BOREAS TGB-05 Fire History of Manitoba 1980 to 1991 in Vector Format

Summary

This vector format data set covers the province of Manitoba and was
produced by Forestry Canada from hand-drawn boundaries of fires on
photocopies of 1:250,000 scale maps. The locational accuracy of the data
is considered fair to poor. When the locations of some fire boundaries
were compared to Landsat TM images, they were found to be off by as much
as a few kilometers.

Note that some of the data set files 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

This data set covers the province of Manitoba and was produced by
Forestry Canada from hand-drawn boundaries of fires on photocopies of
1:250,000-scale maps. The locational accuracy of the data is considered
fair to poor. When the locations of some fire boundaries were compared
to Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images, they were found to be off by as
much as a few kilometers. This problem should be kept in mind when using
these data.

1.1 Data Set Identification

BOREAS TGB-05 Fire History of Manitoba 1980 to 1991 in Vector Format

1.2 Data Set Introduction

This data set covers the province of Manitoba and was produced by
Forestry Canada from hand drawn boundaries of fires on photo-copies of
1:250,000 scale maps. The locational accuracy of this data is considered
fair to poor. When the location of some fire boundaries were compared to
Landsat Thematic Mapper images, they were found to be off by as much as
a few kilometers. This data should be used with this problem in mind.

1.3 Objective/Purpose

These data are provided as part of the BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study
(BOREAS) TGB-05 team data collection activities. The objective of
collecting these data was to give BOREAS investigators a product showing
the spatial distribution of fires in the province of Manitoba.

1.4 Summary of Parameters

This data set provides information indicating whether or not a given
area had a fire in a specific year.

1.5 Discussion

Some investigators who have been using Advanced Very High Resolution
Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery have found these data useful because they are
on a scale that is suitable for 1,000-m x 1,000-m AVHRR pixels. This
product is useful as a ground truth for comparing to image
classifications from AVHRR imagery. However, because the location of
fire polygons may be off by as much as a few kilometers, care should be
taken when determining fire locations.

This data set is the original vector data submitted by Forestry Canada.
It was delivered as ARC/INFO Export files of polygons that identify
fires from 1980 to1991 (inclusive).

1.6 Related Data Sets

SERM Forest Fire Chronology of Saskatchewan in Vector Format.

2\. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Brian J. Stocks

Richard G. Zepp

2.2 Title of Investigation

Trace Gas Exchange in the Boreal Forest Biome: Effects of Fire and
Beaver Activity

2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

Brian J. Stocks

Canadian Forest Service-Ontario Region

Great Lakes Forestry Centre

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

\(705\) 949-9461

\(705\) 759-5700 FAX

stocks@fcor.glfc.forestry.ca

Contact 2

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

Richard G. Zepp

Environmental Protection Agency

Environmental Research Laboratory

Athens, GA

Contact 3

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

David Knapp

NASA/GSFC

Greenbelt,MD

\(301\) 286-1424

\(301\) 286-0239 FAX

David.Knapp@gsfc.nasa.gov

3\. Theory of Measurements

As stated above, these product were created for BOREAS investigators who
are interested in the fire history of this area. It could be used for
ground truth of satellite image classifications and to get an estimate
of the amount of burned area.

The way in which this data was collected will have little to no impact
on the theory behind the way they are being used, especially because
these data are very simple and easy to understand.

No information with regard to the intensity of the burn is identified in
this data base. Only the presence or absence of a fire is given for each
year.

4\. Equipment

This vector format data set was produced by Forestry Canada from
hand-drawn boundaries of fires on photocopies of 1:250,000 scale maps.
Apparently, the fires were mapped based on observation from the air.

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

Unknown.

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

Presence or absence of fire in a particular year

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.

Not applicable

4.2.1 Specifications

Unknown.

4.2.1.1 Tolerance

Not applicable.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

Not applicable.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

Not applicable.

5\. Data Acquisition Methods

Forestry Canada compiled these data from maps of fires in the province
of Manitoba. Apparently, the fires were mapped based on observation from
the air. These fire polygons were hand traced onto photocopies of
1:250,000 scale maps. The fire data were then compiled by year and hand
digitized into ARC/INFO polygon coverages.

