# Lancaster County, Virginia 2015 Tidal Marsh Inventory

Metadata also available as

# Metadata:

- Identification_Information
- Data_Quality_Information
- Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
- Spatial_Reference_Information
- Entity_and_Attribute_Information
- Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:
  Citation:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)
      Publication_Date: 20160201
      Title: Lancaster County, Virginia 2015 Tidal Marsh Inventory
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data
      Other_Citation_Details:
        Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, 23062.
      Online_Linkage:
        <http://ccrm.vims.edu/gis_data_maps/static_maps/gis/tmi_updated.html>
  Description:
    Abstract:
      The Virginia Institute of Marine Science published the first Tidal marsh Inventories for Virginia in the 1970s. Using high resolution color infra-red imagery from 2013 a new Tidal Marsh Inventory has been developed for Lancaster County. Marsh boundaries were generated using heads-up digitizing techniques at a scale of 1:1,000. Each marsh polygon was classified by morphologic type: fringe, extensive, embayed, or marsh island. Marshes were ground-truthed in the field where a community type index was assigned to each marsh based on plant community make-up. Each marsh was also coded with a marsh number which corresponds to the original 1970s delineation. This will provide an opportunity to review changes that have occurred in the marshes over time.
    Purpose:
      To maintain and update an inventory of the distribution of tidal marshes for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
    Supplemental_Information:
      There are four shapefiles that are part of the 2015 Lancaster County Shoreline Inventory database:Lancaster_lubc_2015, Lancaster_sstru_2015, Lancaster_astru_2015 and Lancaster_tm_2015. Lancaster_lubc_2015 (land use and bank cover for Lancaster County) is a linear shapefile containing data about land use, tree fringe, bank height, bank cover, bank stability and beach status along the shoreline. Lancaster_sstru_2015 (Lancaster Countyshoreline structures) is a linear shapefile delineating hard structures in place at the shoreline (bulkhead, dilapidated bulkhead, riprap, wharf, unconventional, debris, marina < 50 slips, marina > 50 slips, jetty, marsh toe revetment, groinfield and breakwaters). Lancaster_astru_2015 ( Lancaster County access structures) is a point shapefile with locations of docks, dilapidated docks, boathouses, and private and public boat ramps. Lancaster County_tm_2015 (Lancaster County tidal marshes) shows the location, size, species and type of tidal marshes. The attributes of these four shapefiles are explained in the Entity and Attribute Information section below.
  Time_Period_of_Content:
    Time_Period_Information:
      Range_of_Dates/Times:
        Beginning_Date: 20150609
        Ending_Date: 20150618
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition
  Status:
    Progress: Complete
    Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: Unknown
  Spatial_Domain:
    Bounding_Coordinates:
      West_Bounding_Coordinate: -76.634921
      East_Bounding_Coordinate: -76.283521
      North_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.834455
      South_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.606436
  Keywords:
    Theme:
      Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
      Theme_Keyword:
        Tidal Marsh, Wetland Plant Identification, Wetland Community Type
    Theme:
      Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Categories
      Theme_Keyword: biota
      Theme_Keyword: boundaries
      Theme_Keyword: environment
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
      Place_Keyword:
        Lancaster Creek, Rappahannock River, Corrotoman River, Fleets Bay, Dymer Creek, Indian Creek, Rappahannock Creek, Windmill Point
  Access_Constraints: None
  Use_Constraints:
    The Comprehensive Coastal Inventory Program (CCI) provides these data with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be correct or complete, and conclusions drawn from the data set are the sole responsibility of the user. See full TMI disclaimer page: <http://ccrm.vims.edu/gis_data_maps/static_maps/gis/disclaimer.html>
  Point_of_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Organization_Primary:
        Contact_Organization:
          Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)
        Contact_Person: Marcia Berman
      Contact_Position: Director Comprehensive Coastal Inventory Program
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: physical
        Address: Virginia Institute of Marine Science, P.O. Box 1346, 1375 Greate Rd
        City: Gloucester Point
        State_or_Province: Virginia
        Postal_Code: 23062
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: (804) 684-7188
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: marcia@vims.edu
  Native_Data_Set_Environment:
    Microsoft Windows 7 Version 6.1 (Build 7601) Service Pack 1; Esri ArcGIS 10.3.0.4322

