U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 200310 Final map USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics This spatial database was prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. The Nature Conservancy, NatureServe, and Maine Natural Areas Program provided ecological and vegetation classification support. http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/acad/acadaa.zip doi:10.5066/F7XS5S9C The U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) has produced a vegetation spatial database coverage (vegetation map) for the Acadia National Park Vegetation Mapping Project, USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program (VMP). Thematic accuracy requirements of the VMP specify 80% accuracy for each map class (theme) that represents National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) associations (vegetation communities). The UMESC selected 728 field sites, all within Acadia National Park fee and easement lands, for a thematic accuracy assessment (AA) to the vegetation map. The sites were randomly generated, stratified to map class themes that represent NVCS natural/semi-natural vegetation communities using VMP standards. Certain modifications to the process were necessary to accommodate logistical challenges. Local botanists collected field data for 724 of the sites during the 1999 field season. Thematic AA used 688 sites. Sites not used for the analysis were due to the elimination of an entire map class because of irreconcilable classification concepts (19 sites), or to other reasons including unmanageable error with GPS coordinate, duplicate site location, and incomplete field data (17 sites). Regardless of their use in the analysis, all 724 AA sites collected are represented in the Accuracy Assessment Site Spatial Database. The Accuracy Assessment Spatial Database provides spatially referenced locations that were selected for field assessment to support a statistical analysis of a thematic AA of the vegetation spatial database coverage for the Acadia National Park Vegetation Mapping Project, USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program (see Cross Reference at the end of this section for more information on the vegetation map, the Project, and the VMP). This metadata report supports not only the Accuracy Assessment Site Spatial Database coverage, but also an overview of AA methods and analysis. For more documentation on the analysis methods and results, including the error contingency matrix, see the Project?s technical report. The Accuracy Assessment Site Spatial Database is a geo-spatial point coverage. Item information within the spatial point coverage includes: ArcInfo default items, AA field site number, and X-Y coordinate (Easting-Northing) projected in Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 19, with datum in North American Datum of 1983. Complete data for each AA site is preserved on hard copy data sheets, and digitally within the Project?s PLOTS database. The spatial database is available, both in ArcInfo Export (.e00) and Shapefile formats, on the Project?s CD-ROM. --- The UMESC performed the comparison analysis of the field AA data to the vegetation map. Based on results of this thematic accuracy assessment, the estimated overall accuracy for map classes representing NVCS natural/semi-natural vegetation communities is 80%, with a kappa index of 79%. 200310 publication date Complete None planned Acadia National Park and environs -75.262727 -68.044302 44.424546 0.000000 None Digital Spatial Database Accuracy Assessment Vegetation Vegetation Map National Vegetation Classification Standard National Vegetation Classification System U.S. National Vegetation Classification International Vegetation Classification NVCS USNVC National Park GPS GIS Field Data None Acadia National Park Bar Harbor Mount Desert Island Schoodic Peninsula Isle au Haut Hancock County Maine USA None National Vegetation Classification Standard National Vegetation Classification System U.S. National Vegetation Classification International Vegetation Classification Plant Community Association Alliance NVCS USNVC US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 199612 database The Plants Database December 1996 National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana USDA, NRCS The Plants Database as of December 1996. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web address: http://plants.usda.gov/. Version used in the PLOTS Database System (1997). http://plants.usda.gov/ This is the version of The PLANTS Database that is used in the The Nature Conservancy's PLOTS Database System (Version 1.1, 1997). Vegetation field sampling data were entered into a modified version of The PLOTS Database (The Nature Conservancy 1997) at the Maine Natural Areas Program, which (after checking the data for accuracy) was used to produce plot vegetation summaries and associated environmental information. To analyze vegetation patterns and classify types, we used Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) within PC-ORD. An ordination technique, DCA arranges samples along derived axes according to compositional similarity. A divisive polythetic technique, TWINSPAN classifies samples and species, using a similar algorithm to that for DCA. The ISA identifies indicator