U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 201105 vector digital data NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project Fort Collins, Colorado NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program A detailed report on how this data set was created is available to download from the program's website. The report discusses methods and results, and includes descriptions and dichotomous keys to vegetation types, map classification and descriptions, and accuracy assessment (AA) contingency tables. It also provides information on the aerial photographs and how they were interpreted. Detailed background information for each map class and attribute code contained in this data set is provided in the project report, which is available at the program's websites (website locations provided in Online_Linkage). http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/slbe/slbegeodata.zip doi:10.5066/F7DZ067M http://science.nature.nps.gov/nrdata/ The geographic information system (GIS) format spatial data set of vegetation for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE) was created for the National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP). The SLBE covers an area of over 24,000 ha (59,305 acres) and over 28,000 ha (69,190 acres) with the ~400 m surface water jurisdiction into Lake Michigan included. The map classification scheme used to create the vegetation data set is designed to represent local vegetation types at the finest level possible using the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) Version 2. Physiognomic information was also recorded, including height (woody vegetation), canopy density, and coverage patterns. The vegetation data set was developed by interpreting aerial photographs collected in 2007 and extensive field surveys. Individuals who cooperated in this project include; USGS Center for Biological Informatics, NPS Biological Resources Management Division, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, NPS Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and NatureServe. The vegetation data are distributed as an ESRI format file geodatabase, stored in Universal Transverse Mercator zone 16 mapping coordinates, North American Datum 1983. The NPS VIP is an effort to classify, describe, and map existing vegetation of national park units. Managed by the NPS Biological Resources Management Division, the NPS VIP provides baseline vegetation information for the NPS Natural Resource I&M Program. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Vegetation Characterization Program lends a cooperative role in the NPS VIP and serves the data sets on the Internet. Vegetation layers and associated information support a wide variety of resource assessment, park management, and planning needs. They also provide structure for framing and answering critical scientific questions about vegetation communities and their relation to environmental processes across the landscape. 20071020 ground condition Complete None planned Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and environs -86.210490 -85.786340 45.164184 44.652819 none National Lakeshore NPS Vegetation Inventory Program National Park Service U.S. Geological Survey Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Vegetation Map Land Cover Land Use Photointerpretation Photo Interpretation Vegetation Mapping National Vegetation Classification Standard National Vegetation Classification System NVCS U.S. National Vegetation Classification USNVC NVC SLBE National Park Service Theme Category Thesaurus Land Use / Cover Monitoring Remote Sensing Biology ISO 19115 Topic Category imageryBaseMapsEarthCover none Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore United States of America Michigan Leelanau County Benzie County SLBE National Park System Unit Name Thesaurus Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore National Park System Unit Code Thesaurus SLBE None Standardized National Vegetation Classification System vegetation classification alliance community association Kingdom Plantae A computer software program capable of reading and displaying data stored as an ESRI format file geodatabase is required. 1) Those using the spatial 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 USGS Center for Biological Informatics, NPS Biological Resources Management Division, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, NPS Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and NatureServe. 3) 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. USGS Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator mailing and physical address

