SERM Forest Cover Data of Saskatchewan in Vector Format
Summary
This data set was prepared by SERM-FBIU. The data is a condensed forest cover
type map of Saskatchewan at a scale of 1:1,000,000.
Note that the non-text files of this data set on the BOREAS CD-ROMs have been
compressed using the Gzip program. See section 8.2 for details.
Table of Contents
* 1 Data Set Overview
* 2 Investigator(s)
* 3 Theory of Measurements
* 4 Equipment
* 5 Data Acquisition Methods
* 6 Observations
* 7 Data Description
* 8 Data Organization
* 9 Data Manipulations
* 10 Errors
* 11 Notes
* 12 Application of the Data Set
* 13 Future Modifications and Plans
* 14 Software
* 15 Data Access
* 16 Output Products and Availability
* 17 References
* 18 Glossary of Terms
* 19 List of Acronyms
* 20 Document Information
1. Data Set Overview
1.1 Data Set Identification
SERM Forest Cover Data of Saskatchewan in Vector Format
1.2 Data Set Introduction
The condensed forest cover type digital map of Saskatchewan is a product of the
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, Forestry Branch - Inventory
Unit (SERM-FBIU). This map was generalized from SERM township maps of
vegetation cover at an approximate scale of 1:63,000 (1 in. = 1 mile). The
cover information was iteratively generalized until it was compiled on a
1:1,000,000 scale map base.
1.3 Objective/Purpose
These data are provided as part of the BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study
(BOREAS) Staff Science Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Collection
Programs, which included the collection of all pertinent map data in the BOREAS
area of interest in both hardcopy and digital form. This data set was acquired
as a general provincial scale vegetation cover map and an alternative to the
very detailed vector forest cover data available for the Southern Study Area
(SSA).
1.4 Summary of Parameters
There are just two items associated with each forest cover type polygon in this
data set. Forest class (merchantable, nonmerchantable, other) and forest type.
There are four merchantable and non-merchantable forest cover types and 10 types
within the �other� forest class.
1.5 Discussion
The forest cover type data set of Saskatchewan at a scale of 1:1,000,000
provided by SERM-FBIU is a generalized cover map of the forested region of the
province. Little is known about this data set. It has not been documented by
SERM personnel, and they have since informed BOREAS staff of a data set that has
been produced more recently that should have a higher level of accuracy and
precision. Contact SERM directly regarding the updated product (Section 2.3).
1.6 Related Data Sets
SERM Forest Cover Data Layers of the SSA in Vector Format
BOREAS Forest Cover Data Layers over the SSA in Raster Format
BOREAS Forest Cover Data Layers of the NSA in Raster Format
Prince Albert National Park Forest Cover Data in Vector Form
2. Investigator(s)
2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title
BOREAS Staff
2.2 Title of Investigation
BOREAS Staff Science GIS Data Collection Program
2.3 Contact Information
Contact 1
----------
Fern Gruszka
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
Prince Albert, SK
CANADA
(306)953-2360
gruszka@larix.derm.gov.sk.ca
Contact 2
----------
Jaime Nickeson
NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD
(301) 286-3373
(301) 286-0239 (fax)
Jaime.Nickeson@gsfc.nasa.gov
3. Theory of Measurements
SERM-FBIU maintains in its inventory unit a GIS of forest inventory information
for Saskatchewan forested lands. This inventory is maintained primarily for use
by forest managers for silvicultural purposes and it contains a wealth of
information that can be of use in Earth resources analyses and ecosystem
modeling. This map was produced as a generalization of this inventory.
4. Equipment
4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description
No information is known about the original digitizing equipment or procedures
and criteria used in the digitizing process, other than what is provided above.
4.1.1 Collection Environment
Unknown.
4.1.2 Source/Platform
Unknown.
4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives
Unknown.
4.1.4 Key Variables
Forest Cover Type
4.1.5 Principles of Operation
Unknown.
4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry
Unknown.
4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument
Unknown.
4.2 Calibration
4.2.1 Specifications
Unknown.
4.2.1.1 Tolerance
Unknown.
4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration
Unknown.
4.2.3 Other Calibration Information
None.