Data_Quality_Information:
  Logical_Consistency_Report: Polygons are topologically correct. They do not self intersect or overlap.
  Completeness_Report:
    Tidal marshes observed in the field are the only polygons to be coded for marsh community type. Field collection of marsh data was performed primarily from a small shallow-draft vessel. Surveys extended as far upstream as depth and field conditions allowed. During surveys, marsh boundaries were verified, and wetland plant species observed within each marsh polygon were recorded along with relative cover estimates to determine marsh community types.
  Lineage:
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        All processing steps for the shoreline inventory were generated using ArcGIS - ArcMap v10.2.2 while viewing conditions observed in 2015 Bing high resolution oblique imagery and 2013 imagery from the Virginia Base Mapping Program (VBMP). Using the latest VBMP 2013 imagery as a background, conditions visible on shore were used to code a digital shoreline created using VBMP 2013 imagery at a scale of 1:1000. Conditions were also verified using Bing Birds Eye, VBMP 2011, and VBMP 2009 imagery.
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        VBMP imagery, with the marsh polygon layer overlay, was printed for use in field surveys of the marshes.
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        A shoreline for Lancaster County was created using the 2013 VBMP imagery as a backdrop and using ArcGis version 10.1. Using this as a baseline the shoreline inventory was remotely generated using two sources: Google Earth 2015 imagery , and 2013 high resolution imagery available through Bing Maps and 2013 high resolution imagery available from the Virginia Base Mapping Program (VBMP).
      Process_Date: 20150101
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Tidal marshes were delineated from 2013 VBMP imagery using onscreen digitizing techniques at a scale of 1:1,000. Bing and Google Earth online imagery was used to provide additional interpretive information to improve the accuracy of marsh boundaries. Marsh polygons were coded by shape and physiographic setting based on a classification system applied in the first Lancaster County Inventory in Lancaster County (in 1973). Quality assurance and control measures were performed prior to generation of maps for fieldwork.
      Process_Date: 20150202
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Field collection of marsh data was performed primarily from a small shallow-draft vessel, navigating at slow speeds parallel to the shoreline. Surveys extended as far upstream as depth and field conditions allowed. Some additional data collection was performed by land where marshes were easily accessible from public lands. During surveys, marsh boundaries were verified, and wetland plant species observed within each marsh polygon were recorded along with relative cover estimates to determine marsh community types.
      Process_Date: 20150601
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Corrections were made to the digital data back at the lab using ArcGis Version 10.0
      Process_Date: 20150701

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
  Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector
  Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:
    SDTS_Terms_Description:
      SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: GT-polygon composed of chains
      Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 3087

Spatial_Reference_Information:
  Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
    Planar:
      Map_Projection:
        Map_Projection_Name: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N
        Transverse_Mercator:
          Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
          Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -75.0
          Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.0
          False_Easting: 500000.0
          False_Northing: 0.0
      Planar_Coordinate_Information:
        Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair
        Coordinate_Representation:
          Abscissa_Resolution: 0.000000002220024164500956
          Ordinate_Resolution: 0.000000002220024164500956
        Planar_Distance_Units: meter
    Geodetic_Model:
      Horizontal_Datum_Name: D North American 1983
      Ellipsoid_Name: GRS 1980
      Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.0
      Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222101