USGS

Biological Resources Division, CBI

Building 810, Room 8000

PO BOX 25046, DFC, MS302

Denver CO 80225-0046 United States of America (303) 202-4220 303-202-4229 gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.2 (Build 3790) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.3.1.3500 Based on a thematic AA study that was conducted of map classes representing floristic types in the NVCS, the vegetation map of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has an overall attribute accuracy of 77.8% (Kappa index of 76.7%); calculated using field data collected at 1,016 accuracy assessment observation sites. Most individual map-class themes exceed the NPS VIP standard of 80% with a 90% confidence interval. The project report provides details pertaining to the methods of the accuracy assessment study and the results from the analysis. All polygon features were checked for potential topology and attribute errors using the software program ArcGIS (version 9.3). Topology checks were performed to make sure each polygon was closed, no dangling features were present, each polygon contained a labeling point, and to make sure that no duplicate lines, polygons, or labels were present. All features identified by the photointerpreters were automated. Map-code information produced by the photointerpreters (e.g., vegetation type, height, vegetation cover) is stored in the attribute table of the data set and in a series of lookup tables. The map codes are cross-referenced to the NVCS (Vr2) at all physiognomic and floristic levels. The NPS VIP standard minimum mapping unit (MMU) of 0.5 ha (1.24 acres) was applied for mapping. For vegetation types unique to their immediate surroundings (e.g., emergent wetland within an upland forest setting), a MMU down to 0.25 ha was applied. In addition, a secondary MMU of 2.0 ha was applied for physiognomic feature changes within a particular map class (e.g., open versus closed forest). A set of MMU templates were used to help photointerpreters determine minimum polygon size during the interpretive process. Because of angle distortions inherent to nonrectified aerial photos, and slight scale changes from high ridges to valley bottoms, the MMU was applied liberally. The photointerpreted data were georeferenced and orthorectified using the software program Orthomapper, 3.75-minute USGS digital orthophoto quadrangles, and 1/3-degree national elevation data sets. The reference orthophotos have a horizontal root mean square error (RMSE) of no greater than 7.0 meters. Field control for the orthophoto's reference images were acquired by third order class 1 or better survey methods, sufficiently spaced to meet National Map Accuracy Standards (NMAS) for 1:12,000-scale products. No elevation information is stored in this data set. Instead, elevation data was used during the orthorectification process minimize or eliminate distortions caused by changes in elevation. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program USGS Vegetation Characterization Program 20071020 Color infrared diapositives and contact prints NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project Fort Collins, Colorado NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program The contractor used to collect the photos was AlliedGIS (Pinnacle Mapping, subcontractor). 12000 Color Infrared Diapositive Aerial Photographs and Contact Prints 20071020 ground condition 12K Color IR Photos In October 2007, SLBE was photographed using color infrared film at a scale of 1:12,000. The timing of these photographs was intended to capture peak leaf color change so distinctions between various deciduous forest types would be easier to see. These photographs were the primary images used during the photointerpretation process. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program USGS Vegetation Characterization Program Unknown digital database file Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Fort Collins, Colorado NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program A digital orthophoto is a digital image of an aerial photograph in which displacements caused by the camera and the terrain have been removed. It combines the image characteristics of a photograph with the geometric qualities of a map. The UMESC was supplied with orthorectified 2007 CIR images of SLBE. These images were used to orthorectify interpreted overlays of the same vintage photography. Standard operating procedures were modified to accommodate the base imagery delivered by the vendor. The contractor used to collect and produce the orthophotos was AlliedGIS (Pinnacle Mapping, subcontractor). 12000 Digital database file unknown publication date CIR Orthophotos This data set was used during the orthorectification process of the interpreted photo overlays. The digital orthophotos were used by the software program Orthomapper as an existing data set that has already been orthophotos (i.e., georeferenced, and elevation distortions have been removed). The photo overlays are aligned with the orthophotos, then the software program uses data stored in the orthophoto images along with available elevation data to georeference and remove elevation distortions from the photo overlays (i.e., orthorectify). U.S. Geological Survey Eros Data Center Unknown Digital database file Sioux Falls, SD U.S. Geological Survey The National Elevation Dataset (NED) 1/3 Arc Second is a raster product assembled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). NED 1/3 Arc Second is designed to provide National elevation data in a seamless form with a consistent datum, elevation unit, and projection. Data corrections are made in the NED 1/3 Arc Second assembly process to minimize, but not eliminate, artifacts, perform edge matching, and fill sliver areas of missing data. NED 1/3 Arc Second has a resolution of 1/3 arc-second (approximately 10 meters) for the conterminous United States. http://nationalmap.gov/viewer.html Digital database file unknown unknown 1/3 NED Data Provided elevation data for the study area. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center NatureServe 201101 database Fort Collins, Colorado NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program A map classification was developed specifically for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project. It includes a crosswalk to the NVCS (Vr2) floristic and physiognomic levels (names and codes), and the 2001 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) classification for non-vegetation features. The final report for this mapping project contains a detailed listing of this classification scheme http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/slbe.html database 20071020 ground condition SLBE Vegetation Classification Map classification defining polygon data (vegetation and general land cover). National Spatial Data Infrastructure, Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vegetation Subcommittee 2008 document Standards Vegetation Classification and Information Standards Reston, Virginia Federal Geographic Data Committee Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). 2008. National vegetation classification standard, Version 2, FGDC-STD-005-2008 (Version 2). http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/vegetation document 2008 publication date NVC Vr2 Standard vegetation classification standard used for classification structure. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center Unknown stable-base material La Crosse, Wisconsin U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 12000 stable-base material 20071020 ground condition SLBE Photo Overlays The photo overlays contain the vegetation information developed by the photointerpreters. These data were used by the automation team to generate the digital database of land cover for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 2007 digital dataset La Crosse, Wisconsin U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 12000 digital database 20071020 ground condition Orthorectified aerial photographs Provided the orthorectified surface used to orthorectify the photo overlays. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 2007 digital database La Crosse, Wisconsin U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 12000 digital dataset 20071020 ground condition Orthorectified photo overlays Provided the orthorectified line work, used to create the geographic information system (GIS) dataset. