NCCOS Accuracy Assessment Field Data for Benthic Habitat Maps of Palau, 2006-2007

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
NCCOS Accuracy Assessment Field Data for Benthic Habitat Maps of Palau, 2006-2007
Abstract:
This project is a cooperative effort between the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, IMSG and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. The goal of the work was to incorporate previously developed mapping methods to produce coral reef habitat maps for The Republic of Palau. GPS field observations were used to establish the thematic accuracy of this thematic product. 623 benthic habitat characterizations were completed in UTM Zone 53N for this work.
  1. How should this data set be cited?

    Miles Anderson, Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, 20060804, NCCOS Accuracy Assessment Field Data for Benthic Habitat Maps of Palau, 2006-2007: Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, Kailua, Hawaii.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA), Biogeography Program, 2007, Benthic Habitats of Palau Prepared by Visual Interpretation from Remote Sensing Imagery: NOAA's Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Silver Spring, MD.

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: 134.215454
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: 134.644087
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 7.804910
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 7.271558

  3. What does it look like?

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Beginning_Date: 2006
    Ending_Date: 2007
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • Entity Point (623)

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 53
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: 135.000000
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.000000
      False_Easting: 500000.000000
      False_Northing: 0.000000

      Planar coordinates are encoded using Coordinate Pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000128
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000128
      Planar coordinates are specified in meters

      The horizontal datum used is D_WGS_1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS_1984.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257224.

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    Palau_AA_Point_Data
    Shapefile Attribute Table (Source: software defined)

    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI)

    Coordinates defining the features.

    UTM_ZONE
    UTM Zone (Source: User Defined)

    Numeric Field

    Island
    Name of Island (Source: User defined)

    Character Field

    Bundle
    Number of image bundle (Source: User defined)

    Character Field

    SITE_ID
    Unique site ID (Source: User defined)

    Character Field

    DEPTH
    Water Depth in feet (Source: GPS Data Logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    DATA_TYPE
    Abbreviation for Accuracy Assessment data type (Source: User defined)

    Character Field

    RELIEF
    Vertical relief of survey area; relative scale of 1 (lowest relief) to 5 (highest relief) (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:5

    MAJ_STRUCT
    Major reef structure type (Source: Habitat classification scheme for the Pacific)

    Character Field

    DET_STRUCT
    Detailed reef structure type (Source: Habitat classification scheme of the Pacific)

    Character Field

    PRIM_COVER
    Primary biological cover type (Source: Habitat classification scheme of the Pacific)

    Character Field

    MODIFIER
    Percent of biological cover in survey area (Source: Habitat classification scheme of the Pacific)

    Character Field

    ZONE
    Geomorphologic zone (Source: Habitat classification scheme)

    Character Field

    UW_ASSESSM
    Method used for field observations (Source: GPS data logger)

    Character Field

    Z_LIVE_COR
    Percent live coral cover observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_MAC
    Percent macroalgal cover observed during field survey (Source: GOS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_SEAGRASS
    Percent sea grass cover observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_CA
    Percent coralline algal cover observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_TURF
    Percent turf cover observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_SAND
    Percent sand cover observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_MUD
    Percent mud cover observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_EMERG_VE
    Percent emergent vegetation observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    Z_BARE_OTH
    Percent of substrate bare of occupied by other biological cover observed during field survey (Source: GPS data logger)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100

    UW_PHOTO
    Underwater photo record (Source: GPS data logger)

    Character Field

    MAX_PDOP
    Measure of positional strength of GPS satellite configuration (Source: GPS data logger)

    Numeric Field

    GPS_DATE
    Date of GPS data collection (Source: GPS data logger)

    Character field (YYYYMMDD)

    GPS_TIME
    Time of GPS data collection (Source: GPS data logger)

    Character Field

    HORZ_PREC
    Precision of horizontal position (Source: GPS data logger)

    Numeric field

    STD_DEV
    Position precision (Source: GPS data logger)

    Numeric field

    NORTHING
    Geographic position (Source: GPS data logger)

    Numerical field

    EASTING
    Geographic position (Source: GPS data logger)

    Numerical field

    POINT
    Habitat at GPS point position (Source: GPS data logger)

    Character field

    COMMENTS
    Habitat notes (Source: User defined)

    Character field

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA), Biogeography Program
    Biogeography Team Leader, Mapping Manager
    1305 East West Highway
    Silver Spring, MD 20910

    301-713-3028 (voice)
    301-713-4384 (FAX)
    tim.battista@noaa.gov

    Hours_of_Service: 0800 - 1700, Monday to Friday, EST

Why was the data set created?