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
  Detailed_Description:
    Entity_Type:
      Entity_Type_Label: Lancaster_TMI_2015
      Entity_Type_Definition: polygon
      Entity_Type_Definition_Source: ESRI
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: FID
      Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Esri
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Shape
      Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Esri
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Poly_Type
      Attribute_Definition: Description of polygon (i.e. marsh, nomarsh_forest, etc)
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Processor
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          Marsh = polygon is marsh Marsh island = polygon is marsh island NoMarsh_forest = polygon is forest NoMarsh_ScrubShrub = polygon is scrub shrub Embayed Extensive Fringe < 15 feet Fringe > 15 feet
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: MarshFinal
      Attribute_Definition: final morphological classification of polygon
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Processor
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          Marsh = polygon is marsh Marsh island = polygon is marsh island NoMarsh_forest = polygon is forest NoMarsh_ScrubShrub = polygon is scrub shrub
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: MarshNmbr
      Attribute_Definition: marsh number
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Processor
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain: a unique number for the marsh within Lancaster County
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Field
      Attribute_Definition: Field observation
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Field personnel
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          Yes: Observed in the field No: Could not see in the field
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: CmtyType
      Attribute_Definition: Community Type Code
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Tidal Marsh Inventories – Community Types & Field Codes
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          FW = Freshwater Cyno = Spartina cynosuroides Cat = Cattail YPL = Yellow pond Lily Phrag = Phragmites australis AAP = Arrow Arum and Pickerel Weed
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Reedgrass
      Attribute_Definition: Percent of Reedgrass (Phragmites) observed
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Field personnel
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          D = Marsh 51-100% Phragmites X = Marsh 1-50% Phragmites T = Marsh < 1% Phragmites
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: PrcntPhrag
      Attribute_Definition: % cover of Phragmites in marsh
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Field personnel
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain: Percent of Phragmites australis observed in marsh.
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: FieldDate
      Attribute_Definition: Field dates
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Field personnel
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          Field Dates: 6/9/2015, 6/10/2015, 6/11/2015, 6/12/2015, 6/16/2015, 6/17/2015, 6/18/2015
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Observer
      Attribute_Definition: Field personnel making the observations.
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Field personnel
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain: Field personnel making the observations.
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Comments
      Attribute_Definition: Any observations made in the field.
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Field personnel
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain: Comments made during field observations.
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: CommunType
      Attribute_Definition: Community Type definition
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Tidal Marsh Inventories – Community Types & Field Codes
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          Type I: Predominately Saltmarsh Cordgrass / low marsh Type II: Predominately Saltmeadow / high marsh Type III: Predominately Black Needlerush Type IV: Predominately Saltbush Type V: Predominately Big Cordgrass Type VI: Predominately Cattail Type VII: Predominately Arrow Arum - Pickerelweed Type VIII: Predominately Reed Grass Type IX: Predominately Yellow Pond Lily Type X: Predominately Saltwort Type XI: Freshwater mix - no dominant species Type XII: Brackish mix - no dominant specie
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Dominant_P
      Attribute_Definition: Dominant plant species
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Field personnel
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain: Description of dominant plant species in wetland
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: MarshNo
      Attribute_Definition: marsh number
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Processor
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain: Marsh number is unique within locality.
    Attribute:
      Attribute_Label: Acres
      Attribute_Definition: area of polygon
      Attribute_Definition_Source: Processor
      Attribute_Domain_Values:
        Unrepresentable_Domain:
          Area of wetland polygon in acres (GIS calculated in UTM zone 18)

Metadata_Reference_Information:
  Metadata_Date: 20160218
  Metadata_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Organization_Primary:
        Contact_Organization:
          Comprehensive Coastal Inventory Program, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
        Contact_Person: Sharon Killeen
      Contact_Position: GIS Programmer/Analyst
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing
        Address: P.O. Box 1346
        City: Gloucester Point
        State_or_Province: Virginia
        Postal_Code: 23062
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: (804) 684-7534
  Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
  Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
  Metadata_Time_Convention: local time
  Metadata_Use_Constraints:
    These data should not be used for jurisdictional permit determinations beyond providing general shoreline condition or status information. These data have not been surveyed to property boundaries.

Generated by `mp` version 2.9.12 on Thu Feb 18 11:54:37 2016