species for user-defined groups of samples (in this case vegetation types) by calculating an indicator value based on a species? abundance and frequency in each of several defined groups, then using a Monte Carlo test to determine those that are significantly allied with one group as opposed to randomly distributed. Further references for all techniques can be found in the PC-ORD documentation (McCune and Mefford 1999). Whereas vegetation types were being developed and refined from the sample data, reference to the NVCS (Anderson et al. 1998) had to be maintained. The required consultations with TNC regional ecologists to (1) determine if an existing NVCS type fit the Acadia type; (2) if no existing NVCS type matched, whether it made sense to refine an existing type or to create a new type; and (3) if a new type was indicated, to name and describe that type. Kingdom Plantae None 1) Those using the database should understand the data and determine for themselves the fitness of the data prior to use. 2) For publication and dissemination, citations or credit should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey Center for Biological Informatics, the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, The Nature Conservancy, NatureServe, and Maine Natural Areas Program. GIS software. USGS BRD Center for Biological Informatics USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator mailing and physical address

Denver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302

Denver Colorado 80225 (303) 202-4220 303-202-4219 gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/acad/acadaa.pdf Locations of accuracy assessment sites; low resolution for web browsing. PDF The USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, The Nature Conservancy, NatureServe, and Maine Natural Areas Program. UNIX-ARC/INFO U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 200310 report USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics The Acadia National Park Vegetation Mapping Project is a product of the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program (VMP), which is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Center for Biological Informatics (for more information on VMP, see larger work citation below). The mapping project is one of few listed as pilot, with purpose to test and explore protocols in mapping and classifying vegetation for the VMP. --- The project began with a planning meeting March 1997 at Acadia National Park (NP). Spring photography was collected May 1997, the baseline data for subsequent field efforts and mapping. Vegetation samples were collected over 3 field seasons (1997-1999), with the majority collected during the first 2 years. Photointerpretation and subsequent digital automation transpired during 1998 & 1999, with supporting fieldwork during the 1997 & 1998 field seasons. The first draft of the vegetation map was completed and distributed January 2000. Vegetation data analyses for vegetation classification development were performed during 1999 & 2000. Local vegetation community descriptions were completed 2001. Accuracy assessment field data was collected during the 1999 field season. The data was applied to the vegetation map with concluding results spring 2003. --- The USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) provided project coordination and compiled all project data for distribution. The UMESC produced all spatial database sets: vegetation map, observation points, vegetation sample plots, accuracy assessment sites, and various other supporting coverages. The UMESC also performed the accuracy assessment of the vegetation spatial database coverage, prepared final project documentation discussing methods and results, and provided metadata reports. The Nature Conservancy, NatureServe, and Maine Natural Areas Program provided ecological and vegetation support, vegetation field sampling (plot samples and accuracy assessment), data entry, vegetation analysis, methods and results documentation, and vegetation classification development (including vegetation community descriptions) based on the Federal Geographic Data Committee?s National Vegetation Classification Standard with floristic level types defined by NatureServe's International Vegetation Classification (association and alliance classes of the National Vegetation Classification System). Acadia NP provided staff to assist in field efforts including GPS navigation and collection, lodging, boat transportation, and knowledge of the local area. --- The Project provides a technical report with details regarding methods and results. Metadata documents are provided for the vegetation spatial database coverage (vegetation map), field reconnaissance observations, vegetation field plots (samples), accuracy assessment, aerial photography, and project boundaries. http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/acad.html U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Information 200304 online USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Overview Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics Overview of USGS - NPS Vegetation Mapping Program (taken from http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/about.html, May 2003): The USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program