The National Ocean Service is preparing digital map products of these biotic resources and coordinates a long-term monitoring program that can detect and predict change in U.S. coral reefs, and their associated habitats and biological communities. The goal of the work was to implement previously developed coral reef mapping methods to produce GIS map products of benthic habitats by photo interpreting ortho-rectified remotely sensed imagery. These Accuracy Assessment point data were generated to assess the thematic accuracy of these habitat maps.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

    Random Point Generator (source 1 of 2)
    Henness, Jeff, 20010615, Random Point Generator: Environmental Science Research Institute, Redlands, CA.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: Software
    Source_Contribution:
    Random points were generated to test the accuracy of benthic habitat maps. The points were stratified on detailed class.

    Benthic Habitats Classification Scheme (source 2 of 2)
    Coyne, M.S., 2003, Classification Scheme for Benthic Habitats of the Pacific: NOAA's Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Silver Spring, MD.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: publication
    Source_Contribution:
    This document identifies the zone and habitat types attributed in the GIS data.

  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: 2007 (process 1 of 2)
    After photo interpretation was completed, at minimum of 25 random geographically referenced points were acquired in each detailed benthic structure and cover class. This is done using a random point generator program obtained from the ESRI website, which generates random points inside an ArcView GIS polygon class. Waypoint files are generated from these random points and all waypoints, which could be safely accessed, are navigated to using a Trimble GeoExplorer 3 GPS data logger and a benthic habitat characterization was conducted. Eight test areas have been defined and the final data set meets the goal of 25 points per detailed structure and cover habitat.

    Person who carried out this activity:

    Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC
    Attn: Miles Anderson
    Principal
    1320 Aalapapa Dr.
    Kailua, Hawaii 96734
    USA

    (808) 262-2417 (voice)
    (808) 262-7027 (FAX)
    miles@interpac.net

    Hours_of_Service: 0800 - 1700, Monday to Friday, HST
    Data sources used in this process:
    • Accuracy Assessment Field Points

    Data sources produced in this process:

    • Accuracy Assessment

    Date: 2007 (process 2 of 2)
    Metadata imported.

    Data sources used in this process:

    • C:\DOCUME~1\Owner\LOCALS~1\Temp\xml50.tmp

  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    The geographic coordinate positions of the points in this thematic data were acquired by GPS using a Trimble GeoExplorer 3 with a customized data dictionary designed to reflect the NOAA Coral Classification Scheme for Benthic Habitats of the Pacific. All habitat determinations were made in the field, recorded in the GPS data logger and seamlessly transferred to ArcView GIS using Trimble Path Finder Office Software.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    Point positional accuracy is determined by two tests producing circular RMS statistics. First, point GPS data were acquired by repeated occupation of a registered survey monument that has been recently recovered and positioned using survey grade GPS buy the National Geodetic Survey. Second, replicate GPS positions were collected after navigating to a way point by boat to estimate the positional error generated from variables due to environmental conditions offshore. The 95 percent sigma RMS accuracy error was calculated to be 0.97 meters and the precision calculated to be 0.84 meters on 141 measurements on registered monuments. The navigation accuracy error was calculated to be 1.36 meters with precision calculated to be 1.11 meters. Each GPS measurement was the average of 100 GPS positions. Thus, all point features in these accuracy assessment data meet the NOAA contract standard of 95 percent sigma of 5 meters.

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    Data are complete for the entire main archipelago of Palau. Habitat attributes are determined by direct observation in the field. These data are considered truth at the time of collection. Habitat types are subject to change over time due to population dynamics of the dominant biological communities.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    These data were objectively managed. They were with held from the photo interpreter during map making. The Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (CRAMP) of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) maintained these data at facilities other than ALH. Ultimately, these data were used to prepare the error matrix upon when the statistical report of the thematic accuracy of the maps was generated.

    Transfer of the habitat assessment data is seamless from the field determination to the final GIS product. The data is not transcribed or rewritten by hand. Errors in processing are not expected.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints: Not for navigation

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA), Biogeography Program
    Biogeography Team Leader, Mapping Manager
    1305 East West Highway
    Silver Spring, MD 20910

    301-713-3028 (voice)
    301-713-4384 (FAX)
    tim.battista@noaa.gov

    Hours_of_Service: 0800 - 1700, Monday to Friday, EST
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    Downloadable Data

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) will publish this data on CD-ROM. NCCOS Biogeography Program does not guarantee the accuracy of the geographic features or attributes. Please see the metadata records for each data set for complete information on the source, limitations, and proper use. NOAA makes no warranty regarding these data, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NODC cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data, nor as a result of the failure of these data to function on a particular system.

  4. How can I download or order the data?

  5. Is there some other way to get the data?

    Contact NOAA for distribution options (see Distributor).

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 20-Dec-2012
Metadata author:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA), Biogeography Program
Biogeography Team Leader, Mapping Manager
1305 East West Highway
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

301-713-3028 (voice)
301-713-4384 (FAX)
tim.battista@noaa.gov

Hours_of_Service: 0800 - 1700, Monday to Friday, EST
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Generated by mp version 2.9.13 on Wed May 22 06:48:00 2013