This project is a cooperative effort among the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment; U.S. Geological Survey; National Park Service; and the National Geophysical Data Center, to produce benthic habitat maps and georeferenced imagery for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This project was conducted in support of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. These point data were generated while conducting ground validation during map preparation.
The National Ocean Service is conducting research to digitally map biotic resources and coordinate a long-term monitoring program that can detect and predict change in U.S. coral reefs, and their associated habitats and biological communities.
The Ground Truth Points are available in a spreadsheet format.
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1305 East West Highway, N/SCI-1
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, University of Puerto Rico, United States Geological Survey, National Park Service, Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division Fish and Wildlife, University of Virgin Islands, Conservation Data Center, The Nature Conservancy, Sea Grant, and other local and regional experts for input and review
Habitat type(s), zone, approximate depth, position (GPS), image number, and other descriptive information were recorded at each site. Field data for each site was then compiled into a text table with a latitude/longitude field to allow overlay of the field information on the mosaic and habitat polygons. Once data were entered into spreadsheet format a careful review was conducted to ensure that all labels were complete and accurate.
Diapositives, and when available, draft delineations were used in the field to facilitate comparison of signatures in the imagery to actual habitats at each site. Individual sites were visually evaluated by snorkeling and free diving or directly from the boat in shallow, clear water. Where depth and water clarity permitted, the diapositives were used to navigate across multiple bottom features allowing continuous confirmation of habitat types and transitions between each site.
Following processing of the field data, polygon boundaries and habitat classifications were created or revised where necessary, and zone attributes were assigned to each polygon using the Habitat Digitizer Extension. This draft of the habitat maps was then reviewed and revised with the guidance of a panel of local experts at peer review sessions in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and over the Internet. Review session participants included members of the local research and management community. During these peer review sessions, particular attention was given to polygons labeled as "unknown" and areas not visited during ground truth activities. Revisions based on comments from local experts were then completed and final habitat maps were produced.
Spatial data meets or exceeds national map accuracy standards for fixed features.
Depth values are reported in feet from water surface. Values should be considered estimates only. In some cases, no estimate of depth could be provided.
This document identifies the zone and habitat types attributed in the data set.
Following careful evaluation of the aerial photography, and in some cases creation of a "first draft" habitat map, selected sites were visited in the field for typological validation. This validation included: (1) areas in the aerial photography and mosaic with confusing or difficult to interpret signatures, (2) transects across many representative habitat types occurring in different depths and water conditions, (3) a survey of the Zones, and (4) confirmation of preliminary habitat delineations if a first draft was produced. Navigation to field sites was accomplished in a variety of ways including uploading position coordinates from the mosaic into an onboard GPS and navigating to those waypoints, using an onboard PC connected to a GPS allowing navigation using digital nautical charts or the mosaic, and visual navigation using landmarks visible in the diapositives. On most, occasions, field activities were conducted with the guidance of local experts. Diapositives, and when available, draft delineations were used in the field to facilitate comparison of signatures in the imagery to actual habitats at each site. Individual sites were visually evaluated by snorkeling and free diving or directly from the boat in shallow, clear water. Habitat transitions were evaluated by swimming transects across habitat types to further guide placement of polygon boundaries. Habitat type(s), zone, approximate depth, position (GPS), image number, and other descriptive information were recorded at each site. Field data for each site was then compiled into a text table with a latitude/longitude field to allow overlay of the field information on the mosaic and habitat polygons. Where depth and water clarity permitted, the diapositives were used to navigate across multiple bottom features allowing continuous confirmation of habitat types and transitions between each site. Following processing of the field data, polygon boundaries and habitat classifications were created or revised, and zone attributes were assigned to each polygon.
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tab delimited text files; UTM Zone 20 coordinates; habitat type; dominant benthic elements are listed
Benthic features were assigned one of twenty-six habitat types ranging from sand to coral. A complete description of these classification categories can be found at https://products.coastalscience.noaa.gov/collections/benthic/e95usvi_pr/default.aspx
Data are not to be used for navigation.