is a cooperative effort by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) to classify, describe, and map vegetation communities in more than 270 national park units across the United States. This landmark program is both the first to provide national-scale descriptions of vegetation for a federal agency and the first to create national vegetation standards for its data products. Its goal is to meet specific information needs identified by the National Park Service. --- The vegetation mapping program is an important part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program, a long-term effort to develop baseline data for all national park units that have a natural resource component. It is managed by the USGS Center for Biological Informatics, a unique information center designed to help scientists, land managers, the public, and others locate and apply biological information. --- Program activities are based on peer-reviewed, objective science. Comprehensive vegetation information is provided at national and regional levels, while also serving local management needs of individual parks. Stringent quality control procedures ensure that products are accurate and consistent for initial inventory purposes and replicable for monitoring purposes. The spatially enabled digital products produced by the program are available on the World Wide Web. --- Program scientists have developed data collection procedures for classification, mapping, accuracy assessment, and use of existing data. Program products meet Federal Geographic Data Committee standards for vegetation classification and metadata, and national standards for spatial accuracy and data transfer. Standards include a minimum mapping unit of 0.5 hectares and classification accuracy of 80% for each map class. Nature Serve, an important partner in the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping program, is the caretaker of the National Vegetation Classification System, which is used by the program to classify vegetation communities. --- A report of project methods and results is provided at completion of individual projects. Project results include a rich set of data and information for each park project, as follows: --- Spatial Data: Aerial photography, Map classification, Map classification description and key, Spatial database of vegetation communities, Hardcopy maps of vegetation communities, Metadata for spatial databases, Complete accuracy assessment of spatial data, Vegetation Information. --- Vegetation classification: Dichotomous field key of vegetation classes, Formal description for each vegetation class, Ground photos of vegetation classes, Field data in database format. http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/index.html U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 200310 Final map USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics Other_Citation_Details: The Vegetation Spatial Database Coverage is of Acadia National Park and extended environs, providing 99,693 hectares (246,347 acres) of map data. Of this coverage, 52,872 hectares (130,650 acres) is non-vegetated ocean, bay, and estuary (53% of coverage). Acadia National Park comprises 19,276 hectares (47,633 acres) of the total data coverage area (19%, 40% not counting ocean and estuary data). Over 7,120 polygons make up the coverage, each with map class description and, for vegetation classes, physiognomic feature information. The spatial database provides crosswalk information to all National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) floristic and physiognomic levels, and to other established classification systems (NatureServe?s U.S. Terrestrial Ecological System Classification, Maine Natural Community Classification, and the U.S. Geological Survey Land Use and Land Cover Classification). This mapping project has identified 53 NVCS associations (vegetation communities) at Acadia National Park through analyses of vegetation sample data. These associations are represented in the map coverage with 33 map classes. With all vegetation types, land use classes, and park specific categories combined, 57 map classes define the ground features within the project area (58 classes including the class for no map data). Each polygon within the spatial database map is identified with one of these map classes. In addition, physiognomic modifiers are added to map classes representing vegetation to describe the vegetation structure within a polygon (density, pattern, and height). The spatial database was produced from the interpretation of spring 1997 1:15,840-scale color infrared aerial photographs. The standard minimum mapping unit (MMU) applied is 0.5 hectares (1.25 acres). The interpreted data were transferred and automated using base maps produced from USGS digital orthophoto quadrangles. The finished spatial database is a single seamless coverage, projected in Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 19, with datum in North American Datum of 1983. The estimated overall thematic accuracy for vegetation map classes is 80%. http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/acad.html The various attributes within the spatial database were reviewed and checked for consistency with their original sources (digital data, data sheets), using a combination of manual