STEER Coastal Use Mapping Project

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title: STEER Coastal Use Mapping Project
Abstract:
The Coastal Use Mapping Project is designed to collect critical information on human activities in and near the St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER). The project purpose is to improve understanding of the spatial range and intensity of key human activities and uses in this region in order to better inform resource management. Workshops were held on St. Thomas where the public, scientists, and stakeholders were invited to participate in creating maps of ocean uses for the STEER.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPAC), 201210, STEER Coastal Use Mapping Project: NOAA's Ocean Service, National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPAC), Monterey, CA.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -64.882334
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -64.821505
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 18.325102
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 18.296510
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: May-2012
    Currentness_Reference: Workshop data collected in May 2012
  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):
      • GT-Polygon Composed of Chains (4303)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      The map projection used is Transverse Mercator (NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_20N).
      Projection parameters:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -63.0
      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 0.00000000244199334914041
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.00000000244199334914041
      Planar coordinates are specified in meters
      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?
    STEER_coastal_use_data
    Human ocean use data from the STEER Coastal Use Mapping Project. (Source: NOAA)
    OBJECTID
    Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI) Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI) Coordinates defining the features.
    anchoring_ft
    Includes anchoring in non-emergency locations. Excludes emergency storm anchoring and moorings. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    anchoring_dom
    Includes anchoring in non-emergency locations. Excludes emergency storm anchoring and moorings. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    bait_fishing_ft
    Includes any collection of baitfish, includes fishing by hook and line and cast net. Excludes other types of fishing targeting fish for non-bait purposes (e.g., aquarium collection). A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    bait_fishing_dom
    Includes any collection of baitfish, includes fishing by hook and line and cast net. Excludes other types of fishing targeting fish for non-bait purposes (e.g., aquarium collection). A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    camping_ft
    Includes spending one or several nights outdoors for recreational purposes. Excludes live-aboard boaters, living outdoors due to homelessness. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    camping_dom
    Includes spending one or several nights outdoors for recreational purposes. Excludes live-aboard boaters, living outdoors due to homelessness. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    charter_dive_snorkel_ft
    Includes diving and snorkeling activities organized through a charter/commercial operator, including vessel and shore-based SCUBA, SNUBA, snorkel, freediving, and kayak snorkel tours. Excludes swimming, speardiving/extractive activities, non-charter diving and snorkeling, and research activities. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    charter_dive_snorkel_dom
    Includes diving and snorkeling activities organized through a charter/commercial operator, including vessel and shore-based SCUBA, SNUBA, snorkel, freediving, and kayak snorkel tours. Excludes swimming, speardiving/extractive activities, non-charter diving and snorkeling, and research activities. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    conch_fishing_ft
    Includes any harvesting of conch. Excludes harvesting of fish, whelk, and lobster. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    conch_fishing_dom
    Includes any harvesting of conch. Excludes harvesting of fish, whelk, and lobster. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    day_charter_boat_tours_ft
    Includes sunset sails, day trip, half day, and dinghy tours. Excludes recreational boating of personal vessels and multi-day outings. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    day_charter_boat_tours_dom
    Includes sunset sails, day trip, half day, and dinghy tours. Excludes recreational boating of personal vessels and multi-day outings. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    emergency_anchor_mooring_ft
    Includes anchoring during extreme weather and in other emergencies (e.g., fire). Excludes day use mooring, live-aboard moorings, non-emergency anchoring. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    emergency_anchor_mooring_dom
    Includes anchoring during extreme weather and in other emergencies (e.g., fire). Excludes day use mooring, live-aboard moorings, non-emergency anchoring. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    ferry_transit_ft
    Includes ferry transit. Excludes non-ferry motorized and other boating. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    ferry_transit_dom
    Includes ferry transit. Excludes non-ferry motorized and other boating. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    handline_shore_ft
    Includes all shore-based handlining. Excludes fishing from shore using nets, traps, and pots. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    handline_shore_dom
    Includes all shore-based handlining. Excludes fishing from shore using nets, traps, and pots. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    kayak_tours_ft
    Includes commercial kayak tours. Excludes non-commercial kayak outing and kayak rental (non-tour). A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    kayak_tours_dom
    Includes commercial kayak tours. Excludes non-commercial kayak outing and kayak rental (non-tour). A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    kiteboard_windsurf_ft
