographic information system data
Theme_Keyword: classified aerial photography
Theme_Keyword: maps
Theme_Keyword: mapping
Theme_Keyword: National Wetlands Inventory
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Place_Keyword: Alabama
Place_Keyword: Alabama Coast
Place_Keyword: Gulf of Mexico
Place_Keyword: Coastal Alabama
Place_Keyword: Mobile and Surrounding Coastal Areas
Temporal:
Temporal_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Temporal_Keyword: 1988
Access_Constraints:
It is strongly recommended that this data is directly acquired from the distributor described above or from another USGS Biological Resources Division server and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. The distributor makes no claims as to the data's suitability for other purposes.
Use_Constraints:
Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center as a data source would be appreciated in products developed from these data, and such acknowledgment as is standard for citation and legal practices for data source is expected by users of this data. Sharing new data layers developed directly from these data would also be appreciated by NWRC staff. Users should be aware that comparison with other data sets for the same area from other time periods may be inaccurate due to inconsistencies resulting from changes in mapping conventions, data collection, and computer processes over time. The distributor shall not be liable for improper or incorrect use of this data, based on the description of appropriate/inappropriate uses described in this metadata document. These data are not legal documents and are not to be used as such.
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center
Contact_Person: Larry Handley
Contact_Position: Geographer and Principle Investigator
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing and Physical Address
Address: 700 Cajundome Blvd
City: Lafayette
State_or_Province: LA
Postal_Code: 70506
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 337 266-8691
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 337 266-8513
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: larry_handley@usgs.gov
Data_Set_Credit: None
Native_Data_Set_Environment:
WAMS version 2.1 and ARC/INFO Version 7.0.4 GIS Software for Silicon Graphics (UNIX) workstations operating under IRIX version 6.2 Operating System.

Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
The attribute accuracy was tested using several methods during the data development phases and completion. Data was tested by manual comparison of the source with hard copy printouts and/or symbolized display of the digital wetlands data on an interactive computer graphic system. In addition, WAMS software tests the attributes. Overall, the attribute accuracy is believed high due to the multiple cerror-checking steps done redundantly during processing. Process testing was done on the multiple staff error-checking steps and software error-checking steps to develop estimates of the accuracy and error rates. The final accuracy assessment used calculated average accuracy and error rates for the human stages and software verification stages, which were done redundantly to insure double checking verification of the data coverages comprising the data set. Exact tolerances vary with coverages, as does the date of the processing and testing. The final accuracy values expressed are the best summation which can be developed from the smaller areas which comprise the data set. Data has been checked and verified against original maps and over years of use. The accuracy values expressed represent the final calculated accuracy estimate of the multiple steps of data development from source photography to completed data. The actual final should be considered as average and perhaps conservative or over estimating the percent change of error for areas in this data set.
Logical_Consistency_Report:
This logical consistency report includes information about both general and specific topological tests and data generation dynamics in the fidelity of data. Data is inherently polygonal. Polygons intersecting the neatline are closed along the border. Segments making up the outer and inner boundaries of a polygon tie end-to-end to completely enclose the area. Line segments are a set of sequentially numbered coordinate pairs. No duplicate features exist nor duplicate points in a data string. Intersecting lines are separated into individual line segments at the points of intersection. Point data are represented by two sets of coordinate pairs, each with the same coordinate values. All nodes are represented by a single coordinate pair which indicates the beginning or end of a line segment. The neatline for each quad is generated by connecting four corners of a digital file, as established during initialization of the digital file. All data crossing the neatline are clipped to the neatline and data within a specified tolerance of the neatline are snapped to the neatline. Tests for logical consistency are performed by WAMS verification software.
Completeness_Report:
All photo-interpretable wetlands are identified and mapped using standard methodologies and equipment for the photo interpretation phases of the data development. In the upland areas, 1/4 acre wetlands generally are mapped. In coastal marsh, swamps, and bottomland hardwood areas, small open water and emergent wetlands are mapped. In general, the minimum mapping unit is from 1 to 3 acres depending of the wetland type and the scale and emulsion of the source aerial photography. Some small wetlands, densely broken marsh, and those wetlands obscured by dense forest cover may not be included in this data set. Processing of the digital data also follows conventions and standard methodologies for the time period and within limitations of available workstation equipment at the date of data development. Processing follows standard operating procedures as used, developed, and shared by the National Wetlands Inventory of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Data products were completed using similar systems and methodologies which are used by NWI and by USGS.
Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
For reference points accuracy, the accuracy for the digital data are tested by visual comparison of the source with hard copy maps, and by understanding of the hardware tolerances and processing values reported by the software used in data development. Additional checks on comparison were possible when georeferencing/rectification was done using the USGS maps, which cite National Mapping Accuracy Standard compliance.