and digital means. All point features are unique with their own site attribute and X-Y (Easting-Northing) coordinates. There are no duplicate points. Regardless of use in the analysis, all 724 accuracy assessment sites collected are included in the spatial point coverage. X-Y coordinates are projected in Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 19 with datum in North American Datum of 1983. X-Y coordinates of field data locations were collected using a Rockwell Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR). Most points were successfully collected with positional accuracies ranging from +/- 6 to +/- 10 meters. Field None Accuracy Assessment Vegetation Map Analysis Statistics Contingency Matrix Users' Accuracy Producers' Accuracy GPS GIS Accuracy Assessment Procedures: modified and adapted to unique circumstances presented with the Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project. See Process Steps for details. The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Systems Research Institute, and National Center of Geographic Information and Analysis 199411 Final Draft document USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Program Documents and Standards Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Systems Research Institute, and National Center of Geographic Information and Analysis. 1994c. NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program: Accuracy Assessment Procedures. Prepared for the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Biological Survey and National Park Service. -- Accuracy assessment methodology modified and adapted to match unique characteristics and challenges (e.g. remote locations, logistics). http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/standards/NPSVI_Accuracy_Assessment_Guidelines_ver2.pdf Aero-Metric, Inc. 199705 aerial photos USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project Sheboygan, Wisconsin Aero-Metric, Inc. Aerial photographs of Acadia National Park and environs were collected as baseline imagery data to produce the vegetation spatial database coverage for the Acadia National Park Vegetation Mapping Project, USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. --- Participants of the mapping project?s initial scoping meeting (March 1997) agreed to acquire aerial photography of Acadia National Park and extended environs during spring 1997 so that fieldwork and mapping could get underway during the following summer and fall seasons. Aero-Metric, Inc. of Sheboygan, Wisconsin executed the aerial photography mission via contract with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (Project Number 1970520), a joint initiative with the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) of La Crosse, Wisconsin. --- All park fee and easement lands and extended environs were successfully photographed May 27 and 28, 1997 using color infrared dia-positive transparent film (9 x 9 inch size). The photos were collected with an above ground level of 7,920 feet with a lens focal length of 6 inches, resulting in a photo scale of 1:15,840 (negative scale of 1 inch = 1,320 feet, or 4 inches = 1 mile). A 30% side lap (between each flight line) and 60% forward lap (along each flight line) collection standard insured full coverage and stereo viewing. 1179 photos were collected across 28 initial flight lines covering the entire project area. An additional 37 photos across 4 flight lines were re-flown over the mountainous areas of Mount Desert Island to adjust the photo scale of the high mountain terrain. In all, 1216 photos were collected. Two sets of contact prints were made from the original photo transparency film (one set for the field sampling process, and one set for the mapping process). 15840 photographic print 19970527 19970528 ground condition ACAD Spring 1997 CIR Aerial Photographs Aerial images used for field navigation during AA field data collection. U.S. Geological Survey 1991 orthoimage U.S. Geological Survey Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle Program 3.75-minute Menlo Park, California U.S. Geological Survey, Earth Science Information Center Black & white (gray-scale) orthorectified images derived from aerial photographs taken May - July 1991. Projection is in Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 19, and datum in North American Datum of 1983, Geodedic Reference System 80 spheroid. 12000 online 1991 ground condition ACAD USGS 3.75-minute DOQ (USGS 1991) Hard copy maps used for field navigation during AA field data collection. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 2003 report USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project La Crosse, Wisconsin U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center Map class codes and name descriptions developed specifically for the Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project. Includes crosswalk to the National Vegetation Classification System floristic and physiognomic levels (names and codes), Physiognomic - Hydrologic Groups, Maine Natural Community Classification, and U.S. Geological Survey Land Use and Land Cover Classification System (Level 2). Files pertaining to map classification lists and crosswalk to other classifications are available on the project's CD-ROM. Digital database file 2003 publication date ACAD Map Classification (UMESC 2003) Map classification used in AA analysis for comparison to field site calls. