Online Links:
Formal codeset | |
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Codeset Name: | Arbitrarily defined unique code |
Codeset Source: | Specific to this field mission |
Range of values | |
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Minimum: | 2008 October 7 |
Maximum: | 2008 October 13 |
Range of values | |
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Minimum: | 06:00:00am |
Maximum: | 06:00:00pm |
Value | Definition |
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AA | Accuracy Assessment |
Value | Definition |
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Drop Camera | SeaViewer Sea-Drop 950 underwater camera |
Snorkel | NOAA scientist visually characterized habitat by free diving or surface swimming with a mask and snorkel |
Other | Any other assessment technique, including inspection from the vessel deck with a "look bucket" or binoculars |
The purpose of this survey data was to collect information on current habitat conditions at random locations throughout the mapping area. Locations were determined by an iterative, GIS-based, stratified random sampling technique to ensure that all bottom classifications would be assessed. This information was used to evaluate the thematic accuracy of the Vieques benthic habitat map.
At the start of every morning, the boat captain selected a general region to begin the day's work. Navigating to field locations was accomplished using a Garmin GPS 76 device with the uploaded GV site coordinates. The boat captain maneuvered the vessel to within 5 m of the target location and made every effort to maintain that location without jeopardizing crew and equipment safety. Once on site, NOAA scientists would simultaneously deploy a SeaViewer Sea-Drop 950 camera and begin logging a waypoint on a Trimble GeoXT GPS receive. While the video camera was capturing bottom imagery, an observer viewed the video real-time on a Panasonic Toughbook aboard the survey vessel. They categorized each site according to the levels of the habitat classification scheme: major and detailed geomorphological structure, major biological cover, percent major biological cover and percent coral cover. Data was entered into a custom data dictionary generated in Trimble Pathfinder Office software and loaded onto the Trimble data logger.
Person who carried out this activity:
Furthermore, underwater video was recorded at each site to maintain a record of habitat condition. This video was reviewed by NOAA staff in the office to ensure correct habitat attribution was made in the field.
All errors were identified through these quality assurance techniques and corrected. This file is believed to be logically consistent.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints: Not for navigation.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) is publishing this data on their website. NCCOS Biogeography Branch does not guarantee the accuracy of the geographic features or attributes. Please see the written report and metadata records for each data set for complete information on the source, limitations, and proper use.
Data format: | ESRI Shapefile |
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Network links: |
https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/projects/detail?key=76 |
Contact NOAA for distribution options (see Distributor).