    Includes wind-driven board activities. Excludes SUP (stand up paddle) and surfing. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    kiteboard_windsurf_dom
    Includes wind-driven board activities. Excludes SUP (stand up paddle) and surfing. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    lobster_fishing_ft
    Includes any harvesting of lobsters. Excludes harvesting of fish, whelk, and conch. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    lobster_fishing_dom
    Includes any harvesting of lobsters. Excludes harvesting of fish, whelk, and conch. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    mooring_permanent_ft
    Includes multi-day use for live-aboard boaters; more than 14 days onboard in 6 months. Excludes day use mooring, emergency storm mooring. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    mooring_permanent_dom
    Includes multi-day use for live-aboard boaters; more than 14 days onboard in 6 months. Excludes day use mooring, emergency storm mooring. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    mooring_transient_ft
    Includes non-liveaboard mooring, includes private, day-use, transient; between 0-14 days onboard. Excludes live-aboard moorings, emergency storm mooring. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    mooring_transient_dom
    Includes non-liveaboard mooring, includes private, day-use, transient; between 0-14 days onboard. Excludes live-aboard moorings, emergency storm mooring. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    non_charter_dive_snorkel_ft
    Includes diving and snorkeling conducted independently, not through a charter operator; also includes snorkel rental from hotels, local resident diving and snorkeling, as well as diving and snorkeling for education purposes. Excludes charter diving and snorkeling trips, as well as research diving. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    non_charter_dive_snorkel_dom
    Includes diving and snorkeling conducted independently, not through a charter operator; also includes snorkel rental from hotels, local resident diving and snorkeling, as well as diving and snorkeling for education purposes. Excludes charter diving and snorkeling trips, as well as research diving. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    other_fishing_ft
    Includes fishing and marine resource harvesting not already documented in other categories, includes use of traps, pots, seine nets, gill nets, and lionfish hunting. Excludes bait fishing, handline fishing, whelk fishing, lobster fishing, and conch fishing. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    other_fishing_dom
    Includes fishing and marine resource harvesting not already documented in other categories, includes use of traps, pots, seine nets, gill nets, and lionfish hunting. Excludes bait fishing, handline fishing, whelk fishing, lobster fishing, and conch fishing. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    paddling_ft
    Includes paddle-driven kayaking (non-commercial tours), SUP (stand up paddle). Excludes charter/commercial kayaking, use of motorized vessels. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    paddling_dom
    Includes paddle-driven kayaking (non-commercial tours), SUP (stand up paddle). Excludes charter/commercial kayaking, use of motorized vessels. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    rec_boating_ft
    Includes recreational non-charter boating (e.g., Yacht Club, Ritz, other), as well as sail or motor boats. Excludes charter boat tours. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    rec_boating_dom
    Includes recreational non-charter boating (e.g., Yacht Club, Ritz, other), as well as sail or motor boats. Excludes charter boat tours. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    swimming_ft
    Includes racing, general exercise, group or individual, and triathlon. Excludes free diving, snorkeling, and wading. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    swimming_dom
    Includes racing, general exercise, group or individual, and triathlon. Excludes free diving, snorkeling, and wading. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    term_charter_ft
    Includes multi-day/overnight boat charters. Excludes day charter, sunset sails, half-day outings, dinghy tours, recreational boating of personal vessels. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    term_charter_dom
    Includes multi-day/overnight boat charters. Excludes day charter, sunset sails, half-day outings, dinghy tours, recreational boating of personal vessels. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    thrill_craft_ft
    Includes parasailing, jet skis and other forms of thrill craft rental. Excludes non-motorized vessels. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    thrill_craft_dom
    Includes parasailing, jet skis and other forms of thrill craft rental. Excludes non-motorized vessels. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    whelk_fishing_ft
    Includes any harvesting of whelk. Excludes harvesting of fish, lobster, and conch. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    whelk_fishing_dom
    Includes any harvesting of whelk. Excludes harvesting of fish, lobster, and conch. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    research_snorkeling_diving_ft
    Includes diving and snorkeling conducted for research purposes. Excludes non-charter and charter diving and snorkeling, as well as snorkeling and diving for education purposes. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's General Footprint. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's General Footprint. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    research_snorkeling_diving_dom
    Includes diving and snorkeling conducted for research purposes. Excludes non-charter and charter diving and snorkeling, as well as snorkeling and diving for education purposes. A value of 1 means a feature is part of the use's Dominant Use Area. A value of 0 means a feature is not part of the use's Dominant Use Area. (Source: NOAA)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    Shape_Length
    Length of feature in internal units. (Source: ESRI) Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.
    Shape_Area
    Area of feature in internal units squared. (Source: ESRI) Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPAC)
    Attn: Mimi D'Iorio
    GIS and Database Manager
    99 Pacific St. Suite 100-F
    Monterey, CA
    U.S.A.