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 200310 Final map USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics The spatial database was prepared by the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. The Nature Conservancy, NatureServe, and Maine Natural Areas Program provided ecological and vegetation classification support. http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/acad.html Digital database file 200310 publication date ACAD FINAL Vegetation Map (UMESC 2003) Geo-spatial database of polygon data showing locations of vegetation map classes used in the final AA analysis for comparison to field site calls. NatureServe 2003 Database Arlington, Virginia NatureServe NatureServe. 2003. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Central Databases, NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia, USA. http://www.natureserve.org/ online 2003 publication date NVCS Floristic Classes (NatureServe 2003) Vegetation associations used for final AA analysis; 2003 version. Anderson, M., P. Bourgeron, M. T. Bryer, R. Crawford, L. Engelking, D. Faber-Langendoen, M. Gallyoun, K. Goodin, D. H. Grossman, S. Landaal, K. Metzler, K. D. Patterson, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, and A. S. Weakley 1998 document Arlington, Virginia, USA The Nature Conservancy U.S. National Vegetation Classification listing of physiognomic and floristic classes. online 1998 publication date U.S. National Vegetation Classification (TNC 1998) Vegetation associations used for initial AA analysis; 1998 version. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 200001 Beta map USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project La Crosse, Wisconsin U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center This BETA version of the Acadia NP vegetation spatial database was distributed to the VMP and Acadia NP for initial review and use. Because community vegetation classification was not sufficiently developed at the time of release, the BETA version is supported only with map classification information (map classes and physiognomic vegetation data). Digital database file 200001 publication date ACAD BETA Vegetation Map (UMESC 2000) Geo-spatial database of polygon data showing locations of vegetation map classes used in the initial AA analysis for comparison to field site calls. SAS Institute, Inc. 1996 Release 6.12 cd Cary, North Carolina SAS Institute, Inc. SAS Institute, Inc. 1996. SAS/STAT Release 6.12 Edition. Cary, North Carolina computer program 1996 publication date SAS (1996) Computer software program used to compare and tabulate AA field calls and classified map polygons. The Nature Conservancy 1997 Version 1.1 database Arlington, Virginia The Nature Conservancy Plant species taxonomy extracted from the December 1996 version of The PLANTS Database (USDA). computer program 1997 publication date PLOTS (1997) Computer software program used for vegetation data entry and subsequent export for AA analysis. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 200310 Final map USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Acadia NP Vegetation Mapping Project Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics This spatial database was prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. The Nature Conservancy, NatureServe, and Maine Natural Areas Program provided ecological and vegetation classification support. http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/acad.html Digital database file 200310 publication date ACAD AA Spatial Database Geo-spatial product showing locations of accuracy assessment sites. The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Systems Research Institute, and National Center of Geographic Information and Analysis 199411 Final Draft document USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Program Documents and Standards Denver, Colorado U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Biological Informatics The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Systems Research Institute, and National Center of Geographic Information and Analysis. 1994c. NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program: Accuracy Assessment Procedures. Prepared for the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Biological Survey and National Park Service. -- Accuracy assessment methodology modified and adapted to match unique characteristics and challenges (e.g. remote locations, logistics). http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/standards/NPSVI_Accuracy_Assessment_Guidelines_ver2.pdf online 199411 publication date Accuracy Assessment Procedures (1994) none INTRODUCTION: --- The accuracy assessment (AA) process is split into 4 sections: 1) Site Selection, 2) Field Methods, 3) Data Analysis, and 4) Spatial Database. 