NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 188

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Andrea Papagno, Editors

Volume 188

BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot

Data

P.M. Rich and R. Fournier

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

October 2000
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NASA/TMw2000-209891, Vol. 188

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Andrea Papagno, Editors

Volume 188

BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot

Data

Paul M. Rich, University of Kansas, Lawrence

Robert Fournie_, Canadian Forest Sela,ice, Sainte-Foy, Quebec

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

October 2000
Available from:

NASA Center for AeroSpace Information

7121 Standard Drive

Hanover, MD 2 !076-1320

Price Code: AI7

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

Price Code: AI0
BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot Data

Paul M. Rich, Richard Foumier

Summary

The BOREAS TE-23 team collected map plot data in support of its efforts to characterize and interpret

information on canopy architecture and understory cover at the BOREAS tower flux sites and selected

auxiliary sites from May to August 1994. Mapped plots (typical dimensions 50 m x 60 m) were set up

and characterized at all BOREAS forested tower flux and selected auxiliary sites. Detailed measurement

of the mapped plots included:

• stand characteristics (location, density, basal area)

• map locations DBH of all trees

• detailed geometric measures of a subset of trees (height, crown dimensions)

• understory cover maps.

The data are stored in tabular ASCII files.

Table of Contents

l) 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

1.1 Data Set Identification

BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot Data

1.2 Data Set Introduction

This canopy architecture and understory cover data set provides BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere

Study (BOREAS) investigators with a common ground-truth site characterization for the major study

sites at tree and stand levels, and provides links between the various disciplines involved in BOREAS.

Mapped plots (typical dimensions 50 m x 60 m) were set up and characterized at all forested tower flux

and selected auxiliary sites.

Page 1
1.3 Objective/Purpose

These mapped plots serve two general functions:

• To provide comprehensive canopy architecture measurements for a site representative of a

specific type of forest.

• To provide a study area for field measurements, such as studies of light regime, leaf area

index (LAI), and tree population dynamics.

More specifically, the mapped plots serve as the location for:

• Intercomparison and calibration of techniques used to estimate LAI, fraction of intercepted

photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR), and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically

active radiation (FAPAR).

• Testing geometric models concerning radiant transport in canopies.

1.4 Summary of Parameters

• General information about mapped plot: study area, forest type, grid dimensions, direction

and distance from flux tower or other georeferenced location, stand density, basal area,

average height, average crown radius.

• Measurements for all trees (> 2 m height) in the mapped plot: X-Y location in the local grid

coordinate system, diameter at breast (DBH), dominance class (dominant, codominant,

suppressed, juvenile, dead standing, dead leaning).

• Measurements for a subset of trees: height, height to base of first branches, height to base of

green crown, crown radius in four azimuth directions.

• Understory cover for i0-m x 10-m subplots: hand-drawn maps of major cover classes,

description of dominant species and understory features, catalog of photographs.

1.5 Discussion

A total of 13 mapped plots were set up and characterized for 1) the Old Aspen (OA), Old Black

Spruce (OBS), Old Jack Pine (OJP), and Young Jack Pine (YJP) tower flux sites in the Southern

Study Area (SSA): 2) the OBS, OJP, and YJP tower flux sites in the Northern Study Area (NSA); 3)

four locations representing a successional series within a mixed aspen - white spruce site Terrestrial

Ecology (TE) tower site in the SSA; and 4) the OA TE tower site and a Young Aspen (YA) auxiliary

site in the NSA. Site characterization involved setting up a reference grid, mapping and labeling

individual trees, measuring basic crown geometry, and mapping understory cover.

Our site characlcrization at the tree and canopy levels is part of a hierarchical sampling approach for

characterization of canopy architecture (Foumier et al., 1995). This approach involves a series of three

sets of scale-tailored measurements spanning from leaf to stand levels: 1) tree vectorization _andry et

al., 1994), involving detailed sampling of the three-dimensional distribution of canopy elements and

crown form, 21 site characterization (this data set), involving detailed measurements of individual tree

location, crown geometry, and understory cover; and 3) measurement of canopy geometry as seen

from beneath, in_ olx ing acquisition of a multitemporal catalog of hemispherical photographs. The tree

vectorization d_,la ,,ct has been provided by R. Landry, Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS).

The catalog of hcmi,pherical photographs has been provided to the BOREAS Information System

(BORIS) by P,M. Rich. University of Kansas (KU) (TE-23). This text focuses on the description of

the measurement,, taken for the site characterization at the crown and site level.

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREAS RSS-(_ It)_)4 Southern Study Area Jack Pine LAI and FPAR Data

BOREAS RSS-07 LAI. Gap Fraction, and fPAR Data

BOREAS RSS-07 Regional LAI and FPAR Images From Ten-Day AVHRR-LAC Composites

BOREAS RSS-07 Landsat TM Maps of LAI and Fpar

BOREAS RSS- 19 1994 CASI At-sensor Radiance and Reflectance Images

BOREAS RSS- 19 1996 CASI At-sensor Radiance and Reflectance Images

BOREAS RSS-t9 1994 Seasonal Understory Reflectance Data

BOREAS TE-23 Canopy Architecture and Spectral Data from Hemispheric Photography

Page 2
2. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Dr. Paul M. Rich (TE-23)

Associate Professor

University of Kansas

Dr. Richard A. Foumier (TE-23, RSS-19, and TE-9)

Research Scientist

Canadian Forest Service

2.2 Title of Investigation

Canopy Architecture of Boreal Forests: Using Hemispherical Photography for Study of Radiative

Transport and Leaf Area Index

2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1:

Dr. Paul M. Rich (TE-23)

GIS and Environmental Modeling Laboratory (GEMLab)

University of Kansas

Nichols Hall, Space Technology Center

2291 Irving Hill Drive

Lawrence, KS 66045-2969 USA

(913) 864-7769

(913) 864-7789 (fax)

prich@ oz.kbs.ukans.edu

http://www.gemlab.ukans.edu/[Intemet Link]

Contact 2:

Richard Foumier

Canadian Forest Service

Laurentian Forestry Centre

1055 rue du PEPS

P.O. Box 3800

Sainte-Foy, Quebec, CANADA, G1V 4C7

(418) 648-3440

(418) 648-5849 (fax)

rfournier@cfl.forestry.ca

Contact 3:

Andrea Papagno

Raytheon ITSS

NASA GSFC

Code 923

Greenbelt, MD 20771

(301 ) 286-3134

(301 ) 286-0239 (fax)

Andrea.Papagno@ gsfc.nasa.gov

Page 3
3. Theory of Measurements

Most measurements involved simple procedures and instrumentation. However, the complete data set

is large and required a labor-intensive campaign. The following brief description of all measurements

is provided by category for those who are not familiar with standard forestry procedures.

• X-Y locations: Location of the grid was determined based on distance and direction from a

known reference location (typically the Tower Flux (TF) or TE tower). Location of each grid

marker was determined by measuring distances and directions relative to other grid markers.

X-Y grid coordinates of each tree within the mapped plot were determined by triangulation

from distance measurements taken from two adjacent grid markers.

• Height measurements: Height was calculated based on measurements of the horizontal

distance from the observer to the target, the angle from the observer's eye level to the top of

the target, and the angle from the observer's eye level to the base of the target. Height was

then calculated as the sum of the tangent of each of the two angles times the horizontal

distance.