    (831)647-6462 x112 (voice)
    (831)242-2051 (FAX)
    Mimi.Diorio@noaa.gov

Why was the data set created?

Coral reefs in the USVI are facing increasing pressures from a growing variety of ocean uses, as well as increased coastal development and watershed impacts. The STEER contains extensive mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. It houses a variety of commercial activities and is adjacent to a landfill, marinas, an EPA Superfund Site, and residential areas served by individual septic systems. The Coastal Use Mapping Project is intended as a step to improving coastal and watershed management activities. The information collected through this project will provide a better understanding of human uses, issues, and constraints in the STEER. It can help inform management decisions to better protect the ecosystem, while minimizing impacts on those who depend on marine resources and reducing user conflict. The project includes collecting and mapping existing watershed information, and conducting participatory mapping workshops to gain a better understanding of key human uses and use motivations that affect the STEER.

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: May-2012 (process 1 of 10)
    Data were digitized by workshop participant groups in Bolongo Bay, US Virgin Islands.
    Date: May-2012 (process 2 of 10)
    Data from each group were reviewed following the workshop to: a. Detail any instructions from participants to add/remove areas in post-processing b. Review GIS technician and facilitator workshop notes for any relevant data editing comments c. Discuss any areas that might require special attention or follow up.
    Date: May-2012 (process 3 of 10)
    Data were processed by Project GIS Specialist to clean artifacts created during the live, participatory mapping process.
    Date: May-2012 (process 4 of 10)
    All polygons were clipped to the project boundary to remove land and any marine areas outside the scope of the workshop.
    Date: May-2012 (process 5 of 10)
    Use-specific procedures were performed based on participant input. This involved adding or removing areas as instructed by workshop participants based on certain depths or distances from shore.
    Date: May-2012 (process 6 of 10)
    A spatial join analysis was run for each use using 50 meter squared microblocks as the zonal layer to determine the number of groups that identified a use in each grid cell.
    Date: May-2012 (process 7 of 10)
    Data normalized for each use. For the footprint, an analysis cell with any number greater than 0 became a 1. For dominant, if the number of workshop groups who mapped a cell as dominant was at or greater than 50% of the groups who mapped that use, the value became a 1. All other cells became a 0, so that the final field values are binary (1= Yes, 0 = No)
    Date: May-2012 (process 8 of 10)
    Processed data was analyzed for completeness and consistency. Uses that seemed inconsistent or incomplete were marked for further investigation.
    Date: 30-Oct-2012 (process 9 of 10)
    A follow-up meeting with workshop participants was held for comment on preliminary results. Participant inputs were recorded for future edits.
    Date: 13-Nov-2012 (process 10 of 10)
    Final edits were made to dataset based on participant response.
  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?
    Attribute accuracy was maintained by comparing data before and after each process step, and by comparing final product to source data.
  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?
    A detailed spreadsheet is available that describes decisions made during processing of the workshop data. Contact the Point of Contact for more information on the project and data processing.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Logical consistency was maintained by comparing data before and after each process step, and by comparing final product to source data.

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:
Data describe broad uses of the ocean, and are not intended to be used for navigational purposes or provide information on regulations affecting human activities.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPAC)
    Attn: Mimi D'Iorio
    GIS and Database Manager
    99 Pacific St.
    Monterey, CA
    U.S.A.

    (831)647-6462 (voice)
    (831)242-2051 (FAX)
    Mimi.Diorio@noaa.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Data describe broad uses of the ocean, and are not intended to be used for navigational purposes or provide information on regulations affecting human activities.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 26-Jul-2023
Last Reviewed: 18-Dec-2012
Metadata author:
Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPAC)
Attn: Jordan Gass
GIS Specialist
99 Pacific St.
Monterey, CA
U.S.A.

(831)647-1920 (voice)
(831)647-1732 (FAX)
Jordan.Gass@noaa.gov
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Generated by mp version 2.9.48 on Wed Apr 24 10:42:07 2024