1999-2003 SITE SELECTION: --- The number of AA sites selected for field visits depended on a combination of polygon frequency and area per individual themes (map classes) within the vegetation map coverage, as outlined in the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program?s (VMP) Accuracy Assessment Procedures document (TNC et al. 1994c). This formula was applied to the 33 map classes that represent natural/semi-natural vegetation community types within areas of access (the Park?s fee and easement lands). Site locations were randomly stratified as best possible across the vegetation map data that was available at the time of field assessment. While the photointerpretation mapping was complete prior to the AA field season, the subsequent digital map automation was still in progress. AA site data (GPS coordinates & maps) were sent to the field crew in 4 segments (phases) to maximize the area of map for field assessment, as the digital automation continued into the field season. Phase I covered the western third of Mount Desert Island. Phase II covered Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and Long Island. Phase III covered the eastern third of Mount Desert Island. And, phase IV covered the central third of Mount Desert Island. --- Once the number of samples per map class (theme) was determined, 3 times the number of sites needed were randomly generated using a software program so that 1) point locations falling in close proximity to polygon edges could be minimized (to reduce location error due to GPS positional error in the field) and 2) remote locations of individual points could be minimized for logistical reasons (staff, time, and cost). With the over-sample of sites reduced back to its original sample size, a total of 728 sites resulted for field assessment. ACAD BETA Vegetation Map (UMESC 2000) Accuracy Assessment Procedures (1994) 1999 FIELD METHODS: --- Hard copy 1:12,000-scale orthophoto quadrangle maps, produced from U.S. Geological Survey 3.75-minute digital orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ), were plotted with vegetation polygons (without map attributes) and the final selection of AA points overlaying the maps. The orthophoto maps, along with the Project?s aerial photographs, were used to help navigate across terrain and to help confirm proper site location. The AA site X-Y coordinates (Easting-Northing) in Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 19 with datum in North American Datum of 1983 were uploaded into a Rockwell Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) unit. Written instructions and data sheets were also provided to the ground crew. --- AA field data were collected during the 1999 field season (May 24 through September 28) by botanists via contract with The Nature Conservancy. Acadia NP staff assisted with field navigation and the collection of GPS field coordinates (using the PLGR unit). Field X-Y coordinates were collected with projection in UTM, Zone 19 with datum in NAD83. Vegetation types were determined using a vegetation key developed for the Project. The vegetation type was recorded on data sheets along with the new field coordinates, canopy structure, and dominant species by strata, environmental features, adjacent vegetation types, and rationale for classification. The field team collected data for 724 AA sites, all but 4 of the originally selected sites. The data were entered into the PLOTS database (TNC 1997) and reviewed for errors. ACAD Spring 1997 CIR Aerial Photographs ACAD USGS 3.75-minute DOQ (USGS 1991) U.S. National Vegetation Classification (TNC 1998) PLOTS (1997) 2001-2003 DATA ANALYSIS: --- The 724 field coordinates, along with selected items from the AA database (within the PLOTS database) were intersected with the vegetation map coverage, producing an output table to begin a comparison between field assessment calls and map classes of the polygons in which the field coordinate is located. Although some vegetation communities and map classes have a 1:1 relationship to each other, some do not. (There are 33 map classes representing 53 natural/semi-natural NVCS vegetation communities.) Some vegetation communities were grouped together because the map class represents 2 or more vegetation communities. Likewise, some map classes were grouped together because they represent phases of 1 vegetation community. Once a 1:1 relationship was established between map classes and vegetation types, PROC FREQ (SAS 1996) was used to compare and tabulate the total number of AA sites and map polygons that were in agreement. ---Discrepancies were investigated to discern true errors from false ones. Each discrepancy between an AA field site and the classified map polygon was researched by 1) reviewing the original field data sheet, 2) assessing the field collected GPS coordinate to the mapped polygon (and the originally selected GPS coordinate if necessary) using GIS software, and 3) reviewing the aerial photograph of the site with the original interpreted overlay. Numerous AA points were determined to be "false" discrepancies due to 1) GPS coordinate error (either spatial or data entry), 2) alternate call, 3) incorrect call (e.g. wrong use of the vegetation key), and 4) site inclusion to larger polygon. (For more in depth discussions false discrepancies, refer to the addendum provided in the last Process Step below, or the Project?s technical report.) False discrepancies were adjusted only for the analysis and not in the source database sets, except for incorrect calls. Many of these outwardly appearing discrepancies proved to agree with the vegetation map once proper adjustments were made. Others continued to present disagreement