5. Data Acquisition Methods
The forest cover type data set of Saskatchewan at a scale of 1:1,000,000
provided by SERM-FBIU is a generalized cover map of the forested region of the
province. The map was generalized from SERM township maps of vegetation cover
at an approximate scale of 1:63,000 (1 in = 1 mile) in the Lambert Polyconic
projection. The information was iteratively generalized until it was compiled
on a 1:1,000,000 scale map base, of unknown projection. Little detail is known
about this data ,set and SERM has stated �[we] cannot overstate how dated and
imprecise this product is.� Nevertheless, the data set is being made available
because within BOREAS there are needs for coarse scale information.
6. Observations
Not applicable.
6.1 Data Notes
Unknown.
6.2 Field Notes
Unknown.
7. Data Description
7.1 Spatial Characteristics
7.1.1 Spatial Coverage
This data set covers the forested portion of the province of Saskatchewan. In
ARC/INFO when you DESCRIBE the coverage, this is what you will get:
COVERAGE BOUNDARY
Xmin = 7.479 Xmax = 30.013
Ymin = 5.105 Ymax = 27.117
BOREAS Information System (BORIS) staff does not know what these units are, but
guesses that they might be inches from the digitizing table and that real-world
coordinates were never entered for this data set. On the hardcopy map of the
data, it is apparent that the borders on the east and west are the Saskatchewan
provincial boundaries. The nothern and southern boundaries are 57 and 52
degrees latitude, respectively. The corners are given below; the LR corner
coordinate is approximated.
Longitude Latitude
(degrees) (degrees)
Northwest 110 57
Northwest 102 57
Southwest 110 52
Southwest 101.6 52
7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map
Not available.
7.1.3 Spatial Resolution
This is a very coarse and imprecise data set with limited available information
associated with it. At a scale of 1:1,000,000, gridding the data to a raster
cell size of 1,000m x ,1000 m would seem appropriate.
7.1.4 Projection
The actual projection is unknown. A best guess would be that it is Lambert
Conformal Conic under the North American Datum 1927 (NAD27).
If one wishes to PROJECTDEFINE this coverage in ARC/INFO, the following
information would be useful;
NAD27 CNT
1st standard parallel: 50 degrees 50 minutes
2nd standard parallel: 58 degrees 10 minutes
Central Meridian: 115 degrees
Latitude of projection's origin: 0 0 0
False Easting (meters): 0.0
False Northing (meters): 0.0
Our sources at SERM indicate that one could rubber sheet it to almost any
projection and it would not be significantly less accurate.
7.1.5 Grid Description
Not applicable.
7.2 Temporal Characteristics
7.2.1 Temporal Coverage
Most of the data used for this product were acquired by BORIS in 1993. The
forest cover type data set of Saskatchewan at a scale of 1:1,000,000 provided by
SERM-FBIU is a generalized cover map of the forested region of the province.
This data set has not been documented by SERM, and little detail is known about
it, including creation date, other than the comment that it was created �many
years ago.� SERM has informed BOREAS staff of a data set that has been
produced more recently that should have a higher level of accuracy and
precision. Contact SERM directly regarding the acquisition of an updated forest
cover type product (Section 2.3).
7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map
Not available.
7.2.3 Temporal Resolution
The original maps (1:12,500) are completely reinventoried by SERM personnel on a
10- to 20-year cycle, except for disturbed areas, which are updated annually.
The date of the maps this data set was generated from is unknown. BOREAS
staff's best guess is that it was generated from forest cover maps made in the
mid-1980s. One could possibly try to determine the approximate year by the
evidence or lack thereof for significant known fires.
7.3 Data Characteristics
7.3.1 Parameter/Variable
Polygon features with attributes. Each polygon has a CLASS and TYPE item
associated with it in addition to relative spatial information.
7.3.2 Variable Description/Definition
See file 1 (Section 8.2.1) for a table containing combinations of forest cover
class and type attributes including:
forest cover class - described as either merchantable, unmerchantable, or other
forest cover type - for merchantable and unmerchantable the type is one of the
following:
softwood jackpine
softwood spruce
hardwood
mixedwood
7.3.3 Unit of Measurement
None.
7.3.4 Data Source
The original data were acquired as ARC/INFO coverages or export files from:
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
Forestry Branch - Inventory Unit
800 Central Ave.
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Canada S6V 6G1
7.3.5 Data Range
Not applicable.
7.4 Sample Data Record
Not applicable.
8. Data Organization
8.1 Data Granularity
The smallest amount of obtainable data is the complete data set.
