Site description and associated GPS data collected at eleven study sites within the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Mississippi

Frequently anticipated questions:

• What does this data set describe?
  1. How might this data set be cited?
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
• Who produced the data set?
  1. Who are the originators of the data set?
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
• Why was the data set created?
• How was the data set created?
  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
• How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?
  1. How well have the observations been checked?
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the data, including topology?
• How can someone get a copy of the data set?
  1. Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
  2. Who distributes the data?
  3. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
  4. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
  5. How can I download or order the data?
• Who wrote the metadata?

What does this data set describe?

1. How might this data set be cited?
   Terrano, Joseph F., Smith, Kathryn E.L., Pitchford, Jonathan L., and Archer, Michael, 20210723, Site description and associated GPS data collected at eleven study sites within the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Mississippi:.

   This is part of the following larger work.
   Terrano, Joseph F., Smith, Kathryn E.L., Pitchford, Jonathan L., Archer, Michael, and Brochard, Michael, 20210723, Shorelines from High-resolution WorldView Satellite Imagery, Real-time Kinematic Global Positioning Data, and Aerial Imagery for 2013 to 2020 for Study Sites Within Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi: U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/P9W8TNQM, U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, Florida.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.5066/P9W8TNQM

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -88.465774
   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -88.392792
   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.429459
   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.326066
   

3. What does it look like?
4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

   Beginning_Date: 25-May-2021

   Ending_Date: 26-May-2021

   Currentness_Reference:

   ground condition

5. What is the general form of this data set?

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: comma separated value (CSV) file
   

6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
   1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Vector data set.
   2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      

      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:

      UTM_Zone_Number: 16
      Transverse_Mercator:

      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -87.0
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.0
      False_Easting: 500000.0
      False_Northing: 0.0
      

      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.6096
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.6096
      Planar coordinates are specified in Meter
      The horizontal datum used is D_North_American_1983.
      The ellipsoid used is GRS_1980.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
      
7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

   Site_descriptions.csv

   Table containing site information associated with the eleven study sites in Grand Bay. (Source: USGS)

   Date

   Date the site information was collected in the MM/DD/YYYY format. (Source: ESRI)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	05/25/2021
   Maximum:	05/26/2021

   Site

   Site the GPS data was collected at. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   BHM	Site at Bayou Heron Mouth.
   MBN	Site at Middle Bay North.
   MBS	Site at Middle Bay South.
   MBW	Site at Middle Bay West.
   GBE	Site at Grand Battures East.
   BSI	Site at Bird Island.
   SPAL	Site at North Jose Bay.
   MET	Site at meterological station island.
   PACN	Site at Point aux Chenes North.
   PACM	Site at Point aux Chenes Middle.
   PACS	Site at Point aux Chenes South.

   Plot

   Plot number at each site the data was collected at. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	5

   Species 1

   Most dominant vegetation species present at the shoreline within the 1m x 1m quadrat. (Source: USGS) A text string describing the vegetation species at the site.

   Percent cover 1

   Percent coverage of the dominate vegetation species within the 1m x 1m quadrat. "Bare (no veg)" cells are blank since there was no vegetation and represent null values. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	10
   Maximum:	70
   Units:	percent

   Species 2

   Second most dominant vegetation species present at the shoreline within the 1m x 1m quadrat. If cell is blank, there was only one vegetation species present or there was no vegetation present “bare (no veg)”. (Source: USGS) A text string describing the vegetation species at the site.

   Percent cover 2

   Percent coverage of the second most dominant vegetation species within the 1m x 1m quadrat. If cell is blank, there was only one vegetation species present or there was no vegetation present “bare (no veg)”. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	5
   Maximum:	40
   Units:	percent

   Scarp/slope

   Scarp presence or absence. If no scarp was present, the general slope of the shoreline was noted. (Source: USGS) A text string describing presence (Scarp) or absence of a scarp (no scarp) and the slope (gradual slope) of the shoreline if no scarp was present.

   Nearshore vegetation present

   Notes about presence or absence of vegetation in the nearshore estuary (such as seagrass). (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   Yes	Indicates presence of vegetation in the nearshore estuary.
   No	Indicates absence of vegetation in the nearshore estuary.

   Vegetation notes

   Notes about vegetation at the shoreline or nearshore estuary. (Source: USGS) Text string describing the researchers' notes about vegetation.