• DBH measurements: DBH was measured directly at 1.3 m ht with a diameter tape, which was

marked in units of diameter (pi x circumference).

• Crown radius: Crown radius was calculated by locating points directly beneath the outermost

extent of the crown and then calculating the distance to the center of the trunk.

• Dominance class: Dominance class (dominant, codominant, suppressed, juvenile, dead

standing, dead leaning) was estimated visually based on influence of surrounding crowns on

the crown of interest.

• Understory cover: Understory features were characterized by I) mapping cover in 10-m by

10-m subplots; 2) calculating cover by dominant plants, lichens, and other features; 3) taking

a catalog of 35-mm color photographs of each subplot.

4. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

Sonic Rangefinder, model Sonin Combo Pro. Conventional forestry instruments included

compasses, clinometers, diameter tapes, and 50-m fiberglass tape measures.

4.1.1 Collection Environment

Measurements were made in ambient outdoor conditions from May to August 1994.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

Measurements were taken from the ground.

4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

The ground supported the trees and observers.

4.1.4 Key Variables

• General information about mapped plot: study area, forest type, grid dimensions, direction

and distance from flux tower or other georeferenced location, stand density, basal area,

average height, average crown radius.

• Measurements for all trees (> 2 m height) in the mapped plot: X-Y location in the local grid

coordinate system, DBH, dominance class (dominant, codominant, suppressed, juvenile,

dead standing, dead leaning).

• Measurements for a subset of trees: height, height to base of first branches, height to base of

green crown, crown radius in four azimuth directions.

• Understory cover for 10-m x 10-m subplots: hand-drawn maps of major cover classes,

description of dominant species and understory features, catalog of photographs.

Page 4
4.1.5 Principles of Operation

Distances, for the reference grid markers and tree X-Y locations, were measured using a sonic

rangefinder, model Sonin Combo Pro (Sonin, Inc., Scarsdale, NY). This instrument operates in a dual

unit mode, with a master and a target unit. An infrared (IR) signal is sent by the master unit in the

direction of the target unit. The IR signal triggers an ultrasound signal (25 KHz) that is sent back from

the target unit to the master unit and used for distance calculation. When used in dual unit mode, the

rangefinder provides distance measurements with an accuracy of 99.5% for a range from 90 cm to 90

m assuming appropriate environmental conditions. Measurements made with the Sonin are affected by

several factors: high levels of noise (e.g., machinery), low or high relative humidity levels (RH < 30

% or > 70 %), altitude or barometric pressure (altitude < -0.1 km or > 0. l km), and significant wind.

In addition, the instrument was designed for operation in the 0 to 30 °C range. Therefore, care was

taken to make measurements under favorable conditions.

Other measurements were obtained using conventional forestry instruments: compasses,

clinometers, diameter tapes, and 50-m fiberglass tape measures_ All azimuth measurements were

collected relative to magnetic north. Corrections for magnetic declination were performed, using values

published in the BOREAS Experimental Plan (Sellers and Hall, 1994) or calculated using United

States Geological Survey (USGS) geomagnetism models for Canada.

Real-world map coordinates were provided by BOREAS staff using a global positioning system

(GPS).

4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

None given.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

Sonic Rangefinder

Model Sonin Combo Pro

Sonin, Inc.

Scarsdale, NY

4.2 Calibration

4.2.1 Specifications

4.2.1.1 Tolerance

No calibration was required because of the nature of the instruments used. However, the

rangefinder, compasses, and clinometers were tested to assess proper functionality. The sonic

rangefinder provided distance values with 99.5% accuracy. More specifically, the manufacturer claims

that for a distance of 4.27 m, the reading will be within 3 cm of the real distance. Also, an 18-m

distance should be read with less than 10-cm error. The typical distance in the map plots ranged from 1

to 12 m. We tested the rangefinder measurement against tape measure for that range and found that the

error was well within the manufacturer's specifications even for cases where branches were

obstructing the field of view.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

The instrumentation was calibrated once.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

None.

Page 5
5. Data Acquisition Methods

The site characterization involved producing a stand map of individual crown locations and

dimensions. Mapped plots, with dimensions of 50 m by 60 m (50 m by 40 m for YJP, and 40 m by 40

m for NSA-YA), were placed in areas representative of the "major canopy stratum," as determined by

aerial photographs and verified on the ground. These representative stands were selected for relative

homogeneity of species composition, age, and soil drainage characteristics. A grid, consisting of

painted stakes placed every 10 m (every 5 m for YJP), was installed to establish the coordinate system

for all measurements. Each tree in the mapped plot is labeled with numbered aluminum tags nailed in

the trunk at eye level. All measured parameters refer to the tree identification numbers.

Once the reference grid was set up and the trees were labeled, we produced a comprehensive site

characterization that consisted of measurements of location, DBH, height, and crown extent for trees

within the plot. In addition, we produce a map ofunderstory cover. First, we mapped X-Y positions

of all trees relative to the grid coordinate system. Next, we measured the DBH of all trees and

categorized every tree crown into a standard forestry dominance category: dominant, codominant,

suppressed, juvenile, dead standing, or dead leaning. Then, we established stand-specific aIlometric

relationships that permitted calculation of height and crown radius from DBH, based on a statistically

significant sample of tree height and crown extent measurements. Crown extent was estimated by

averaging measurements made for four azimuth directions. Where warranted, we recorded an estimate

of the terrain topography. Finally, we characterized understory cover by dividing the mapped plot into

10-m by 10-m subplots, hand-drawing maps of cover by main understory features for each subplot,

and identifying major plant and lichen species within each cover class. We took a catalog of color

photographs, consisting of views of each 10-m by 10-m subplot and characteristic views of the

canopy.

6. Observations

6.1 Data Notes

All pertinent data are contained in the data files.

6.2 Field Notes

Field notes were recorded in notebooks and data sheets and are available from the Oak Ridge

National Laboratory (ORNL).

7 Data Description

7.1 Spatial Characteristics

7.1.1 Spatial Coverage

The overall BOREAS project was conducted at a 1,000-km by 1,000-km regional area. The SSA

was defined to cover a 130-km by 90-km area, and the NSA was defined to cover a 40-km by 30-km

area. Each tower flux site was at the scale of approximately 1 km by 1 kin,

In terms of spatial coverage, the 13 mapped plots were located at tower flux sites or auxiliary sites

throughout both the SSA and NSA. The SSA and NSA measurement sites and associated North

American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) coordinates are:

• NSA-OA, site id T2Q6A, Lat/Long: 55.88691 °N, 98.67479°W, Universal Transverse

Mercator (UTM) Zone 14, N: 6,193,540.7, E: 520,342.

• NSA-ASP-AUX09, site id W0Y5A, Lat/Long: 56.00339°N, 97.3355°W, UTM Zone 14, N:

6,207,706.6, E: 603,796.6.

• NSA-OBS, site id T3R8T, Lat/Long: 55.88007°N, 98.48139°W, UTM Zone 14, N:

6,192,853.4, E: 532,444.5.

Page 6
• NSA-OJP, site id T7Q8T, Lat/Long: 55.92842°N, 98.62396°W, UTM Zone 14, N:

6198176.3, E: 523496.2.