with the vegetation map, however, better displaying the data to properly understand those disagreements. --- The in depth review of all disagreements between the accuracy assessment sites and the vegetation map exposed consistent diverging patterns between the map and field assessment data. At this point, the map was adjusted through a series of "global" changes; digital changes to classification in the map (that is, globally changing entire groups of like-classified map polygons) to better align with the final version of vegetation classification. Also recognized at this point were additional map classes that merely represented an expression (or, in part) of vegetation types. These expressions are preserved in the vegetation map database, yet were combined for the accuracy assessment. --- 688 of the 724 field sites were used for the final AA analysis. 36 sites were not used due to the elimination of an entire map class because of irreconcilable classification concepts (19 sites), or to other reasons including unmanageable error with GPS coordinate, duplicate site location, unable to access, and incomplete field data (17 sites). Another 72 sites were determined as inclusions and were corrected to reflect the surrounding area that was of mappable size (adjusted for the analysis only and not in the Project?s accuracy assessment database). --- With each "false" discrepancy now reflecting proper assignments (whether now a match, or remains a disagreement), and revisions made to the vegetation map to better reflect the vegetation classification, another comparison analysis was performed of the field data and vegetation map data, once again using PROQ FREQ (SAS 1996). The numbers were transferred into a contingency table (matrix), where users? and producers? accuracy percentages were figured for each map class. The matrix not only shows the frequency of agreement, but also the placement (and frequency thereof) of disagreements. The information provided by the AA analysis has been duly enhanced through the elaborate process of properly reassigning AA sites deemed as false discrepancies. Based on the results of this thematic accuracy assessment, the estimated overall accuracy for vegetation map classes is 80% with a kappa index of 79%. ACAD Map Classification (UMESC 2003) ACAD FINAL Vegetation Map (UMESC 2003) NVCS Floristic Classes (NatureServe 2003) SAS (1996) 2003 SPATIAL DATABASE: --- The Accuracy Assessment Spatial Database coverage shows the locations of all 724 AA sites collected regardless of whether it was used in the analysis. The AA field sites & their corresponding X-Y coordinates were exported from the PLOTS database, then imported into ArcView GIS (Version 3.3) as an Event Theme using the UTM (Zone 19) NAD83 X-Y coordinates, then converted to a Shapefile coverage. The Shapefile coverage was then converted to an ArcInfo coverage using the Shapearc command in ArcInfo (Version 8.0.2). ArcInfo was used to produce the final ArcInfo Export (.e00) file. 2003 ACAD AA Spatial Database ADDENDUM DISCUSSION ON FALSE DISCREPANCIES: --- Spatial GPS coordinate errors occurred when the field collected GPS coordinate had slight inaccuracies in geo-positional placement moving the coordinate just inside an adjacent polygon, thus acquiring a different than intended map class. This was common for sites that were close to polygon edges, something that couldn?t always be avoided during site selection (especially with narrow corridor shaped polygons). These were adjusted for the AA analysis to reflect the intended polygon?s map class. Some GPS errors were due to incorrect entering of the field coordinate data. These error coordinates were assessed by reviewing the field data sheets, complimented with accessing the originally selected X-Y coordinates. Some coordinates could not be successfully recovered and thus dropped from the analysis. --- Alternate vegetation communities were often recorded on the field data sheets when the site being assessed was not clear between closely related vegetation types. With these alternate calls entered into the database, when comparing the field calls to the vegetation map, only the primary or initial field call was used. Upon manual review of the field data sheets, if the alternate vegetation community matched the vegetation map, the assessment was adjusted to give the map the benefit, an approach the VMP approves of. In some cases, the analysis team questioned the field assessment call based on the vegetation key and community descriptions. In these cases, the data sheet was forwarded to NatureServe for re-evaluation of the field call. --- Numerous field assessments were determined to be an inclusion to the surrounding vegetation type after reviewing the aerial photographs. Certain vegetative features can be quite apparent from each other (e.g. sparse vegetation on rock outcrop vs. dense stand of conifer trees), allowing easy judgment of a field assessment that was conducted smaller than the minimum mapping unit (mmu) standard of 0.5 hectares. In these cases, the map again was given the benefit. 72 inclusions were discovered through this process. 2003 Kevin Hop U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center Principal Investigator mailing and physical address

2630 Fanta Reed Road

La Crosse Wisconsin 54603 USA organization address