   Tidal wrack present

   Notes about presence or absence of a tidal wrack line. If wrack line was located, the approximate distance from the shoreline was noted (in meters). (Source: USGS) Text string describing the presence or absence of tidal wrack line and approximate distance (in meters) from the shoreline (if found).

   Shoreline sediment type

   General sediment type located at each plot at the shoreline. (Source: USGS) Text string describing the sediment type found along the shoreline at each plot.

   Site_descriptions_GPS_points.csv

   Table containing GPS point data that corrosponds to site information associated with the eleven study sites in Grand Bay. (Source: USGS)

   Northing

   Northing of the GPS point in the North American Datum of 1983 Universal Transverse Mercator 16N. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	359233.4567
   Maximum:	366104.3476

   Easting

   Easting of the GPS point in the North American Datum of 1983 Universal Transverse Mercator 16N. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	3355825.372
   Maximum:	3367199.707

   Site

   Site the GPS data was collected at. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   BHM	Site at Bayou Heron Mouth.
   MBN	Site at Middle Bay North.
   MBS	Site at Middle Bay South.
   MBW	Site at Middle Bay West.
   GBE	Site at Grand Battures East.
   BSI	Site at Bird Island.
   SPAL	Site at North Jose Bay.
   MET	Site at meterological station island.
   PACN	Site at Point aux Chenes North.
   PACM	Site at Point aux Chenes Middle.
   PACS	Site at Point aux Chenes South.

   Code

   An identifier for the location within the site the GPS point was collected at. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   NERR	Test point at the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve- Moss Point, MS.
   M1	GPS point collected furthest into the marsh platform.
   M2	GPS point collected between the M1 and TOS point.
   TOS	GPS point collected at the top of the erosional scarp.
   BOS	GPS point collected at the bottom of the erosional scarp.
   E	GPS point collected in the estuary.

   Elevation

   Elevation of the GPS point relative to North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-0.40668
   Maximum:	8.1358
   Units:	Elevation in meters relative to North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88).

   Distance

   Distance of the point away from the top of scarp point (shoreline). Since the NERR was not at a site, the point was given no value (blank). Positive values represent distance onto the marsh platform and negative values represent distance into the estuary. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-3.55502
   Maximum:	4.425726769
   Units:	Meters

Who produced the data set?

1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
   • Joseph F. Terrano
   • Kathryn E.L. Smith
   • Jonathan L. Pitchford
   • Michael Archer
2. Who also contributed to the data set?

   Acknowledgment of the U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, as a data source would be appreciated in products developed from these data, and such acknowledgment as is standard for citation and legal practices. Sharing of new data layers developed directly from these data would also be appreciated by the U.S. Geological Survey staff. Users should be aware that comparisons with other datasets for the same area from other time periods may be inaccurate due to inconsistencies resulting from changes in collection and user interpretation, mapping conventions, and digital processes over time. These data are not legal documents and are not to be used as such.

3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
   U.S. Geological Survey St Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

   Attn: Joseph F. Terrano

   Researcher III

   600 4th Street South

   St. Petersburg, FL
   

   727-502-8047 (voice)

   727-502-8182 (FAX)

   jterrano@contractor.usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

This dataset contains GPS points and site description information for the eleven study sites in Grand Bay, Mississippi using a transect based method.

How was the data set created?

1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

   Site_descriptions.csv; Site_descriptions_GPS_points.csv (source 1 of 1)

   Jonathan L. Pitchford, Michael Archer, and Michael Brochard, 20210723, Site description and associated GPS data collected at eleven study sites within the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Mississippi and Alabama: U.S. Geological Survey, St Petersburg, Florida.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.5066/P9W8TNQM

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Site description data were published with permission from the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Data are published as two CSV (Site_descriptions.csv and Site_descriptions_GPS_points.csv) in one compressed folder (Site_descriptions.zip). Data contact for all GBNERR shorelines and GPS data is Jonathan Pitchford (jonathan.pitchford@dmr.ms.gov).

   Type_of_Source_Media: digital data
   Source_Contribution:

   GPS site point data and site descriptions were provided by the GBNERR staff and published as part of this study as comma separated value files (https://doi.org/10.5066/P9W8TNQM).

