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

  • 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

Project series name

Measurement type: Nominal
YearYear

Year of data collection

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

Plot ID number

Measurement type: Nominal
SubplotIDSubplot ID

Subplot ID number

Measurement type: Nominal
TreeIDTree ID

Tree ID number

Measurement type: Nominal
StemIDTree Stem ID

Unique Number of a stem on a particular tree

Measurement type: Nominal
DiameterStem Diameter

Stem diameter

Measurement type: Ratio
Unit: unavailable
Precision: 0.000001
DiameterHeightDBH Measurement Height

Height on the tree at which diameter was measured

Measurement type: Ratio
Unit: unavailable
Precision: 0.00001
WasMeasuredDiameter Measured

Flag indicating whether the diameter was measured or estimated

Measurement type: Nominal
i-Tree Diameter Measurement Code
+ show
Appears in data asMeaning of code
0Diameter was estimated
1Diameter was measured

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