2630 Fanta Reed Road

La Crosse Wisconsin 54603 (608) 783-6451 (608) 783-6066 kevin_hop@usgs.gov Acadia National Park, the first national park to be established east of the Mississippi, is located on the coast of Maine primarily in Hancock County (with outlying areas in adjacent Knox County) and is situated on a large portion of Mount Desert Island as well as some adjacent mainland and island tracts, including the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. The Park encompasses almost 48,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline with nearby towns and villages including Bar Harbor, Northwest Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Seal Harbor, Bass Harbor, and Isle au Haut. Point Entity point 724 Universal Transverse Mercator 19 0.999600 -69.000000 0.000000 500000.000000 0.000000 coordinate pair 1 1 meters North American Datum of 1983 Geodetic Reference System 80 6378137.000000 298.257222 acadaa Shapefile attribute table USGS UMESC FID Internal feature number. ESRI Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. SHAPE Feature geometry. ESRI. Coordinates defining the features. AREA Area of feature in internal units squared. ESRI. Area is always zero for point coverages. Values are automatically generated. PERIMETER Perimeter of feature in internal units. ESRI. Perimeter is always zero for point coverages. Values are automatically generated. AA_ Internal feature number. ESRI. Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. AA_ID User-defined feature number. ESRI. Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. ACAD_AA Accuracy assessment site number. USGS UMESC Accuracy assessment number. POLY_CODE Map class polygon code of accuracy assessment site location for comparison analysis. USGS UMESC Map class code. PROV_NAME Code Provisional Comunity Name. USGS UMESC Provisional community name code. CLASS_NAME Classified Plant Associaiton Name NatureServe Textual class name. ELCODE Community Element Global code (Elcode link to NVCS association). USGS UMESC Textual and numerical code. LOCATION Location in reference to ACAD units. USGS UMESC Project-derived location descriptions providing general location in and around ACAD. GPS_FILE Error Value of the GPS Point USGS UMESC Numerical GPS error value. X_EASTING Easting coordinate of site location. USGS UMESC Easting coordinate. Y_NORTHING Northing coordinate of site location. USGS UMESC Northing coordinate. UTM_ZONE UTM Zone USGS UMESC UTM Zone 19. DATE Date of Data Collection USGS UMESC Numerical of the date the plot was observed. SURVEYORS Names of the Surveyors Who Collected the Data USGS UMESC Textual surveyors initials. ELEVATION Elevation of the Point as Recorded by the GPS Unit USGS UMESC Numerical elevation. ELEV_UNITS Units of the Elevation Values (feet/meters) USGS UMESC 1 meters USGS UMESC 2 feet USGS UMESC ASPECT General Aspect of the Point in Degrees USGS UMESC Textual of aspect type. ENVIRO General Environmental Comments about the Point USGS UMESC Textual of environment description. LANDSCAPE General Landscape Comments about the Plot USGS UMESC Textual of landform description. COMMENTS General Comments About the Data Collection USGS UMESC Textual comments description of collected data. UPDATE Date of any revisions to the record. USGS UMESC Numerical of the date. USER Names of the User's Who Revised the Data USGS UMESC Textual user's initials. POLYGONID Unknown field created by originator but not documented. USGS UMESC Numerical. SCALE Unknown field created by originator but not documented. USGS UMESC Numerical. ANGLE Unknown field created by originator but not documented. USGS UMESC Numerical. Items within the spatial database attribute table in addition to the ArcInfo default items include: 1) ACAD_AA - accuracy assessment site number, 2) X_EASTING - Easting coordinate projected in UTM, Zone 19, with datum in NAD83, and 3) Y_NORTHING - Northing coordinate projected in UTM, Zone 19, with datum in NAD83. Map Class (codes and description names): Map Classes for the Acadia National Park Vegetation Mapping Project. 2003. U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin. FGDC Vegetation Classification Standard: Federal Geographic Data Committee. 1997. Vegetation classification standard, FGDC-STD-005. NatureServe International Vegetation Classification: NatureServe. 2003. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Central Databases, NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia, USA. USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis USGS-NPS Vegetation Characterization Program Coordinator mailing and physical address

Denver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302

Denver Colorado 80225 (303) 202-4220 303-202-4219 gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov Downloadable Data 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. HTML http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/acad.html Internet Access None 20031031 2010011 USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis USGS-NPS Vegetation Characterization Program Coordinator mailing and physical address

Denver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302

Denver Colorado 80225 (303) 202-4220 303-202-4219 gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/metadata/index.html