National Forest Boundaries (Lower 48)

nfsland_us_dd (coverage name)

Metadata:

Identification_Information
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
Distribution_Information
Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:

USDA Forest Service - GeospatialService and Technology Center (GSTC)

Publication_Date: 20000915

Title: National ForestBoundaries

Edition: Second

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:map

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: SaltLake City, UT

Publisher: USDA ForestService - GSTC

Description:

Abstract:

This dataset contains NationalForest boundaries for the lower 48 states, including Puerto Rico. Alaska is maintained separately. This dataset includes administrativeunit boundaries, derived primarily from the GSTC SOC data system, comprised ofCartographic Feature Files (CFFs), using ESRI Spatial Data Engine (SDE) and anOracle database. The data that wasavailable in SOC was extracted on November 10, 1999. Some of the data that had been entered into SOC wasoutdated, and some national forest boundaries had never been entered for avariety of reasons. GSTC hasedited this data in places where it was questionable or missing, to match theNational Forest Inventoried Roadless Area data submitted for the President'sRoadless Area Initiative.

Purpose:

This dataset was created to use asa reference in spatially edgematching all of the National Forest InventoriedRoadless Area (IRA) data for the President's Roadless Area Initiative for thelower 48 states. Alaska boundariesare maintained in separate datasets.

Supplemental_Information:

PROCESS:

Most of the data editing tasks were performed usingARC/INFO software.

The data was first converted to an ARC/INFO line coverage,and then projected to Albers. It was then split into three portions, so threeindividuals could edit one portion each. For each of these portions, dangles that appeared to nearly connect wereconnected, using a very small tolerance. Where the gaps were larger, or whereit appeared there was data missing, the GSTC SOC database was queried, using anArcView browser, and the appropriate line segment copied if available (someline segments in the original CFF data may have been coded as other features,but may also have been the nf boundary). If it did not exist there, hard copy maps were referenced, and thenecessary arcs digitized from the map or on screen using the 1:2,000,000-scaleNF boundary data displayed as a reference. The maps used were generally a combination of paper or filmprints of the 1:126,720-scale Forest Visitor maps and 1:24,000-scale PrimaryBase Series Forest Service quads. In some cases, the data was available in the GSTC PBS quad editingdatabase, or online, if the quads were in the process of being revised, and thenecessary portions of boundary were then taken from these, as they would be themost current. When all gaps werefilled in, the coverages were used as backcoverages for reference whenedgematching the IRA data from the National Forests.

Pseudo nodes were later removed, and polygonattributes were built after the three portions of the coverage were appendedtogether. Additional correctionswere made as necessary. TheProclaimed Forest Boundaries were disolved. The coverage was projected togeographic for analysis and display.

***** Spatial Reference Information (Beg) *****

Projection Parameters : Geographic

Units: Decimal Degrees

Spatial Information: Vector

Scale of original/hardcopy map: 1:24,000 to 1:2,000,000

Feature Type: polygon

Attributes: AREA = (calculated area of polygon)

PERIMETER = (calculated circumference of polygon)

NFSLAND_US_DD# = (internal identifier of polygon)

NFSLAND_US_DD-ID = (userassigned identifier of polygon)

ADMIN_FOREST = (adminstrative nationalforest)

NFB_ADM = (Is the land administeredby NFS, Yes or No)

***** Spatial Reference Information (End) *****

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 19991206

Ending_Date: 20000915

Currentness_Reference:publication date

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency:Unknown

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate:125

East_Bounding_Coordinate:60.5

North_Bounding_Coordinate:49

South_Bounding_Coordinate:25

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:NA

Theme_Keyword: NationalForest Boundary

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:NA

Place_Keyword: NationalForest Name

Temporal:

Temporal_Keyword_Thesaurus:NA

Temporal_Keyword: NA

Access_Constraints:

User needs to exercise cautionregarding the spatial accuracy of these data. The scales of source materials varies, and external featurescannot always be expected to align.

Use_Constraints:

Data may be viewed and used by anyand all entities upon request. However, data should not be changed or modified by anyone other thanGSTC. The USDA Forest Service doesnot guarantee accuracy of these data.

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method:Vector

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: DanThompson

Contact_Organization: USDAForest Service - Geospatial Service and Technology Center

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing andPhysical Address

Address: 2222 West 2300South

City: Salt Lake City

State_or_Province: UT

Postal_Code: 84119

Contact_Voice_Telephone:(801) 975-3441

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:(801) 975-3478

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:thompson_dan/wo_gstc@fs.fed.us

Resource_Description:national forest boundary

Distribution_Liability:

The USDA Forest Service managesresource information and derived data as a service to USDA Forest Service usersof digital geographic data. TheUSDA Forest Service is in no way condoning or endorsing the application ofthese data for any given purpose. It is the sole responsibility of the user to determine whether or notthe data are suitable for the intended purpose. It is also the obligation of the user to apply the data inan appropriate and conscientious manner. The USDA Forest Service provides no warranty, nor accepts any liabilityoccurring from any incorrect, incomplete, or misleading data, or from anyincorrect, incomplete, or misleading use of these data.

Much of the USDA Forest Service data are compiled,processed, and maintained with ARC/INFO software developed by the EnvironmentalSystems Research Institute (ESRI). Much of the information presented usesconventions and terms popularized by ARC/INFO and its user community. The mention of commercial firms orproducts is for clarity and identification of procedures and methods only, andno endorsements are implied by the USDA Forest Service.

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20000217

Metadata_Contact: