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

TGB05_Fire_Hist_Vector
04/17/98