Baseline for the North Carolina coastal region from the Virginia border to Cape Hatteras (NCnorth)

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Baseline for the North Carolina coastal region from the Virginia border to Cape Hatteras (NCnorth)
Abstract:
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has compiled national shoreline data for more than 20 years to document coastal change and serve the needs of research, management, and the public. Maintaining a record of historical shoreline positions is an effective method to monitor national shoreline evolution over time, enabling scientists to identify areas most susceptible to erosion or accretion. These data can help coastal managers and planners understand which areas of the coast are vulnerable to change.
This data release includes one new mean high water (MHW) shoreline extracted from lidar data collected in 2017 for the entire coastal region of North Carolina which is divided into four subregions: northern North Carolina (NCnorth), central North Carolina (NCcentral), southern North Carolina (NCsouth), and western North Carolina (NCwest). Previously published historical shorelines for North Carolina (Kratzmann and others, 2017) were combined with the new lidar shoreline to calculate long-term (up to 169 years) and short-term (up to 20 years) rates of change. Files associated with the long-term and short-term rates are appended with "LT" and "ST", respectively. A proxy-datum bias reference line that accounts for the positional difference in a proxy shoreline (e.g. High Water Line (HWL) shoreline) and a datum shoreline (e.g. MHW shoreline) is also included in this release.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Bartlett, Marie K., 20231023, Baseline for the North Carolina coastal region from the Virginia border to Cape Hatteras (NCnorth): data release doi:10.5066/P9HYNUNV, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Bartlett, Marie K., Farris, Amy S., Weber, Kathryn M., and Henderson, Rachel E., 2023, USGS National Shoreline Change — 2017 lidar-derived mean high water shoreline and associated shoreline change data for coastal North Carolina: data release doi:10.5066/P9HYNUNV, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Bartlett, M.K., Farris, A.S., Weber, K.M., and Henderson, R.E., 2023, USGS National Shoreline Change — 2017 lidar-derived mean high water shoreline and associated shoreline change data for coastal North Carolina: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/P9HYNUNV.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -75.868682
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -75.460050
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 36.557632
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 35.216388
  3. What does it look like?
    https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/64dfb33ad34e5f6cd553bf4a?name=NCnorth_baseline_browse.PNG (PNG)
    Map view of dataset
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2023
    Currentness_Reference:
    Baseline was created in 2023
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data
  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. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • String (1)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 18
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -81.0
      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 meters
      The horizontal datum used is WGS_1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS 84.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    NCnorth_baseline
    Reference baseline used by the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) to calculate rate-of-change statistics. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS))
    FID
    Internal feature number. (Source: Esri) Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: Esri) Feature geometry. The baseline is a polyline shapefile.
    SHAPE_Leng
    Length of feature in meter units. (Source: Esri)
    Range of values
    Minimum:156140.867
    Maximum:156140.867
    Units:meters
    DSAS_ID
    Field required by the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software. This field is manually edited to ensure baseline segment numbers occur in sequential order alongshore. DSAS uses this value to determine the ordering sequence of transects when the baseline feature contains multiple segments. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:1
    DSAS_group
    This field is a way to aggregate baseline segments on the basis of physical variations alongshore (for example, tidal inlets, change in coastal type, or hard stabilization features). Baseline segments are sorted into groups and the groups are assigned an ID value. Statistics are reported by group in the DSAS summary text file once rates are calculated. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:1
    DSAS_searc
    The search distance field represents the (user defined) distance, in meters, that DSAS will use to search for shorelines, extending out from either side of the baseline. The distance value can be unique for each baseline segment depending on the organization of shorelines with respect to the baseline. Values populated in this field will override the "Maximum Search Distance From Baseline" value entered in Cast Transects settings. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:800
    Maximum:800
    Units:meters
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    The entity and attribute information provided here describes the tabular data associated with the dataset. Please review the individual attribute descriptions for detailed information.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Marie K. Bartlett
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Marie K. Bartlett
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-457-8700 x2306 (voice)
    mbartlett@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