• NSA-YJP, site id TSS9T, Lat/Long: 55.89575°N, 98.28706°W, UTM Zone 14, N:

6194706.9 E: 544583.9.

• SSA-9OA, site id C3B7T, Lat/Long: 53.62889°N, 106.19779°W, UTM Zone 13, N:

5,942,899.9 E: 420,790.5.

• SSA-MIX (1,2,3,4), site id D9IIM, Lat/Long: 53.7254°N, 105.20643°W, UTM Zone 13, N:

5,952,989.7 E: 486,379.7.

• SSA-OBS, site id GSI4T, Lat/Long: 53.98717°N, 105.11779°W, UTM Zone 13, N:

5,982,100.5 E: 492,276.5.

• SSA-OJP, site id G2L3T, Lat/Long: 53.91634°N, 104.69203°W, UTM Zone 13, N:

5,974,257.5 E: 520,227.7.

• SSA-YJP, site id F8L6T, Lat/Long: 53.87581°N, 104.64529°W, UTM Zone 13, N:

5,969,762.5 E: 523,320.2.

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

Not available.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

In terms of spatial resolution, the mapped plot data were measured across scales ranging from

approximately 20 cm to approximately 60 m. Accuracy of tree X-Y maps is generally better than 20-cm

resolution. Each mapped plot is typically 50 m by 60 m.

7.1.4 Projection

The plot location is given in reference to the tower site location. The tree location is given in

relation to the local reference point (usually the TF or TE tower).

7.1.5 Grid Description

Location of the X-Y grid was determined based on distance and direction from a known reference

location (typically the TF or TE tower). The following is a summary of the grid layout:

Site Location Width Grid Interval

SSA-OBS 150 to 230 m (SE)* +/- 20 m i0 m

SSA-OJP 130 to 180 m (SE) +/- 30 m i0 m

SSA-YJP 30 to 80 m (SE) +/- 30 m I0 m

SSA-OA 70 to 120 m (SW) +/- 20 m i0 m

NSA-OBS 80 to 130 m (SE) +/- 30 m i0 m

NSA-OJP 70 to 120 m (SE) +/- 30 m I0 m

NSA-YJP 120 to 150 m (SE) +/- 20 m 5 m

Location of the grid refers to the distance and direction from the flux tower (reference location) along

the optical (Jing Chen's Remote Sensing Science (RSS)-07) transect "B" line (called the center line) in

the azimuth direction from North (0 °) to the center point of the plot edge closest to the reference

location. All transect lines were clearly marked by pink flags, and the sample locations within the

mapped plots are marked with stakes (orange wooden stakes in most sites, blue PVC tubes at

SSA-OBS). The mapped plot coordinates are marked on the stakes, with the distance from the tower

as the x-coordinate and the distance from the centerline as the y-coordinate (except for SSA-OBS,

where the x-coordinate of the first mapped location is 0 for consistency with the TE-20/TE-22 mapped

plot). SE (135 °) or SW (225 °) refers to the direction from the tower. Width refers to dimensions of the

mapped plot on either side of the optical transect "B" line, except in the case of SSA-OBS, where a

"D" line is used, i.e., along the Y=20 line of the grid. Grid interval refers to spacing of grid stakes.

Page 7
7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

The mapped plots were set up and characterized between May and August 1994.

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

The canopy architecture site characterization should generally apply to all of the summer of 1994,

because most aspects of a forest stand typically do not change to an appreciable degree during a

growing season. For example, changes in DBH and height becaus e of growth would not generally be

detected over this time scale. Likewise, modification of stand structure caused by mortality would also

not typically be important. No major disturbance (fires, storms, etc.) occurred in any of the mapped

plots during the summer of 1994.

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

Mapped plot characteristics generally apply to all of the summer of 1994, and are thus annual

measurements.

7.3 Data Characteristics

7.3.1 Parameter/Variable

The parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

TE23 MAP PLOT SUMMARY

Column Name

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

MEASUREMENT YEAR

REF UTM EASTING

REF UTM NORTHING

UTM ZONE

REF DISTANCE

REF AZIMUTH DIRECTION

PLOT DIMENSION X AXIS

PLOT DIMENSION Y AXIS

REF X GRID COORD

REF Y GRID COORD

MIN X GRID COORD

MAX X GRID COORD

MIN Y GRID COORD

MAX Y GRID COORD

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 50MM DBH

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 100MM DBH

BASAL AREA 2M

MEAN DIAMETER BREAST HT

SDEV DIAMETER BREAST HT

MAX DIAMETER BREAST HT

NUM DIAMETER BREAST HT

MEAN TREE HEIGHT

SDEV TREE HEIGHT

MAX TREE HEIGHT

NUM OBS TREE HEIGHT

MEAN CALC TREE HEIGHT

Page 8
SDEV CALC TREE HEIGHT

MAX CALC TREE HEIGHT

NUM OBS CALC TREE HEIGHT

COEFF A HEIGHT

COEFF B HEIGHT

COEFF C HEIGHT

COEFF D HEIGHT

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

TE23 MAP PLOT SITE

Column Name

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

MEASUREMENT YEAR

PLOT ID

TREE

SPECIES

UTM ZONE

UTM EASTING

UTM NORTHING

X GRID COORD

Y GRID COORD

TREE DIAMETER BREAST HT

DOMINANCE CLASS

TREE HEIGHT

CALC TREE HEIGHT

LOWEST BRANCH HEIGHT

LOWEST GREEN FOLIAGE HEIGHT

CROWN RADIUS NORTH

CROWN RADIUS SOUTH

CROWN RADIUS EAST

CROWN RADIUS WEST

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

7.3.2 Variable Description/Definition

The descriptions of the parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

TE23 MAP PLOT SUMMARY

Column Name Description

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

The identifier assigned to the site by BOREAS,

in the format SSS-TTT-CCCCC, where SSS identifies

the portion of the study area: NSA, SSA, REG,

TRN, and TTT identifies the cover type for the

site, 999 if unknown, and CCCCC is the identifier

for site, exactly what it means will vary with

site type.

The identifier assigned to the sub-site by

BOREAS, in the format GGGGG-IIIII, where GGGGG is

the group associated with the sub-site

instrument, e.g. HYD06 or STAFF, and IIIII is the

Page 9
MEASUREMENT YEAR

REF UTM EASTING

REF UTM NORTHING

UTM ZONE

REF DISTANCE

REF AZIMUTH DIRECTION

PLOT DIMENSION X AXIS

PLOT DIMENSION Y AXIS

REF X GRID COORD

REF Y GRID COORD

MIN X GRID COORD

MAX X GRID COORD

MIN Y GRID COORD

MAX Y GRID COORD

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 50MM DBH

identifier for sub-site, often this will refer to

an instrument.

The year in which the data were collected.

The UTM easting map coordinate of the reference

location, usually the flux tower.

The UTM northing map coordinate of the reference

location, usually the flux tower.

The zone on which the given UTM northing and

easting coordinates are based.

The distance from the reference location to the

center point of the plot edge closest to the

reference location.

The azimuth direction from the reference location

to the centerline of the mapped plot.

The plot dimension along the X grid axis.

The plot dimension along the Y grid axis.

The X grid coordinate that corresponds to the

reference location.

The Y grid coordinate that corresponds to the

reference location.

The minimum grid X value, which defines an edge

of the mapped plot along the X axis.