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Unknown online Web site Baton Rouge, Louisiana USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center Program partners who participated in the development of the Plants Database include; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, Farm Services Agency, USDA, Forest Service, USDA, Rural Development, USDI, Bureau of Land Management, USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetland Inventory, USDI, Geological Survey, USDC, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), University of Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota State University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, FNA/Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Biota of North America Program. http://plants.usda.gov/ online database unknown access date USDA Plants Database The U.S. Department of Agriculture's online plant database was used as the source for plant names used in this project, both scientific and common names. The Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Forest Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Park Service National Resources Conservation Service LANDFIRE Bureau of Land Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Surface Mining Unknown Web page Sioux Falls, South Dakota Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium http://www.mrlc.gov/nlcd_definitions.php Web Page unknown publication date 2001 National Land Cover Class Definitions One of the lookup tables created for use with the SLBE vegetation data can be used to link those data to the 2001 National Lake Cover Dataset. NPS Natural Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program; Great Lakes Network 200704 Contact prints NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Vegetation Mapping Project Ashland, Wisconsin NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program; Great Lakes Network The contractor used to collect the photos was AlliedGIS, Pinnacle Mapping 24000 True Color Aerial Photograph Contact Prints 200704 publication date 24K True Color Photos In April 2007, SLBE was photographed using true color film at a scale of 1:12,000. The timing of these photographs was intended to capture deciduous forest leaf-off conditions so that understory conditions could be viewed. These photographs were used as an ancillary photo set to determine understory characteristics during the photointerpretation process. They were used in support of photointerpreting the 12K Color IR Photos, which was the primary source of imagery for mapping. Mapping vegetation of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE) and environs involved five primary steps: (1) preliminary map classification (2) field reconnaissance, (3) map classification, (4) photointerpretation, and (5) digital map automation and database development. Although these steps occurred sequentially, they overlap to some degree. 2010 Preliminary Map Classification and Field Reconnaissance: Prior to field reconnaissance, mappers (UMESC) met with vegetation classifiers (NatureServe) to discuss the vegetation classification and how vegetation types might best be represented in a workable map classification. This built a working draft of the map classification to be used during field visits by the mappers. Before photointerpretation was initiated, photointerpreters made several visits to SLBE to perform field reconnaissance. Field visits were performed to a variety of locations within the SLBE. Printed copies of the aerial photos that would be used during the photointerpretation process were brought along so conditions on the ground could be compared to images contained in the photos. These trips helped the photointerpreters further establish the map classification, determine what vegetation types could be identified within the aerial photos, and establish mapping convention on how best to apply the mapping of the vegetation types. 12K Color IR Photos 12K TC Photos NVC Vr2 SLBE Vegetation Classification 2008 Map Classification: The ultimate goal of the map classification was to represent the vegetation types of SLBE as determined by the vegetation classifiers (NatureServe). The photointerpreters cooperated with the vegetation specialists to determine which vegetation types and communities could be accurately identified using the aerial photography. Some of the classes appearing in the final vegetation map might be comprised of a single vegetation type as identified by the vegetation classifiers, and others may contain one of several different types. Not all vegetation types visible on the ground are identifiable in an aerial photograph. 12K Color IR Photos NVC Vr2 SLBE Vegetation Classification 2008 Photointerpretation: Photointerpretation was performed using Richards MIM light tables and Bausch & Lomb Zoom 240 stereoscopes with variable zoom capabilities. Photointerpretation was performed on the October 2007 1:12,000-scale color infrared diapositives, using acetate overlays, Rapidograph ink pens (4x0-size, 0.18 mm) and Rapidraw black India ink (3084; waterproof, fast drying for film). Features within the entire project extent were mapped. Detailed information on how the photointerpretation processes were performed is available in the project report. 12K Color IR Photos SLBE Vegetation Classification NVC Vr2 2009 SLBE Photo Overlays Orthorectification: Each aerial photograph was scanned, producing a series of Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) images. The software program OrthoMapper was then used to register each image, establishing both horizontal and vertical coordinates. Existing orthophoto quadrangles (3.75-minute digital products) produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) were used to derive horizontal coordinates, and 1/3 arc second digital elevation models (DEMs) were used to derive vertical measurements. Once orthophotos were created from the scanned photographs, each photointerpreted overlay was scanned to create a 2-bit (black-and-white) TIFF image. The software OrthoMapper was then used to process each overlay, using the orthophoto created from overlay's corresponding aerial photograph to orthorectify the interpreted overlay. The individual orthorectified photos and overlays were then merged into workable groups for subsequent digitizing. SLBE Photo Overlays 12K Color IR Photos CIR Orthophotos 1/3 NED Data 2009 Orthorectified aerial photographs Orthorectified photo overlays Conversion to GIS format files: The software program ArcGIS Desktop was then used to convert the orthorectified overlays into a GIS format data. The software program's ArcScan processing module was used to convert the raster images into vector data. A series of checks were performed to search for potential errors, then the photointerpreter's map attribute codes were added to the vector data. Orthorectified photo overlays SLBE Photo Overlays 2009 Creation of the Geodatabase: The attribute table of the initial GIS format vegetation map contained only the map attribute codes that were assigned by the photointerpreters. To make these data more meaningful, a series of lookup tables were created, which contained items such as the map class names, physiognomic information (woody plant heights, area of coverage, distribution patterns), and all NVCS Vr2 hierarchy codes and nomenclature (when known and applicable), including the finest floristic level of the hierarchy, association. An ESRI format File Geodatabase was created to hold these data, as well as the vegetation point data that were collected for developing the vegetation classification and for the AA of the vegetation map, the project boundary extent, and aerial photograph information. A series of relationship class files were added to the file geodatabase, to make it easier for users to associate the lookup tables with the GIS datasets. 2010 Accuracy Assessment: An in-depth accuracy project was performed on the geographic information system (GIS) format vegetation polygon data set (vegetation map). This was done to measure the probability of map accuracy (or, the absence of error). A series of computer selected random sampling sites were chosen for each map class in the data set. The mapping coordinates of these sites were then provided to field crews, who used global positioning system (GPS) receivers to locate each site. The field data and calls at each of these sites were compared to polygon data and calls made by the photointerpreters to determine the thematic accuracy of the vegetation map. Detailed information on how this assessment was performed and its results are available in the project report. 2009 U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center Resource Mapping Team Leader mailing and physical address