6\. Observations

There is no record of observations except for the actual data.

6.1 Data Notes

None.

6.2 Field Notes

None.

7\. Data Description

These data simply contain information that indicates whether a fire
occurred at a particular location in a given year.

7.1 Spatial Characteristics

7.1.1 Spatial Coverage

The data for Manitoba cover the entire province with the following
approximate map corners:

Longitude Latitude

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- \-\-\-\-\-\-\--

Northwest 89.000W 60.000N

Northeast 102.000W 60.000N

Southeast 89.000W 49.000N

Southwest 102.000W 49.000N

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

Not available.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

Based on the original mapping specifications, use of these data at a
spatial resolution of 1,000 meters is recommended.

7.1.4 Projection

The area mapped is projected in the Platte Carre projection, which is
really not a projection at all. The coordinates are longitudes and
latitudes expressed in decimal degrees.

7.1.5 Grid Description

Not applicable to vector data.

7.2 Temporal Characteristics

Each ARC/INFO EXPORT file contains the polygons of fires that occurred
during that year. The years between 1980 and 1991 (inclusive) are in
this data set.

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

This data set covers the period between 1980 and 1991 (inclusive).

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

Not available.

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

The temporal resolution of this data set is 1 year.

7.3 Data Characteristics

7.3.1 Parameter/Variable

Overall, these data simply indicate the presence or absence of a fire in
a particular year over a particular area. The following columns exist in
each of the coverages' polygon attribute table:

COLUMN NAME

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

AREA

PERIMETER

COV#

COV-ID

YEAR

MONTH

DAY

FIRENUM

AREAC

AREAB

FIRENUMB

Although the MONTH and DAY columns are listed, the information is blank.
Although there are identifying numbers (i.e., FIRENUM and FIRENUMB),
they are not useful in terms of finding additional information about a
particular fire.

7.3.2 Variable Description/Definition

The occurrence of a fire in a given year.

7.3.3 Unit of Measurement

Unitless but coded value.

7.3.4 Data Source

Forestry Canada

7.3.5 Data Range

Zero to one.

7.4 Sample Data Record

Not applicable.

8\. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

The smallest amount of obtainable data is the entire data set containing
all of the vector layers and any supporting files.

8.2 Data Format(s)

8.2.1 Uncompressed Data Files

The Manitoba fire history data set consists of 1 tar file (created from
the UNIX "tar" command) that contains a set of 13 files. The tar file
contains:

File Name

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

rwxr-sr-x23447/10 0 Sep 10 08:01 1998 fhstmanv/

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 356 Sep 10 08:01 1998 fhstmanv/README.TXT

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 145540 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp80.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 238449 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp81.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 32954 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp82.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 6212 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp83.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 34292 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp84.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 107218 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp85.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 8606 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp86.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 66183 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp87.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 122960 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp88.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 2225430 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp89.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 16904 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp90.e00

rw-r\--r\--23447/10 60516 Sep 10 08:00 1998 fhstmanv/temp91.e00

Except for the README.TXT file, the files are ARC/INFO EXPORT files.

8.2.2 Compressed CD-ROM Files

On the BOREAS CD-ROMs, the single tar file 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

No manipulations were made by BOREAS Information System (BORIS) Staff.
These data are as they were submitted to BORIS.

9.1 Formulae

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

None.

9.2 Data Processing Sequence

9.2.1 Processing Steps

Copy and compress the file for release on CD-ROM.

9.2.2 Processing Changes

None.

9.3 Calculations

9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments

None.

9.3.2 Calculated Variables

None.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None

10\. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

Potential sources of error in the original data set could be
interpretation or digitizing error. As indicated above, the data were
hand traced onto photocopied maps based on air observations. No
precision mapping of the fire boundaries was done.

10.2 Quality Assessment

10.2.1 Data Validation by Source

Unknown.