The maximum grid X value, which defines an edge

of the mapped plot along the X axis.

The minimum grid Y value, which defines an edge

of the mapped plot along the Y axis.

The maximum grid Y value, which defines an edge

of the mapped plot along the. Y axis.

The areal density of trees having stems greater

than 2 meters tall

The areal density of trees having stems greater

than 2 meters tall and diameter at breast height

of 50 mm or greater.

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 100MM DBH The areal density of trees having stems greater

BASAL AREA 2M

MEAN DIAMETER BREAST HT

SDEV DIAMETER BREAST HT

MAX DIAMETER BREAST HT

NUM DIAMETER BREAST HT

MEAN TREE HEIGHT

SDEV TREE HEIGHT

MAX TREE HEIGHT

NUM OBS TREE HEIGHT

MEAN CALC TREE HEIGHT

than 2 meters tall and diameter at breast height

of I00 mm or greater.

The tree stem basal area for all stems greater

than 2 meters tall.

The mean diameter at breast height (137 cm above

the ground) of the measured trees.

The standard deviation of the diameter at breast

height (137 cm above the ground) of the measured

trees.

The maximum diameter at breast height (137 cm

above the ground) of the measured trees.

The number of trees for which diameter at breast

height was measured.

The mean height of the measured trees.

The standard deviation of the height of the

measured trees.

The maximum height of the measured trees.

The number of trees whose height was measured.

The mean height of the trees calculated from

diameter at breast height with allometric

Page 10
SDEV CALC TREE HEIGHT

MAX CALC TREE HEIGHT

NUM OBS CALC TREE HEIGHT

COEFF A HEIGHT

COEFF B HEIGHT

COEFF C HEIGHT

COEFF D HEIGHT

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

TE23 MAP PLOT SITE

Column Name

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

MEASUREMENT YEAR

equations

The standard deviation of the calculated tree

height based on diameter at breast height and

allometric equations.

The maximum height of the trees calculated from

diameter at breast height with allometric

equations.

The number of trees for which the height of the

trees was calculated from diameter at breast

height with allometric equations.

Stand specific linear regression A coefficient

for calculating the height of the tree using the

diameter at breast height (DBH), of the form:

tree ht calc = ht coeff A (hcA)*DBH^3 +

(hcB)*DBH ^ 2 + (hcC)*DBH + hcD.

Stand specific linear regression B coefficient

for calculating the height of the tree using the

diameter at breast height (DBH), of the form:

tree ht calc = ht coeff A (hcA)*DBH^3 +

(hcB)*DBH^2 + (hcC)*DBH + hcD.

Stand specific linear regression C coefficient

for calculating the height of the tree using the

diameter at breast height (DBH), of the form:

tree ht calc = ht coeff A (hcA)*DBH^3 +

(hcB)*DBH ^ 2 + (hcC)*DBH +hcD.

Stand specific linear regression D coefficient

for calculating the height of the tree using the

diameter at breast height (DBH), of the form:

tree ht calc = ht coeff A (hcA)*DBH^3 +

(hcB)*DBH ^ 2 + (hcC)*DBH +hcD.

The BOREAS certification level of the data.

Examples are CPI (Checked by PI), CGR (Certified

by Group), PRE (Preliminary), and CPI-9?9 (CPI

but questionable).

The most recent date when the information in the

referenced data base table record was revised.

Description

The identifier assigned to the site by BOREAS,

in the format SSS-TTT-CCCCC, where SSS identifies

the portion of the study area: NSA, SSA, REG,

TRN, and TTT identifies the cover type for the

site, 999 if unknown, and CCCCC is the identifier

for site, exactly what it means will vary with

site type.

The identifier assigned to the sub-site by

BOREAS, in the format GGGGG-IIIII, where GGGGG is

the group associated with the sub-site

instrument, e.g. HYD06 or STAFF, and IIIII is the

identifier for sub-site, often this will refer to

an instrument.

The year in which the data were collected.

Page 11
PLOT ID

TREE

SPECIES

UTM ZONE

UTM EASTING

UTM NORTHING

X GRID COORD

Y GRID COORD

TREE DIAMETER BREAST HT

DOMINANCE CLASS

TREE HEIGHT

CALC TREE HEIGHT

LOWEST BRANCH HEIGHT

LOWEST GREEN FOLIAGE HEIGHT

CROWN RADIUS NORTH

CROWN RADIUS SOUTH

CROWN RADIUS EAST

CROWN RADIUS WEST

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

The identifier for the plot from which the

measurement came.

The individual tree from which measurements were

taken.

Botanical (Latin) name of the species (Genus

species).

The zone on which the given UTM northing and

easting coordinates are based.

The NAD83 based UTM easting coordinate of the

site.

The NAD83 based UTM northing coordinate of the

site.

The X grid coordinate where the measurements

were taken. Corresponds to the distance from the

reference, which was the tower, except at the

black spruce site. See documentation for more

details.

The Y grid coordinate where the measurements were

taken. Corresponds to the distance from the

reference, which was the tower, except at the

black spruce site. See documentation for more

details.

The diameter of the tree at breast height

(137 cm above the ground).

The dominance class of the tree.

The height of the tree.

The height of the tree calculated from the

diameter at breast height, based on allometry.

The height of the lowest branch on the tree.

The height of the lowest green foliage on the

tree.

The crown radius on the north side of the crown.

The crown radius on the south side of the crown.

The crown radius on the east side of the crown.

The crown radius on the west side of the crown.

The BOREAS certification level of the data.

Examples are CPI (Checked by PI), CGR (Certified

by Group), PRE (Preliminary), and CPI-??? (CPI

but questionable).

The most recent date when the information in the

referenced data base table record was revised.

7.3.3 Unit of Measurement

The measurement units for the parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

TE23 MAP PLOT SUMMARY

Column Name Units

SITE NAME [none]

SUB SITE [none]

MEASUREMENT YEAR [unitless]

REF UTM EASTING [meters]

REF UTM NORTHING [meters] .

UTM ZONE [unitless]

Page 12
REF DISTANCE [meters]

REF AZIMUTH DIRECTION [degrees]

PLOT DIMENSION X AXIS [meters]

PLOT DIMENSION Y AXIS [meters]

REF X GRID COORD [meters]

REF Y GRID COORD [meters]

MINX GRID COORD [meters]

MAX X GRID COORD [meters]

MIN Y GRID COORD [meters]

MAX Y GRID COORD [meters]

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M [number of trees] [hectare^-l]

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 50MM DBH [number of trees] [hectare^-l]

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 100MM DBH [number of trees] [hectare^-l]

BASAL AREA 2M [meters^2] [hectare^-l]

MEAN DIAMETER BREAST HT [meters]

SDEV DIAMETER BREAST HT [meters]

MAX DIAMETER BREAST HT [meters]

NUM DIAMETER BREAST HT [count]

MEAN TREE HEIGHT [meters]

SDEV TREE HEIGHT [meters]

MAX TREE HEIGHT [meters]

NUM OBS TREE HEIGHT [count]

MEAN CALC TREE HEIGHT [meters]

SDEV CALC TREE HEIGHT [meters]

MAX CALC TREE HEIGHT [meters]

NUM OBS CALC TREE HEIGHT [count]

COEFF A HEIGHT [meters] [meters^-3]

COEFF B HEIGHT [meters] [meters^-2]

COEFF C HEIGHT [meters] [meters^-l]

COEFF D HEIGHT [meters]

CRTFCN CODE [none]

REVISION DATE [DD-MON-YY]

TE23 MAP PLOT SITE

CoiuF:. :;_e Units

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

MEASUREMEFT Y?_A}.