2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

   Date: 2021 (process 1 of 1)

   On 20210525 and 20210526, researchers at the GBNERR collected Real-time Kinematic (RTK) GPS data and site descriptions at eleven locations in GBNERR. Data were collected in the Mississippi State plane coordinate system and elevations in North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). Coordinates were converted to the North American Datum of 1983-Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 16N (NAD83 UTM 16N) using the ArcGIS "Reproject" tool. GPS data were collected using a Trimble R10 Model 3 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and TSC3 data collector. Each were attached onto a 2-meter (m) graphite rod with a mounted foot to obtain both horizontal and vertical shoreline position. The horizontal error of the Trimble R10 GPS points was ± 8 millimeter (mm) + 0.5 part per million (ppm) root mean square (RMS) and vertical error was ± 15 mm + 0.5 ppm RMS. GPS data represent transects at the eleven study sites that extend from the near shore estuary into the marsh. At each site, at-least three plots were chosen to collect site description data. Each transect consists of two points on the marsh platform, one at the top of the scarp (or estimated top if no scarp was present), bottom of the scarp (or estimated bottom if no scarp was present) and one point in the nearshore estuary. Site data collection included 1) dominant vegetation species and approximate coverage. The most dominant vegetation species and percent coverage at each plot at the shoreline were estimated by using a 1 meter x 1 meter quadrat; 2) presence or absence of an erosional scarp; 3) vegetation notes about the marsh of the nearshore estuary; 4) tidal wrack presence and distance from the shoreline; 5) general sediment type at the shoreline determined by visual observations. Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Jonathan L. Pitchford

   Stewardship Coordinator

   6005 Bayou Heron Road

   Moss Point, MS
   

   USA

   228-523-4009 (voice)

   jonathan.pitchford@dmr.ms.gov

   Data sources used in this process:

   • Site_descriptions.csv; Site_descriptions_GPS_points.csv

3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
   Smith, K.E.L., Terrano, J.F., Pitchford, J.L., Archer, M., 2021, Coastal wetland shoreline change monitoring: A comparison of shorelines from high-resolution WorldView satellite imagery, aerial imagery, and field surveys: Special Issue; New Insights into Ecosystem Monitoring Using Geospatial Techniques Unknown, MDPI; Remote Sensing, Basel, Switzerland.

   Online Links:

   • Unknown

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Associated journal article with additional methodology, data analysis, and results.

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

1. How well have the observations been checked?
   No formal attribute accuracy tests were conducted.
2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
   A formal accuracy assessment of the horizontal positional information in the dataset has not been conducted.
3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
   Several factors may influence the accuracy and uncertainty of GPS point position for vegetated marsh, such as water level. Water level at the time of imagery collection was not taken into account when collecting points. Scarp top and bottom were also determined by the researcher, so users should read the metadata carefully before using data.
4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
   Dataset is considered complete for the information presented. GPS point data do not have complete coverage over the entire study area. This data is presented in CSV format. GPS data represent transects at the eleven study sites that extend from the near shore estuary into the marsh. At each site, at-least three plots were chosen to collect site description data. Each transect consists of two points in the marsh platform, one at the top of the scarp (or estimated top if no scarp was present), bottom of the scarp (or estimated bottom if no scarp was present) and one point in the nearshore estuary. For each transect, the exact position and spacing were estimated by the researcher, so data from one site to the next might have some variation in the length of the transect or positioning of points along the transect. Interpretations of the vegetation coverage and sediment type were user specific and might vary from previously published reports.
5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
   Data were checked for completeness and accuracy.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:

The U.S. Geological Survey requests to be acknowledged as originator of the data in future products or derivative research. This metadata record should be reviewed in its entirety to ensure specific data are suitable for other studies.

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
   
   U.S. Geological Survey St Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

   Attn: Joseph F. Terrano

   Researcher III

   600 4th Street South

   St. Petersburg, FL
   

   727-502-8047 (voice)

   727-502-8182 (FAX)

   jterrano@contractor.usgs.gov
2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Site_descriptions.csv; Site_descriptions_GPS_points.csv
3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   This digital publication was prepared by an agency of the United States Government. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution imply any such warranty. The U.S. Geological Survey shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and (or) contained herein. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof.

4. How can I download or order the data?
   • Availability in digital form:

     Data format:	comma-delimited text
     Network links:	https://coastal.er.usgs.gov/data-release/doi-P9W8TNQM/data/Site_descriptions.zip

   • Cost to order the data: None. No fees are applicable for obtaining the dataset.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 21-Jul-2021

Metadata author:

U.S. Geological Survey St Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Attn: Joseph F. Terrano

Researcher III

600 4th Street South

St. Petersburg, FL

727-502-8047 (voice)

727-502-8182 (FAX)

jterrano@contractor.usgs.gov

Metadata standard:

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)