BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot Data Summary The BOREAS TE-23 team collected map plot data in support of its efforts to characterize and interpret information on canopy architecture and understory cover at the BOREAS tower flux sites and selected auxiliary sites from May to August 1994. Mapped plots (typical dimensions 50 m x 60 m) were set up and characterized at all BOREAS forested tower flux and selected auxiliary sites. Detailed measurement of the mapped plots included 1) stand characteristics (location, density, basal area); 2) map locations DBH of all trees; 3) detailed geometric measures of a subset of trees (height, crown dimensions); and 4) understory cover maps. Table of Contents 1 Data Set Overview 2 Investigator(s) 3 Theory of Measurements 4 Equipment 5 Data Acquisition Methods 6 Observations 7 Data Description 8 Data Organization 9 Data Manipulations 10 Errors 11 Notes 12 Application of the Data Set 13 Future Modifications and Plans 14 Software 15 Data Access 16 Output Products and Availability 17 References 18 Glossary of Terms 19 List of Acronyms 20 Document Information 1. Data Set Overview 1.1 Data Set Identification BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot Data 1.2 Data Set Introduction This canopy architecture and understory cover data set provides BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) investigators with a common ground-truth site characterization for the major study sites at tree and stand levels, and provides links between the various disciplines involved in BOREAS. Mapped plots (typical dimensions 50 m x 60 m) were set up and characterized at all forested tower flux and selected auxiliary sites. 1.3 Objective/Purpose These mapped plots serve two general functions: 1) To provide comprehensive canopy architecture measurements for a site representative of a specific type of forest. 2) To provide a study area for field measurements, such as studies of light regime, leaf area index (LAI), and tree population dynamics. More specifically, the mapped plots serve as the location for: 1) Intercomparison and calibration of techniques used to estimate LAI, fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (FIPAR), and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR). 2) Testing geometric models concerning radiant transport in canopies. 1.4 Summary of Parameters 1) General information about mapped plot: study area, forest type, grid dimensions, direction and distance from flux tower or other georeferenced location, stand density, basal area, average height, average crown radius. 2) Measurements for all trees (> 2 m height) in the mapped plot: X-Y location in the local grid coordinate system, diameter at breast (DBH), dominance class (dominant, codominant, suppressed, juvenile, dead standing, dead leaning). 3) Measurements for a subset of trees: height, height to base of first branches, height to base of green crown, crown radius in four azimuth directions. 4) Understory cover for 10-m x 10-m subplots: hand-drawn maps of major cover classes, description of dominant species and understory features, catalog of photographs. 1.5 Discussion A total of 13 mapped plots were set up and characterized for 1) the Old Aspen (OA), Old Black Spruce (OBS), Old Jack Pine (OJP), and Young Jack Pine (YJP) tower flux sites in the Southern Study Area (SSA); 2) the OBS, OJP, and YJP tower flux sites in the Northern Study Area (NSA); 3) four locations representing a successional series within a mixed aspen - white spruce site Terrestrial Ecology (TE) tower site in the SSA; and 4) the OA TE tower site and a Young Aspen (YA) auxiliary site in the NSA. Site characterization involved setting up a reference grid, mapping and labeling individual trees, measuring basic crown geometry, and mapping understory cover. Our site characterization at the tree and canopy levels is part of a hierarchical sampling approach for characterization of canopy architecture (Fournier et al., 1995). This approach involves a series of three sets of scale-tailored measurements spanning from leaf to stand levels: 1) tree vectorization (Landry et al., 1994), involving detailed sampling of the three- dimensional distribution of canopy elements and crown form; 2) site characterization (this data set), involving detailed measurements of individual tree location, crown geometry, and understory cover; and 3) measurement of canopy geometry as seen from beneath, involving acquisition of a multitemporal catalog of hemispherical photographs. The tree vectorization data set has been provided by R. Landry, Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS). The catalog of hemispherical photographs has been provided to BORIS by P.M. Rich, University of Kansas (KU) (TE-23). This text focuses on the description of the measurements taken for the site characterization at the crown and site level. 1.6 Related Data Sets BOREAS RSS-04 1994 Southern Study Area Jack Pine LAI and FPAR Data BOREAS RSS-07 LAI, Gap Fraction, and FPAR Data BOREAS RSS-07 Regional LAI and FPAR Images From Ten-Day AVHRR-LAC Composites BOREAS RSS-07 Landsat TM Maps of LAI and FPAR BOREAS RSS-19 1994 CASI At-sensor Radiance and Reflectance Images BOREAS RSS-19 1996 CASI At-sensor Radiance and Reflectance Images BOREAS RSS-19 1994 Seasonal Understory Reflectance Data BOREAS TE-23 Canopy Architecture and Spectral Data from Hemispheric Photography 2. Investigators 2.1 Investigators Name and Title Dr. Paul M. Rich (TE-23), Associate Professor, University of Kansas Dr. Richard A. Fournier (TE-23, RSS-19, and TE-9), Research Scientist, Canadian Forest Service 2.2 Title of Investigation Canopy Architecture of Boreal Forests: Using Hemispherical Photography for Study of Radiative Transport and Leaf Area Index 2.3 Contact Information Contact 1: Dr. Paul M. Rich (TE-23) GIS and Environmental Modeling Laboratory (GEMLab) University