PLOT ID

TREE

SPECIES

UTM ZONE

UTM EASTI_$G

UTM NORTHI_ <

X GRID COCF:

Y GRID COOF[

TREE DIAMETEF 9!.! ;..7 }!T

DOMINANCE CLA.-_ _

TREE HEIGHT

CALC TREE HEIGHT

LOWEST BRANCH HEIGHT

LOWEST GREEN FOLIAGE HEIGHT

CROWN RADIUS NORTH

[none]

[none]

[unitless]

[none]

[none]

[none]

[unitless]

[unitless]

[unitless]

[meters]

[meters]

[meters]

[none]

[meters]

[meters]

[meters]

[meters]

[meters]

Page 13
CROWN RADIUS SOUTH [meters]

CROWN RADIUS EAST [meters]

CROWN RADIUS WEST [meters]

CRTFCN CODE [none]

REVISION DATE [DD-MON-YY]

7.3.4 Data Source

The sources of the parameter values contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

TE23 MAP PLOT SUMMARY

Column Name Data Source

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

MEASUREMENT YEAR

REF UTM EASTING

REF UTM NORTHING

UTM ZONE

REF DISTANCE

REF AZIMUTH DIRECTION

PLOT DIMENSION X AXIS

PLOT DIMENSION Y AXIS

REF X GRID COORD

REF Y GRID COORD

MIN X GRID COORD

MAX X GRID COORD

MIN Y GRID COORD

MAX Y GRID COORD

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 50MM DBH

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

[Human Observer]

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

[Human Observer

[Compass]

[Human Observer

[Human Observer

[Human Observer _

[Human Observer _

[Human Observer

[Human Observer

[Human Observer

[Human Observer

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 100MM DBH [Laboratory Equipment]

BASAL AREA 2M

MEAN [I_¥ER BREAST HT

SDEV DIAMETER BREAST HT

MAX DIAMETER BREAST HT

NUM DIAMETER BREAST HT

MEAN TREE HEIGHT

SDEV TREE HEIGHT

MAX TREE HEIGHT

NUM OBS TREE HEIGHT

MEAN CALC TREE HEIGHT

SDEV CALC TREE HEIGHT

MAX CALC TREE HEIGHT

NUM OBS CALC TREE HEIGHT

COEFF A HEIGHT

COEFF B HEIGHT

COEFF C HEIGHT

COEFF D HEIGHT

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

Page 14
TE23 MAP PLOT SITE

Column Name Data Source

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

MEASUREMENT YEAR

PLOT ID

TREE

SPECIES

UTM ZONE

UTM EASTING

UTM NORTHING

X GRID COORD

Y GRID COORD

TREE DIAMETER BREAST HT

DOMINANCE CLASS

TREE HEIGHT

CALC TREE HEIGHT

LOWEST BRANCH HEIGHT

LOWEST GREEN FOLIAGE HEIGHT

CROWN RADIUS NORTH

CROWN RADIUS SOUTH

CROWN RADIUS EAST

CROWN RADIUS WEST

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

[Human Observer]

[Human Observer]

[Human Observer]

[Human Observer]

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

[Human Observer]

[Human Observer]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Human Observer

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equlpment]

[Laboratory Equipment]

[BORIS Designation]

[BORIS Designation]

7.3.5 Data Range

The following table gives information about the parameter values found in the data files on the

CD-ROM.

TE23 MAP PLOT SUMMARY

Minimum Maximum Missng Unrel Below

Data Data Data Data Detect

Column Name Value Value Value Value Limit

Data

Not

Cllctd

SITE NAME NSA-9OA-9TETR SSA-YJP-FLXTR None None None

SUB SITE 9TE23-MSM01 9TE23-MSM04 None None None

MEASUREMENT YEAR 1994 1994 None None None

REF UTM EASTING 420842.9 544479.4 -999 None None

REF UTM NORTHING 5942911.1 6198222.7 -999 None None

UTM ZONE 13 14 None None None

REF DISTANCE 0 150 -999 None None

REF AZIMUTH 0 315 -999 None None

DIRECTION

PLOT DIMENSION X 30 60 None None None

AXIS

PLOT DIMENSION Y 20 60 None None None

AXIS

REF X GRID COORD 0 130 -999 None None

REF Y GRID COORD 0 0 -999 None None

MINX GRID COORD -20 130 None None None

MAX X GRID COORD 20 180 None None None

MIN Y GRID COORD -30 0 None None None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

Page 15
MAX Y GRID COORD 20

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 1186.7

TREE STEM DENSITY 505

2M 50MM DBH

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 55

2M 100MM DBH

BASAL AREA 2M 3.3

MEAN DIAMETER 041

BREAST HT

SDEV DIAMETER 018

BREAST HT

MAX DIAMETER BREAST 114

HT

NUM DIAMETER BREAST 267

HT

MEAN TREE HEIGHT 4,1

SDEV TREE HEIGHT 1.5

MAX TREE HEIGHT 7.5

NUM OBS TREE HEIGHT 18

MEAN CALC TREE 5.6

HEIGHT

SDEV CALC TREE .9

HEIGHT

40 None None None None

5543.8 -999 None None None

4366.7 -999 None None None

1955.6 -999 None None None

41.6 -999 None None None

.206 -999 None None None

.053 -999 None None None

.34 -999 None None None

1441 -999 None None None

23.2 -999 None None None

4.5 -999 None None None

33,2 -999 None None None

361 -999 None None None

22 -999 None None None

4 -999 None None None

MAX CALC TREE HEIGHT 9 28.2 -999 None None None

NUM OBS CALC TREE 267 1441 -999 None None None

HEIGHT

COEFF A HEIGHT -20 1800 -999 None None None

COEFF B HEIGHT -853 -i01 -999 None None None

COEFF C HEIGHT 49.57 198.81 -999 None None None

COEFF D HEIGHT -2.675 7.12517 -999 None None None

CRTFCN CODE CPI CPI None None None None

REVISION DATE 09-DEC-98 09-DEC-98 None None None None

TE23 MAP PLOT SITE

Minimum Maximum Missng Unrel

Data Data Data Data

Column Name Value Value Value Value

Below Data

Detect Not

Limit Cllctd

SITE NAME :;SA-ASP-AUX09 SSA-YJP-FLXTR None None None None

SUB SITE ":_-_s_3-MST01 9TE23-MST04 None None None None

MEASUREME:;- :_ .:.7 " ?94 1994 None None None None

PLOT ID ' A N/A None None None None

TREE d9 None None None Blank

SPECIES :; A N/A -999 None None None

UTM ZONE _ 3 14 None None None None

UTM EASTIN < 420736.8 603802.3 None None None Blank

," • _ 62 Blank UTM NORTH I_,__ _._2809.5 07805.5 None None None

X GRID COOR[ -20,27 179.66 -999 None None Blank

Y GRID COORD -30,81 44.36 -999 None None Blank

TREE DIAMETER .002 .34 -999 None None None

BREAST HT

DOMINANCE CLASS N/A N/A -999 None None Blank

TREE HEIGHT 1 33.2 -999 None None None

Page 16
CALC TREE HEIGHT -9 28.2 None None None Blank

LOWEST BRANCH HEIGHT 0 16.26 -999 None None Blank

LOWEST GREEN FOLIAGE 0 61.2 -999 None None Blank

HEIGHT

CROWN RADIUS NORTH 0 4.8 -999 None None Blank

CROWN RADIUS SOUTH 0 5.5 -999 None None Blank

CROWN RADIUS EAST 0 4.4 -999 None None Blank

CROWN RADIUS WEST 0 6.48 -999 None None Blank

CRTFCN CODE CPI CPI None None None None

REVISION DATE 09-DEC-98 09-DEC-98 None None None None

Minimum Data Value --The minimum value found in the column.

