Details and Metadata

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Methods

The methods followed in the creation of the dataset, including description of field, laboratory and processing steps, and quality control procedures

Current Methods

  • Random plot location
    Started: 2011-08-31

    200 randomly-located 0.1 acre plots were established within Burlington

    Software: ArcGIS 10.0, i-Tree Eco

  • Identify service learning plots
    Started: 2011-08-31

    A subset of plots are measured by students in UVM's Natural History and Field Ecology course as a service learning project

  • Setting reference objects
    Started: 2011-08-31

    The plot center is rigorously identified using physical reference objects to allow surveyors to revisit these plots in the future and track changes over time.

  • Identify and measure trees
    Started: 2011-08-31

    Each tree in the plot is identified at least to genus and measured for height, diameter, crown height and width, percents dieback and missing, crown light exposure, and spatial relationship to nearby buildings.

  • Assess land use and ground cover
    Started: 2011-08-31

    Land use proportions and ground cover proportions on the plot are recorded.

  • Process data
    Started: 2011-08-31

    Data are submitted to the US Forest Service i-Tree Eco analysis service to generate city-wide estimates of the composition, condition and ecosystem services of the urban canopy in the city.

Dataset Fields

Detailed documentation of the fields comprising the dataset, including the type of measurement, units where applicable, and any controlled vocabularies or code lists present in the data


Field Name Caption Description Additional Information
LocationNameLocation Name

Name of sample/inventory location (e.g., city name)

Measurement type: Nominal
SeriesProject Series

Description of project

Measurement type: Nominal
YearYear

Year of data collection

Measurement type: DateTime
Date/Time Format:
PlotIDPlot ID Number

Plot number

Measurement type: Nominal
PlotAddressAddress of plot

Address of Plot center or other information detailing location (e.g., Prospect Park)

Measurement type: Nominal
XCoordinateGPS Coordinate (X)

GIS coordinate X

Measurement type: Ratio
Unit: unavailable
Precision: 0.00001
YCoordinateGPS Coordinate (Y)

GIS coordinates Y

Measurement type: Ratio
Unit: unavailable
Precision: 0.00001
MapLandUseTypeIDLand Use on Map ID

Land use on map

Measurement type: Nominal
i-Tree Series Name
+ show
Appears in data asMeaning of code
1Single Strata
DateDate

date

Measurement type: DateTime
Date/Time Format: YYYY-MM-DD
CrewCrew

Crew ID

Measurement type: Nominal
CommentsPlot Comments

Comments

Measurement type: Nominal
DirectionsDirections to plot

Description of how to get to the plot

Measurement type: Nominal
ContactInfocontact information

Contact Information

Measurement type: Nominal
RevisionPlot revision number

The revision number for the plot.

Measurement type: Nominal

Sampling Equipment

Equipment and software used to collect data, including how that equipment was used.

Current Equipment

  • Clinometer
    Started: 2011-08-31

    Suunto clinometer

  • Compass
    Started: 2011-08-31

    Compass

  • Diameter tape
    Started: 2011-08-31

    Diameter tape

  • GPS unit
    Started: 2011-08-31

    Garmin Rino 530HCx GPS unit

  • Plot establishment
    Started: 2011-08-31

    200 randomly-located 0.1 acre plots were established within Burlington

Site Characteristics

The spatial extent of the dataset site coverage, and descriptions of the spatial extent and context for the data collection

  • Site Description

    200 randomly selected permanent plots throughout Burlington, VT

    Minimum Altitude: 100 feet

    Maximum Altitude: 437 feet