This dataset includes a reference baseline used by the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) to calculate rate-of-change statistics. This baseline layer serves as the starting point for orthogonally-oriented transects generated by the DSAS application. The transects intersect each shoreline and establish measurement points used to calculate shoreline change rates.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2023 (process 1 of 4)
    Step 1: A midshore baseline (polyline feature class) was manually digitized using standard editing tools in Esri's ArcMap v10.7.1. The baseline was positioned to follow the overall orientation of the shorelines alongshore. This was done so that the transects, which are generated by the DSAS software and extend from the baseline, would intersect roughly perpendicular to the general trend of the shorelines. The baseline for NCnorth, NCcentral, and NCsouth was constructed in UTM Zone 18N (WGS 84) coordinate system. The baseline for NCwest was constructed in UTM zone 17N (WGS84) coordinate system. This process step and all subsequent process steps were performed by the same person - Marie K. Bartlett. Person who carried out this activity:
    Marie K. Bartlett
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x 2306 (voice)
    mbartlett@usgs.gov
    Date: 2023 (process 2 of 4)
    Step 2: The baseline feature class was imported into a personal geodatabase (by right-clicking on the geodatabase > Import) in ArcMap v10.7.1 for use as an input within DSAS v.5.1 software to generate transects and perform rate calculations.
    Date: 2023 (process 3 of 4)
    Step 3: Required DSAS fields (DSAS_ID) and optional fields (DSAS_group, DSAS_searc) were added using the DSAS Attribute Automator tool.
    Date: 2023 (process 4 of 4)
    Step 4: The baseline feature class was exported from a personal geodatabase to a shapefile in ArcCatalog v10.7.1 for publication by right-clicking on the data layer > Export > To shapefile (single).
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Himmelstoss, Emily A., Farris, Amy S., Henderson, Rachel E., Kratzmann, Meredith G., Ergul, Ayhan, Zhang, Ouya, Zichichi, Jessica L., and Thieler, E. Robert, 2018, Digital Shoreline Analysis System (version 5.1): U.S. Geological Survey Software: software release version 5.1, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Use the first two links to access the software. The third link directs to the DSAS project page. Current software at time of use was 5.1.
    Himmelstoss, Emily A., Henderson, Rachel E., Kratzmann, Meredith G., and Farris, Amy S., 20211019, Digital Shoreline Analysis System (version 5.1) User Guide: Open-File Report 2021-1091, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Use the first two links to access the user guide. The third link directs to the DSAS project page.
    Ruggiero, Peter, and List, Jeffrey H., 200909, Improving Accuracy and Statistical Reliability of Shoreline Position and Change Rate Estimates: Journal of Coastal Research vol. 255, Coastal Education and Research Foundation, n/a.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: ppg. 1069-1081
    Kratzmann, Meredith G., Himmelstoss, Emily A., and Thieler, E. Robert, 2017, National assessment of shoreline change – A GIS compilation of updated vector shorelines and associated shoreline change data for the Southeast Atlantic Coast: data release doi:10.5066/F74X55X7, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    The attributes in this layer are based on the requirements for use within the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    The baseline serves as a reference point for transects cast by the DSAS software. It does not correspond to any real-world feature.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This baseline file is complete and contains the baseline segment(s) used to cast transects along sections of the coastal region where shoreline position data were available to calculate either a short- or long-term rate.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Each polyline has a unique identification attribute (DSAS_ID). This field is used by DSAS to designate the alongshore order of baselines, if more than one baseline exists.

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 These data were generated for use within the DSAS v5.1 software. Public domain data from the U.S. Government are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. These data should not be used for any purpose other than that for which they are intended. The United States Geological Survey does not guarantee its validity. Assumptions, analyses, opinions, and actual outcomes may vary. The user should always verify actual data and exercise their own professional judgment when interpreting any outcomes. These data should not be used for any purpose other than that for which they are intended. The United States Geological Survey does not guarantee its validity. Assumptions, analyses, opinions, and actual outcomes may vary. The user should always verify actual data and exercise their own professional judgment when interpreting any outcomes. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator of the dataset. These data are not to be used for navigation.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: USGS ScienceBase
    Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
    Denver, CO
    United States

    1-888-275-8747 (voice)
    sciencebase@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? The dataset contains the polyline shapefile (NCnorth_baseline.shp and other shapefile components) of the North Carolina baseline, browse graphic (NCnorth_baseline_browse.PNG), and the FGDC CSDGM metadata in XML format.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Neither the U.S. Government, the Department of the Interior, nor the USGS, nor any of their employees, contractors, or subcontractors, make any warranty, express or implied, nor assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, nor represent that its use would not infringe on privately owned rights. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data or related materials. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and have been processed successfully on a computer system at the USGS, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. The USGS or the U.S. Government shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 23-Oct-2023
Metadata author:
Marie K. Bartlett
U.S. Geological Survey
384 Woods Hole Rd
Woods Hole, MA
USA

508-548-8700 x2306 (voice)
whsc_data_contact@usgs.gov
Contact_Instructions:
The metadata contact email address is a generic address in the event the person is no longer with USGS.
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/whcmsc/SB_data_release/DR_P9HYNUNV/NCnorth_baseline.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Mon Oct 23 17:02:50 2023