Maximum Data Value -- The maximum value found in the column.

Missng Data Value -- The value that indicates missing data. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Unrel Data Value -- The value that indicates unreliable data. This is used

to indicate an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the value was deemed to be

unreliable by the analysis personnel.

Below Detect Limit -- The value that indicates parameter values below the

instruments detection limits. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the analysis personnel determined

that the parameter value was below the detection

limit of the instrumentation.

Data Not Cllctd -- This value indicates that no attempt was made to

determine the parameter value. This usually

indicates that BORIS combined several similar but

not identical data sets into the same data base table

but this particular science team did not

measure that parameter.

Blank -- Indicates that blank spaces are used to denote that type of value.

N/A -- Indicates that the value is not applicable to the respective column.

None -- Indicates that no values of that sort were found in the column.

7.4 Sample Data Record

The following are wrapped versions of data record from a sample data file on the CD-ROM.

TE23 MAP PLOT SUMMARY

S I TE_NAME, SUB_S ITE, MEASUREMENT_YEAR, REF_UTM EAST ING, REF_UTM_NORTH ING, UTM_ZONE,

REF DISTANCE,REF AZIMUTH DIRECTION, PLOT DIMENSION X AXIS,PLOT DIMENSION Y AXIS,

REF X GRID_COORD,REF Y GRID_COORD,MIN X GRID_COORD,MAX X GRID COORD,

MIN Y GRID COORD,MAX Y GRID COORD, TREE STEM DENSITY 2M,

TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 50MM DBH, TREE STEM DENSITY 2M 100MM DBH,BASAL AREA 2M,

MEAN_DIAMETER_BREAST_HT, SDEV_DIAMETER_BREAST_HT, MAX_DIAMETER_BREAST HT,

NUM DIAMETER BREAST HT,MEAN TREE HEIGHT, SDEV TREE HEIGHT,MAX TREE HEIGHT,

NUM OBS TREE HEIGHT,MEAN CALC TREE HEIGHT, SDEV CALC TREE HEIGHT,

MAX CALC TREE HEIGHT,NUM OBS CALC TREE HEIGHT,COEFF A HEIGHT,COEFF B HEIGHT,

COEFF C HEIGHT,COEFF D HEIGHT, CRTFCN CODE,REVISION DATE

'NSA-9OA-9TETR', '9TE23-MSM01',1994,-999.0,-999.0, 14,70, 315,50, 60, 70,0,70,120,-20,

40, -999 .0, -999 .0, -999 . 0, -999 . 0, -999 .0, -999.0, -999.0, -999, -999 . 0, -999 . 0, -999 .0,

-999, -999.0,-999.0,-999.0,-999,-999,-999.0,-999.0,-999.0, 'CPI',09-DEC-98

Page 17
'NSA-ASP-AUX09', '9TE23-MSM0]',I994,-999.0,-999.0,14,0,0,40,40,0,0,-20,20,-20,20,

5543.8,2093.8,56.3,11.5,.048,.018,.116,887,6.9,1.6,9.8,25,5.6,.9,9.0,887,-999,

-999.0,49.57,3.20909, 'CPI',09-DEC-98

TE23 MAP PLOT SITE

SITE NAME, SUB SITE, MEASUREMENT YEAR, PLOT ID,TREE,SPECIES,UTM ZONE,UTM EASTING,

UTM NORTHING, X GRID COORD,Y GRID COORD, TREE DIAMETER BREAST HT,DOMINANCE CLASS,

TREE HEIGHT,CALC TREE HEIGHt, LOWEST BRANCH HEIGHT,LOWEST GREEN FOLIAGE HEIGHT,

CROWN_RADIUS_NORTH, CROWN_RADIUS_SOUTH, CROWN_RADIUS_EAST, CROWN_RADIUS_WEST,

CRTFCN CODE, REVI S ION_DATE

'NSA-ASP-AUX09', '9TE23"MST0i',I994, '2A', '3780', 'Populus tremuloides',14, 603773.3,

6207776.5,-999.0,-999.0, .04, 'JUVENILE' ,-999.0,5.19,-999.0,-999.0,-999.0,-999.0,

-999.0,-999.0, 'CPI ', 09-DEC-98

'NSA-ASP-AUX09', '9TE23-MST01',1994, '2A', '3781', 'Populus tremuloides',14,603773.3,

6207774.5,-8.7,-ii.39, .035, 'SUPPRESSED',-999.0,4.94,-999.0,-999.0,-999.0,-999.0,

-999.0,-999.0, 'CPI ' , 09-DEC-98

8. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

The smallest unit of data tracked by BORIS was the data collected at a given site on a given date.

8.2 Data Format

The Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) files contain American Standard Code for

Information Interchange (ASCII) numerical and character fields of varying length separated by

commas. The character fields are enclosed with single apostrophe marks. There are no spaces between

the fields.

Each data file on the CD-ROM has four header lines of Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML)

code at the top. When viewed with a Web browser, this code displays header information (data set

title, location, date, acknowledgments, etc.) and a series of HTML links to associated data files and

related data sets. Line 5 of each data file is a list of the column names, and line 6 and following lines

contain the actual data.

9. Data Manipulations

9.1 Formulae

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

• Height: height was calculated from DBH based on allometry; for the initial data submission, a

linear relationship was satisfactory.

• Summary statistics of DBH, observed heighL and calculated height: mean, standard deviation,

and maximum were summarized.

• Stand density: stand density was calculated as the total number of trees per unit area (units:

individual/ha). The densities of individuals greater than 5 and 10 cm DBH were also

summarized (units: individual/ha).

• Stand basal area: stand basal area was calculated as the total area of tree trunks per unit area

(units: m2/ha).

Page 18
X-Y location:Thefield measurementsconsistedof twodistancesmeasuredfromknown

referencepositionsalongtheborderof each10-mby 10-msubquadrant. Thesetwodistance

valuesareconverted,bytriangulation,inX-Y treelocations.Thetriangulationcalculations

find theintersectionof t_#0arcs.Eacharccorrespondsto acirclecenteredatareference

positionandwitharadiusequalto themeasuredistancefromthatreferencepositiontothe

tree.Forreferencepositiona,bwithanassociateddistancer andreferencepositionc,d

associatedwithdistanceq,theX-Y positionof thetreecanbecalculatedusingthefollowing

pairof quadraticequations:

- (a2- c2+ b2- d2+ q2_r2)

2(c - a)

(1)

2b +]- [ 4b2 - 4(b2 + (x - a)2 - r2) ](1/2)

y .m .................................................