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Not applicable
Lineage:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration
Publication_Date: 19880101
Title: Color Infrared Aerial Photography
Edition: Varies
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Remote-Sensing Image
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: NASA Ames,California
Publisher:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States
Source_Scale_Denominator: 65000
Type_of_Source_Media: Stable-Base Material
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 19880101
Source_Currentness_Reference: Source Photography Date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: NASA CIR
Source_Contribution:
Primary data for photo interpretation and identification of wetland and upland classes.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Publication_Date: 19830101
Title:
USGS Topographic Quadrangles, standard 7.5 minute series maps
Edition: Varies
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Map
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Reston, VA
Publisher: United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
Type_of_Source_Media: Paper
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 19830101
Source_Currentness_Reference: Source map date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: USGS Quads
Source_Contribution:
Provided base maps for wetland and upland polygon layer information.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator:
United States Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory
Publication_Date: 19790101
Title: National Wetlands Inventory Hard Copy Wetland Maps
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Map
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: St. Petersburg, Fl
Publisher:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory
Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
Type_of_Source_Media: Hard copy maps
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 19790101
Source_Currentness_Reference: Source photography for maps
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: NWI Maps
Source_Contribution: Provided hard copy maps to be digitized.
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
NASA High altitude 1:65,000 color infrared aerial photographs were photo interpreted for wetland and upland habitat classifications. Habitat layer was overlaid on USGS Quad base maps to create the NWI maps.
Process_Date: 1990-1993
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
The hard copy 1:24,000 NWI maps were digitized at the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center using WAMS (Wetland Analytical Mapping System).
Process_Date: 1994
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Indirect_Spatial_Reference: Not applicable
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: 16
Transverse_Mercator:
Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -87
Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
False_Easting: 500000
False_Northing: 0
Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996
Planar_Coordinate_Information:
Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: Coordinate Pair
Coordinate_Representation:
Abscissa_Resolution: .61
Ordinate_Resolution: .61
Planar_Distance_Units: Meters
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1927
Ellipsoid_Name: Clarke 1866
Semi-major_Axis: 6378206.4
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 249.98
Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: Wetland and Upland Habitat Polygons
Entity_Type_Definition:
Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface of the land is covered by shallow water. Uplands are terrestrial systems that do not exhibit wetland characteristics.
Entity_Type_Definition_Source:
Cowardin, Lewis M., Virginia Carter, Francis Goblet, and Edward T. Laroe. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological Services Program; FWS/OBS - 79/31. 103 pp.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DATA
Attribute_Definition:
The wetland classification system is hierarchical, with wetlands and deepwater habitats divided among 5 major systems at the broadest level. The five systems include Marine, Estuarine, Riverine, lacustrine, and Palustrine. These systems are further divided into subsystems which reflect hydrologic conditions. Below the subsystems are classes and subclasses describing vegetation or substrate, and modifiers relating to hydrology, soils, water chemistry, and man's activities.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Cowardin, Lewis M., Virginia Carter, Francis Goblet, and Edward T. LaRoe. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological Services Program; FWS/OBS - 79/31. 103 pp. Customized classification which can be cross-referenced to Anderson, James R., Ernest E. Hardy, John T. Roach, and Richard T. Witmer. A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensor Data. Geological Survey Professional Paper 964. A revision of the land use classification system as presented in U.S. Geological Survey Circular 671. United States Government Printing Office, Washington: 1976.
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Codeset_Domain:
Codeset_Name: Cowardin, et al., Wetland Classification Scheme
Codeset_Source:
Cowardin, Lewis M., Virginia Carter, Francis Goblet, and Edward T. LaRoe. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological Services Program; FWS/OBS - 79/31. 103 pp.
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Codeset_Domain:
Codeset_Name:
Modified version of Anderson et al. Classification scheme for uplands.
Codeset_Source:
Can be cross-referenced to Anderson, James R., Ernest E. Hardy, John T. Roach, and Richard T. Witmer. A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensor Data. Geological Survey Professional Paper 964. A revision of the land use classification system as presented in U.S. Geological Survey Circular 671. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, USA.

Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center
Contact_Position: GIS Specialist/Geographer
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing and Physical Address
Address: 700 Cajundome Blvd.
City: Lafayette
State_or_Province: Louisiana
Postal_Code: 70506
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 337 266-8500
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 337 266-8513
Distribution_Liability:
Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other 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 strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from a Biological Resources Division server, and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. NWRC shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. So, these data are provided "as is" and without any express or implied warranties, including, without limitation, the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Also, use of trade names or commerical products in this metadata is solely for the purpose of providing specific information, and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Government. Any downloading and use of these data signifies a user's agreement to comprehension and compliance of the NWRC Standard Disclaimer. Insure all portions of metadata are read and clearly understood before using these data in order to protect both user and NWRC interests.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: ARCE
Format_Version_Number: 7.1.1
File_Decompression_Technique: ARC/INFO Export .e00 Compression Format
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name: <http://sabdata.nwrc.gov>
Fees: None, if data are available online.
Custom_Order_Process: None
Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 19971223
Metadata_Review_Date: 20030701
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center
Contact_Position: Metadata Specialist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing and Physical Address
Address: 700 Cajundome Blvd
City: Lafayette
State_or_Province: Louisiana
Postal_Code: 70506
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 337 266-8500
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 337 266-8513
Metadata_Access_Constraints: None
Metadata_Use_Constraints:
Acknowledgement of the National Wetlands Research Center as the metadata source would be appreciated. Please cite the original metadata when using portions of the record to create a similar record of slightly altered data, such as reprojection.
Metadata_Standard_Name: Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Generated by mp version 2.7.33 on Wed Jul 20 09:23:23 2005