2630 Fanta Reed Road

La Crosse Wisconsin 54603-1223 United States of America (608) 783-6451 (608) 783-8058 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, M-F Ask receptionist to connect you with the Resource Mapping Team Leader. Metadata imported. 20110125 Vector G-polygon 9296 Universal Transverse Mercator 16 0.999600 -87.000000 0.000000 500000.000000 0.000000 coordinate pair 0.000100 0.000100 meters North American Datum of 1983 Geodetic Reference System 80 6378137.000000 298.257222 slbe_vegpoly Feature Class: Polygon spatial database (vegetation map layer) of SLBE showing locations of vegetation and land cover. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program OBJECTID Internal feature number. ESRI Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. Shape Feature geometry. ESRI Coordinates defining the features. Map_Class Map class polygon code. NPS Map unit code. Map_Physio String of physiognomic modifier codes for veg type map classes. NPS Modifiers physiognomic code. Map_Dvlp Special modifier codes for only the Developed (CDV) map class. NPS Modifiers devloped code. Perimeter ArcGIS (xtool) generated. XTools Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Area ArcGIS (xtool) generated. XTools Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Acres ArcGIS (xtool) generated. XTools Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Hectares ArcGIS (xtool) generated. XTools Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Shape_Length Length of feature in internal units. ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Shape_Area Area of feature in internal units squared. ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. vegpoly_nvcs2_cultural Relationship Class: Map Class crosswalk to NVCSvr2 cultural types. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_physio Relationship Class: Physiognomic Modifier assignments to veg map polygons. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_nvcs2_middle Relationship Class: Map Class crosswalk to NVCSvr2 natural middle floristic-physiognomic types. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_clsf Relationship Class: Map Class assignments to veg map polygons. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_nlcd2001 Relationship Class: Map Class crosswalk to NLCD (2001). NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_nvcs2_lower Relationship Class: Map Class crosswalk to NVCSvr2 natural floristic types (association or alliance). NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_nvcs2_upper Relationship Class: Map Class crosswalk to NVCSvr2 natural upper physiognomic types. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_aa Relationship Class: Thematic accuracy assessment results. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program vegpoly_dvlp Relationship Class: Developed Modifier assignments to "CDV" veg map polygons. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Basic information about the polygons are contained in the Map_Class, Map_Physio, and Map_Dvlp fields. Additional information is brought to the dataset via relationship classes. For feature class and relationship table field information, see vegpoly_scheme within the geodatabase. none USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis 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 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/slbe.html Internet Access None 20110414 20121213 USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis 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 FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 http://www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt/community/fgdc_metadata/255