2

(2)

Note that these equations give two possible X-Y position solutions. By choosing reference locations

along the same edge of a subplot, one solution can readily be rejected as lying outside the subplot.

9.2 Data Processing Sequence

9.2.1 Processing Steps

None given.

9.2.2 Processing Changes

None given.

9.3 Calculations

9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments

None given.

9.3.2 Calculated Variables

See Section 9.1.1.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None given.

10. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

Because most of our field instruments were simple and operated with a high degree of accuracy,

most error can be attributable to human errors in the field or during data entry. These errors were

minimized by careful quality control. The following is a summary of sources of error.

• Reference Grid Position: Setting up the grid required use of both distance and azimuth

measurements. Though the sonic rangefinder provided distance values that were about 99.5%

accurate, small errors result from inexact placement of the master or target units with respect

to a plane corresponding to the center of a source or target. Compass readings of azimuth are

typically not as precise as distance measurement, because they are sensitive to the presence of

metal and local geologic features, and because of inaccuracies in pointing the compass. Field

compass measurements are typically not accurate to better than about +/- 4 degrees. Errors

were minimized by using distance measurements to check grid reference positions from

multiple directions before deciding on the final placement.

Page 19
TreePosition:Treepositionswerelocatedby measuringdistancesfromknowngrid locations.

Thus,errorscouldresultfrominaccuraciesinplacementof thereferencegrid.Also,the

potentialexistedformisplacementof atreebecauseof errorsintriangulationcalculations.

Twopositionswerecalculatedforeachtriangulation.In mostcases,one value was outside the

subplot, so it could readily discarded. In a few cases, where it was necessary to measure

distances from opposite sides of the subplot, it was necessary to determine the correct X-Y

location based on the sequence of trees. In a few ambiguous cases, we have eliminated trees

from our maps until such time as map positions can be verified in the field. These trees are

identifiable in the data set by no-data (-999) values for their X-Y position values.

Dominance Class: The assignment of the dominance class is somewhat subjective: it depends

on the visual assessment of the relative crown height compared with that of the neighboring

trees. Through practice and cross-calibrating a selection of dominance classes assigned by

different field workers, we were able to minimize this error.

DBH: Error in measurement of DBH is subject to irregularities in the surface of trunk and

variation in placement and tension of the diameter tape. This error was minimized by careful

placement of diameter tapes.

Height: Errors in measurement of tree heights are attributable to the visual ability to align the

clinometer with the target location on the tree. Errors were minimized by careful choice of

positions for viewing the target tree.

Crown Radius: Errors in measurement of crown radius result primarily from difficulty in

locating points exactly at the outermost extent of foliage. Errors were minimized by training

field workers to locate the edge of the crown using a clinometer and by practicing with visual

estimates.

Understory Cover: Mapping of understory cover is subject to errors in drawing of cover

category boundaries and in assigning cover categories. Errors were minimized by dividing

each 10-m by 10-m subplot into four 5-m by 5-m quadrants for drawing maps. Again,

practice and experience of field workers minimized errors.

10.2 Quality Assessment

10.2.1 Data Validation by Source

Much of our quality control involved data validation while still in the field, remeasurement when

necessary, and noting of any data problems. Further quality control involved checking for out-of-range

values and cross-checking correspondence between data base file values and field data notebooks.

10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment

Overall, our measurements are well within the accuracy necessary for our studies and for the

purposes of other BOREAS researchers. We can readily assign quantitative estimates of accuracy with

a high level of confidence.

10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters and Variables

The following are quantitative estimates of accuracy of our data. Estimates are based upon a

confidence that 95% of values will lie within the specified accuracy range.

Reference Grid Position: +/- 0.25 m

Tree Position: +/- 0.5 m

Dominance Class: +/- 5%

DBH: +/- 0.3 cm

Height: +/- 0.5 m

Crown Radius: +/- 0.5 m

Understory Cover: +/- 10% of area

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

All data files were checked against original field acquisition sheets.

Page 20
10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

The data were examined for clarity and consistency.

1 1. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

The mapped plots were selected to be representative of each forest type. Because the forests were

relatively homogeneous, the measurements derived from the mapped plots are generally representative

of the larger areas. However, caution should be used because of natural variability.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

The SSA-OBS site was located in an area drier than the forest immediately surrounding the flux

tower.

11.3 Usage Guidance

As with any data set, caution should be used in the interpretation and application of the data. TE-23

and collaborators have done their best to produce an accurate and useful data set, but do not assume

responsibility or liability for the use of the data.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

J.M. Chen's (RSS-07) optical measurements were made on a transect that usually passes through

the Y=0 center line of each mapped plot. Also, the catalog of hemispherical photographs acquired by

P.M. Rich (TE-23) were taken along the same center line of each mapped plot. Various other groups

are expected to supply LAI, FIPAR, and FAPAR data for an intercomparison. Finally, the vectorized

trees (i.e., detailed branch segment and needle distribution within crown) measured by R. Landry

(RSS- !9) were characteristic of trees in the SSA-OJP, SSA-YJP and SSA-OA mapped plots.

All other relevant information is in the data files.

12. Application of the Data Set

These mapped plots serve two general categories of applications:

• Modeling applications that require provide comprehensive canopy architecture measurements

for a site representative of a specific type of forest; e.g., modeling of reflectance patterns,

modeling of turbulence, modeling of influences of canopy geometry on light regimes, and

modeling of forest dynamics.

• Field measurement applications that require a mapped study area for field measurements; e.g.,

field studies of light regime, LAI, and tree population dynamics.

13. Future Modifications and Plans

Further work will involve use of these data, in conjunction with tree vectorization data to characterize

the three-dimensional geometry of forests, simulate light regimes, and examine implications for

ecology and remote sensing. The understory data need to be more fully developed in data summary

files and map coverages before they will be fully useful.

Page 21
14. Software

14.1 Software Description

Microsoft Excel v.5.x spreadsheets were used for organizing data and performing calculations.

14.2 Software Access

Original Microsoft Excel v.5.x spreadsheets are available upon request from TE-23.

15. Data Access

The map plot data are available from the Earth Observing System Data and Information System

(EOSDIS) ORNL Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC).

15.1 Contact Information

For BOREAS data and documentation please contact:

ORNL DAAC User Services

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

P.O. Box 2008 MS-6407

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6407

Phone: (423) 241-3952

Fax: (423) 574-4665

E-mail: omldaac@ornl.gov or ornl@eos.nasa.gov

15.2 Data Center Identification

Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory

(ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for Biogeochemical Dynamics

http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/.

15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data

Users may obtain data directly through the ORNL DAAC online search and order system

[http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/] and the anonymous FTP site [ftp://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/data/] or by

contacting User Services by electronic mail, telephone, fax, letter, or personal visit using the contact

information in Section 15.1.

15.4 Data Center Status/Plans

The ORNL DAAC is the primary source for BOREAS field measurement, image, GIS, and

hardcopy data products. The BOREAS CD-ROM and data referenced or listed in inventories on the

CD-ROM are available from the ORNL DAAC.

16.1 Tape Products

Not applicable.

16.2 Film Products

Not applicable.