8.2 Data Format(s)
8.2.1 Uncompressed Data Files
The product consists of three files on tape. Each of the files contains 80-byte
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) text records blocked
to a multiple of 80.
The files were written with the dd commands:
dd if=README.1ST of=/dev/tape_device ibs=80 obs=80 cbs=80 conv=block
dd if=PAT.DOC of=/dev/tape_device ibs=80 obs=800 cbs=80 conv=block
dd if=fcov_1M.e00 of=/dev/tape_device ibs=80 obs=8000 cbs=80 conv=block
The files can easily be retrieved using dd in a similar manner:
dd if=/dev/tape_device of=readme ibs=80 obs=80 cbs=80 conv=unblock
dd if=/dev/tape_device of=PAT.doc ibs=800 obs=80 cbs=80 conv=unblock
dd if=/dev/tape_device of=fcov_1M.e00 ibs=8000 obs=80 cbs=80 conv=unblock
File 1 is an ASCII text file describing the data attributes.
File 2 is an ASCII text file which contains a snapshot of data contained in the
Polygon Attribute Table (PAT) file associated with the polygon coverages. It
contains 313 records ranging in size from 560 to 800 bytes. Each record larger
than 80 bytes contains sets of 80 byte logical records blocked together.
File 3 is the ARC/INFO export file. It contains 1,078 records ranging in size
from 1,280 to 8,000 bytes. Each record larger than 80 bytes contains sets of 80-
byte records blocked together.
8.2.2 Compressed CD-ROM Files
On the BOREAS CD-ROMs, files 1 and 2 are stored as ASCII text. File 3 has been
compressed with the Gzip compression program (file name *.gz). These data have
been compressed using gzip version 1.2.4 and the high compression (-9) option
(Copyright (C) 1992-1993 Jean-loup Gailly). Gzip (GNU zip) uses the Lempel-Ziv
algorithm (Welch, 1994) used in the zip and PKZIP programs. The compressed files
may be uncompressed using gzip (-d option) or gunzip. Gzip is available from
many websites (for example, ftp site prep.ai.mit.edu/pub/gnu/gzip-*.*) for a
variety of operating systems in both executable and source code form. Versions
of the decompression software for various systems are included on the CD-ROMs.
9. Data Manipulations
9.1 Formulae
None.
9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms
None.
9.2 Data Processing Sequence
9.2.1 Processing Steps
1) Copy and compress the non-text files for release on CD-ROM.
9.2.2 Processing Changes
None.
9.3 Calculations
9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments
Unknown.
9.3.2 Calculated Variables
None.
9.4 Graphs and Plots
None.
10. Errors
10.1 Sources of Error
This data set is old and of questionable accuracy, as stated in Section 5. SERM
wants to make sure that all who use this data set are well aware of this fact.
10.2 Quality Assessment
10.2.1 Data Validation by Source
Unknown.
10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment
This data set is old and of questionable accuracy, as stated in section 5. SERM
wants to make sure that all who use this data set are well aware of this fact.
10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters
Both spatial and forest type information can be considered of questionable
accuracy.
10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments
None.
10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center
BORIS staff displayed the data and no anomolies were noticed.
11. Notes
11.1 Limitations of the Data
This data set is old and of questionable accuracy, as stated in Section 5. SERM
wants to make sure that all who use this data set are well aware of this fact.
Both spatial and forest type information can be considered of questionable
accuracy.
11.2 Known Problems with the Data
None.
11.3 Usage Guidance
Saskatchewan Parks and Renewable Resources does not accept any liability for
decisions/action taken on the basis of these data. This data set is old and of
questionable accuracy, as stated in Section 5. SERM wants to make sure that all
who use this data set are well aware of this fact.
Before uncompressing the Gzip files on CD-ROM, be sure that you have enough disk
space to hold the uncompressed data files. Then use the appropriate
decompression program provided on the CD-ROM for your specific system.
11.4 Other Relevant Information
SERM-FBIU has informed BOREAS staff of a data set that has been produced more
recently that should have a higher level of accuracy and precision. Contact
SERM directly regarding the updated product (Section 2.3).
12. Application of the Data Set
This data set could provide reference information at a rough scale for assessing
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)-Leaf Area Coverage (LAC) or
Global Area Coverage (GAC) classifications over the area and serve as an initial
baseline data set for analyzing land cover and vegetation change.