10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment

The accuracy of the gridding procedure is high. Some consideration
should be given to the scale of the original data and data gathering
procedures and how they are reflected in this data set. As indicated,
the locational accuracy of these data is questionable. The location of
the fire boundaries could be off by as much as a few kilometers. This
problem should be kept in mind when using these data.

10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters

Unknown.

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

Unknown.

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

The only check on the data included visual inspection to ensure that the
data could be read properly and included polygon boundaries.

Some of the vector layers were compared to TM imagery of the study area.
This comparison indicated that there is a discrepancy between the
location of the polygons and the fires as depicted in the Landsat TM
scene. Because the Landsat TM scene is precision corrected with Global
Positioning System (GPS) and 1:50,000-scale maps. These fire history
data were determined to have a locational error as high as a few
kilometers.

11\. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

The precision and accuracy of this data set puts some limitations on its
use. It should not be used for comparison to mapping products derived
from high-resolution imagery (e.g., air photos). Care should be taken
when using it with Landsat TM or other high-spatial-resolution imagery.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

As indicated above, the locational accuracy of these data is suspect
because of the way in which the data were collected (see Sections 5.,
10.2.1 and 10.2.2).

11.3 Usage Guidance

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

None.

12\. Application of the Data Set

Some investigators who have been using AVHRR data have found these data
useful because they are on a scale that is suitable for 1 km by 1 km
AVHRR pixels. This product would be useful as ground truth for comparing
to image classifications from AVHRR imagery.

13\. Future Modifications and Plans

None.

14\. Software

14.1 Software Description

BORIS personnel used the ARC/INFO (Version 7) software and related tools
to import and view the original vector data.

Gzip (GNU zip) uses the Lempel-Ziv algorithm (Welch, 1994) used in the
zip and PKZIP commands.

14.2 Software Access

The ARC/INFO software is a proprietary package developed and distributed
by:

Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.

380 New York St.

Redlands, CA 92373-8100

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 Information

Ms. Beth McCowan

BOREAS Data Manager

NASA/GSFC

Greenbelt, MD

\(301\) 286-4005

\(301\) 286-0239 (fax)

beth@ltpmail.gsfc.nasa.gov

15.2 Data Center Identification

See Section 15.1.

15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data

Users may place requests by telephone, electronic mail, or fax.

15.4 Data Center Status/Plans

The vector TGB-05 fire history data are available from the Earth
Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) 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

16\. Output Products and Availability

16.1 Tape Products

These data can be made available on 8-mm, Digital Archive Tape (DAT), or
9-track tapes at 6250 or 1600 Bytes Per Inch (BPI).

16.2 Film Products

None.

16.3 Other Products

These data are available on the BOREAS CD-ROM series.

17\. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

ARC/INFO User\'s Guide (Version 7), 1994. Redlands, CA.

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., F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study:
Experiment Plan. Version 1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94).

Sellers, P., 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., F. Hall. 1997. BOREAS Overview Paper. JGR Special Issue (in
press).

17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation

None.

18\. Glossary of Terms

None.

19\. List of Acronyms

AEAC - Albers Equal-Area Conic

AVHRR - Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer

BOREAS - BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study

BORIS - BOREAS Information System

BPI - Bytes Per Inch

CCRS - Canadian Center for Remote Sensing

CCT - Computer Compatible Tape

CD-ROM - Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory

DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center

DAT - Digital Archive Tape

EOS - Earth Observing System

EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System

GPS - Global Positioning System

GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center

LRRC - Land Resource Research Center

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NSA - Northern Study Area

ORNL - Oak Ridge National Laboratory

PANP - Prince Albert National Park

SSA - Southern Study Area

TM - Thematic Mapper

URL - Uniform Resource Locator

UTM - Universal Transverse Mercator

20\. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

Written: 21-Feb-1997

Revised: 23-Jan-1998

20.2 Document Review Dates

BORIS Review: 20-Jun-1997

Science Review:

20.3 Document ID

20.4 Citation

The Manitoba Fire History data set was produced by:

Canadian Forest Service-Ontario Region

Great Lakes Forestry Centre

1219 Queen St. East

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada P6A 5M7

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Keywords

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

Fire History