16. Output Products and Availability

Page 22
16.3 Other Products

The canopy architecture site characterization data set is available in ASCII format and in an

ARC/INFO Geographic Information System (GIS) data base format submitted to BORIS and on local

UNIX or PC computers at KU and CCRS. Data are also available in Microsoft Excel v.5.0 format

from TE-23. These data are available on the BOREAS CD-ROM series.

17. References

17.1 Platform/Satellite/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

Manufacturer's specifications for the sonic rangefinder, model Sonin Combo Pro, Sonin Inc., 672

White Plains Rd., Scarsdale, NY 10583, Tel (914) 725-0202, Fax (914) 725-I158.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Foumier, R.A., P.M. Rich, Y.R. Alger, V.L. Peterson, R. Landry, and N.M. August. 1995. Canopy

architecture of boreal forest: links between remote sensing and ecology. American Society for

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Technical Papers 2:225-235.

Landry, R., R.A. Foumier, and F.J. Ahem. 1994. Tree Vectorization: a new methodology for

characterizing tree architecture in support of remote sensing models. Submitted to Agricultural and

Forest Meteorology.

Newcomer, J., D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J. Nickeson,

A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. 2000. Collected Data of The

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM.

Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version

1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94).

Sellers, P. and 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.J., F.G. Hall, R.D. Kelly, A. Black, D. Baidocchi, J. Berry, M. Ryan, K.J. Ranson, P.M.

Crill, D.P. Lettenmaier, H. Margolis, J. Cihlar, J. Newcomer, D. Fitzjarrald, P.G. Jarvis, S.T.

Gower, D. Halliwell, D. Williams, B. Goodison, D.E. Wickland, and F.E. Guertin. 1997. BOREAS

in 1997: Experiment Overview, Scientific Results and Future Directions. Journal of Geophysical

Research 102(D24): 28,731-28,770.

17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation

None.

Page 23
18. Glossary of Terms

DBH: diameter at breast height (cm).

Stand density: stand density was calculated as the total number of trees per unit area (units:

individual/ha).

Stand basal area: stand basal area was calculated as the total area of tree stems per unit area (units:

m2/ha).

ASCII -

BOREAS -

BORIS -

CCRS

CD-ROM -

DAAC

DBH

EOS

EOSDIS -

FAPAR -

FIPAR -

GEMLab -

GIS

GPS

GSFC

HTML

IR

KU

LAI

NAD83 -

NASA

NSA

OA

OBS

OJP

ORNL -

PANP

RSS

SSA

TE

TF

URL

USGS

UTM

YA

yjp

19. List of Acronyms

American Standard Code for Information Interchange

BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study

BOREAS Information System

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

Compact Disk-Read Only Memory

Distributed Active Archive Center

Diameter at Breast Height

Earth Observing System

EOS Data and Information System

Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation

Fraction of Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation

GIS and Environmental Modeling Laboratory

Geographic Information System

Global Positioning System

Goddard Space Flight Center

HyperText Markup Language

Infrared

University of Kansas

Leaf Area Index

North American Datum of 1983

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Northern Study Area

Old Aspen

Old Black Spruce

Old Jack Pine

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Prince Albert National Park

Remote Sensing Science

Southern Study Area

Terrestrial Ecology

Tower Flux

Uniform Resource Locator

United States Geological Survey

Universal Transverse Mercator

Young Aspen

Young Jack Pine

Page 24
20. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

Written: 05-Mar- 1997

Last Updated: 09-Sep- 1999

20.2 Document Review Dates

BORIS Review: 29-Jan- 1999

Science Review:

20.3 Document ID

20.4 Citation

When using these data, please include the following acknowledgment as well as citations of

relevant papers in Section 17.2:

Simplified Acknowledgment:

The canopy architecture and understory cover data were collected for BOREAS by science team

TE-23 under the direction of P.M. Rich at the University of Kansas and R.A. Fournier at the Canadian

Forest Service.

Acknowledgments -- People:

The canopy architecture and understory cover data were collected for BOREAS under the direction

of P.M. Rich at the University of Kansas and R.A. Fournier at the Canadian Forest Service. We thank

Y.R. Alger, N.M. August, C. Paquet, and V.L. Peterson for their dedicated efforts in collecting and

preparing these data. We also thank J.M. Chen of the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing for his

collaboration in plot layout; G. Edwards and H. Margolis of Laval University for their collaboration in

data acquisition for the northern sites; M. Apps of Forestry Canada for providing accommodations;

and R. Gauthier of the Centre for Remote Sensing for significant scientific, logistical, financial, and

moral support.

Acknowledgments -- Organizations/Funding Sources:

This work was supported by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Canadian Forest Service, the

Kansas Applied Remote Sensing Program, the Kansas Biological Survey, the Kansas Center for

Excellence in Computer Aided Software Engineering, NASA grant NAG5-2358, and the University of

Kansas Research De_ elopment and General Research Funds.

If using data from the BOREAS CD-ROM series, also reference the data as:

Rich, P.M. and R.A. Fournier, "Canopy Architecture of Boreal Forests: Using Hemispherical

Photography for Stmh of Radiative Transport and Leaf Area Index." In Collected Data of The Boreal

Ecosystem-Atmo,,phere Stud)'. Eds. J. Newcomer, D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich,

D. Knapp. A. Morrcll. J. Nickeson, A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P.

Sellers. CD-ROM. NASA. 2000.

Also, cite the BOREAS CD-ROM set as:

Newcomer. J.. D. Landis. S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J.

Nickeson, A. Papagno. D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. Collected Data of

The Boreal Ecosy_,lenvAtmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Page 25
Form Approved

REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE OMBNo. 0704-0188

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for revlewing instructions, searching existing data sources,

gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and revTewing the colfecfion of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this

collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson

Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503.

1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

October 2000 Technical Memorandum

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS

Technical Report Series on the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot Data

6. AUTHOR(S)

Paul M. Rich and Robert Fournier

Forrest G. Hall and Andrea Papagno, Editors

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

923

RTOP: 923-462-33-01

8. PEFORMING ORGANIZATION

REPORT NUMBER

2000-03136-0

10. SPONSORING/MONITORING

AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

TM--2000-209891

Vo1.188

r_

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

P.M. Rich: University of Kansas, Lawrence; R. Foumier: Canadian Forest Service, Sainte-Foy,

Quebec; A. Papagno: Raytheon ITSS, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

12a. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

Unclassified-Unlimited

Subject Category: 43

Report available from the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information,

7121 Standard Drive, Hanover, MD 21076-1320. (301) 621-0390.

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

The BOREAS TE-23 team collected map plot data in support of its efforts to characterize and interpret

information on canopy architecture and understory cover at the BOREAS tower flux sites and selected

auxiliary sites from May to August 1994. Mapped plots (typical dimensions 50 m x 60 m) were set up

and characterized at all BOREAS forested tower flux and selected auxiliary sites. Detailed measurement of the mapped plots included:

• stand characteristics (location, density, basal area)

• map locations DBH of all trees

• detailed geometric measures of a subset of trees (height, crown dimensions)

• understory cover maps.

14.SUBJECTTERMS

BOREAS, terrestrial ecology, canopy architecture, understory cover.

17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF REPORT OF THIS PAGE

Unclassified Unclassified

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19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATI(3N

OF ABSTRACT

Unclassified

15. NUMBER OF PAGES

25

16. PRICE CODE

20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

LTL

Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89)

Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.t8

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