13. Future Modifications and Plans
14. Software
14.1 Software Description
The Envirnmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) ARC/INFO GIS package
was used to produce the data set. Questions about the software should be
directed to:
Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
380 New York Street
Redlands, CA 92373-8100
Gzip (GNU zip) uses the Lempel-Ziv algorithm (Welch, 1994) used in the zip and
PKZIP commands.
14.2 Software Access
ARC/INFO is a commercial package; contact ESRI for details.
Gzip is available from many websites across the net (for example) ftp site
prep.ai.mit.edu/pub/gnu/gzip-*.*) for a variety of operating systems in both
executable and source code form. Versions of the decompression software for
various systems are included on the CD-ROMs.
15. Data Access
15.1 Contact for Data Center/Data Access Information
These BOREAS data are available from the Earth Observing System Data and
Information System (EOS-DIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed
Active Archive Center (DAAC). The BOREAS contact at ORNL is:
ORNL DAAC User Services
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(865) 241-3952
ornldaac@ornl.gov
ornl@eos.nasa.gov
15.2 Procedures for Obtaining Data
BOREAS data may be obtained through the ORNL DAAC World Wide Web site at
http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/ or users may place requests for data by telephone, electronic mail, or fax.
15.3 Output Products and Availability
Requested data can be provided electronically on the ORNL DAAC's anonymous FTP
site or on various media including, CD-ROMs, 8-MM tapes, or diskettes.
The complete set of BOREAS data CD-ROMs, entitled "Collected Data of the Boreal
Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study", edited by Newcomer, J., et al., NASA, 1999, are
also available.
16. Output Products and Availability
16.1 Tape Products
The data can be made available on 8-mm, DAT, or 9-track tapes at 6250 or 1600
BPI.
16.2 Film Products
None available from BORIS. See Other Relevant Information, Section 11.4.
16.3 Other Products
These data are available on the BOREAS CD-ROM series.
17. References
None.
17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation
Welch, T.A. 1984, A Technique for High Performance Data Compression, IEEE
Computer, Vol. 17, No. 6, pp. 8 - 19.
17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports
Sellers, P., and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment
Plan. Version 1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94).
Sellers, P., and F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment
Plan. Version 1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96).
Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K. F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere
Study: 1994 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 94).
Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K. F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere
Study: 1996 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 96).
Sellers, P., F. Hall, H. Margolis, B. Kelly, D. Baldocchi, G. den Hartog, J.
Cihlar, M. G. Ryan, B. Goodison, P. Crill, K. J. Ranson, D. Lettenmaier, and D.
E. Wickland. 1995. The boreal ecosystem-atmosphere study (BOREAS): an overview
and early results from the 1994 field year. Bulletin of the American
Meteorological Society. 76(9):1549-1577.
Sellers, P.J., F.G. Hall, R.D. Kelly, A. Black, D. Baldocchi, J. Berry, M. Ryan,
K.J. Ranson, P.M. Crill, D.P. Lettenmaier, H. Margolis, J. Cihlar, J. Newcomer,
D. Fitzjarrald, P.G. Jarvis, S.T. Gower, D. Halliwell, D. Williams, B. Goodison,
D.E. Wickland, and F.E. Guertin. 1997. BOREAS in 1997: Experiment overview,
scientific results, and future directions. Journal of Geophysical Research
102(D24):28,731-28,769.
17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation
None.
18. Glossary of Terms
None.
19. List of Acronyms
AVHRR - Avanced Very High Resolution Radiometer
BOREAS - BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study
BORIS - BOREAS Information System
DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center
EOS - Earth Observing System
EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System
GAC - Global Area Coverage
GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center
GIS - Geographic Information System
LAC - Local Area Coverage
NAD27 - North American Datum 1927
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NSA - Northern Study Area
ORNL - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
PANP - Prince Albert National Park
PAT - Polygon Attribute Table
SERM - Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
SSA - Southern Study Area
URL - Uniform Resource Locator
20. Document Information
20.1 Document Revision Dates
Written: 01-Aug-1994
Last Updated: 06-Feb-1998
20.2 Document Review Dates
BORIS Review: 15-May-1997
Science Review:
20.3 Document ID
20.4 Citation
This data set was provided by SERM-FBIU.
20.5 Document Curator
20.6 Document URL
Keywords
Forest Cover
Forestry
Forest Inventory
GIS
Sask_For_Cov_1M_Vector.doc
04/17/98