of Kansas Space Technology Center Lawrence, KS (913) 864-7769 (913) 864-7789 (fax) prich@oz.kbs.ukans.edu http:\\www.gemlab.ukans.edu Contact 2: Richard Fournier Canadian Forest Service Laurentian Forestry Centre Sainte-Foy, Quebec, CANADA (418) 648-3440 (418) 648-5849 (fax) rfournier@cfl.forestry.ca Contact 3: Andrea Papagno Raytheon ITSS NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-3134 (301) 286-0239 (fax) andrea.papagno@gsfc.nasa.gov 3. Theory of Measurements Most measurements involved simple procedures and instrumentation. However, the complete data set is large and required a labor-intensive campaign. The following brief description of all measurements is provided by category for those who are not familiar with standard forestry procedures. X-Y locations: Location of the grid was determined based on distance and direction from a known reference location (typically the Tower Flux (TF) or TE tower). Location of each grid marker was determined by measuring distances and directions relative to other grid markers. X-Y grid coordinates of each tree within the mapped plot were determined by triangulation from distance measurements taken from two adjacent grid markers. Height measurements: Height was calculated based on measurements of the horizontal distance from the observer to the target, the angle from the observer's eye level to the top of the target, and the angle from the observer's eye level to the base of the target. Height was then calculated as the sum of the tangent of each of the two angles times the horizontal distance. DBH measurements: DBH was measured directly at 1.3 m ht with a diameter tape, which was marked in units of diameter (p x circumference). Crown radius: Crown radius was calculated by locating points directly beneath the outermost extent of the crown and then calculating the distance to the center of the trunk. Dominance class: Dominance class (dominant, codominant, suppressed, juvenile, dead standing, dead leaning) was estimated visually based on influence of surrounding crowns on the crown of interest. Understory cover: Understory features were characterized by 1) mapping cover in 10-m by 10-m subplots; 2) calculating cover by dominant plants, lichens, and other features; 3) taking a catalog of 35-mm color photographs of each subplot. 4. Equipment 4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description Sonic Rangefinder, model Sonin Combo Pro Conventional forestry instruments included compasses, clinometers, diameter tapes, and 50-m fiberglass tape measures. 4.1.1 Collection Environment Measurements were made in ambient outdoor conditions from May to August 1994. 4.1.2 Source/Platform Measurements were taken from the ground. 4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives The ground supported the trees and observers. 4.1.4 Key Variables 1) General information about mapped plot: study area, forest type, grid dimensions, direction and distance from flux tower or other georeferenced location, stand density, basal area, average height, average crown radius. 2) Measurements for all trees (> 2 m height) in the mapped plot: X-Y location in the local grid coordinate system, DBH, dominance class (dominant, codominant, suppressed, juvenile, dead standing, dead leaning). 3) Measurements for a subset of trees: height, height to base of first branches, height to base of green crown, crown radius in four azimuth directions. 4) Understory cover for 10 m x 10 m subplots: hand-drawn maps of major cover classes, description of dominant species and understory features, catalog of photographs. 4.1.5 Principles of Operation Distances, for the reference grid markers and tree X-Y locations, were measured using a sonic rangefinder, model Sonin Combo Pro (Sonin, Inc., Scarsdale, NY). This instrument operates in a dual unit mode, with a master and a target unit. An infrared (IR) signal is sent by the master unit in the direction of the target unit. The IR signal triggers an ultrasound signal (25 KHz) that is sent back from the target unit to the master unit and used for distance calculation. When used in dual unit mode, the rangefinder provides distance measurements with an accuracy of 99.5% for a range from 90 cm to 90 m assuming appropriate environmental conditions. Measurements made with the Sonin are affected by several factors: high levels of noise (e.g., machinery), low or high relative humidity levels (RH < 30 % or > 70 %), altitude or barometric pressure (altitude < -0.1 km or > 0.1 km), and significant wind. In addition, the instrument was designed for operation in the 0 to 30 °C range. Therefore, care was taken to make measurements under favorable conditions. Other measurements were obtained using conventional forestry instruments: compasses, clinometers, diameter tapes, and 50-m fiberglass tape measures. All azimuth measurements were collected relative to magnetic north. Corrections for magnetic declination were performed, using values published in the BOREAS Experimental Plan (Sellers and Hall, 1994) or calculated using United States Geological Survey (USGS) geomagnetism models for Canada. Real-world map coordinates were provided by BOREAS staff using a global positioning system (GPS). 4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry None given. 4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument sonic rangefinder model Sonin Combo Pro Sonin, Inc. Scarsdale, NY 4.2 Calibration 4.2.1 Specifications 4.2.1.1 Tolerance No calibration was required because of the nature of the instruments used. However, the rangefinder, compasses, and clinometers were tested to assess proper functionality. The sonic rangefinder provided distance values with 99.5% accuracy. More specifically, the manufacturer claims that for a distance of 4.27 m, the reading will be within 3 cm of the real distance. Also, an 18-m distance should be read with less than 10-cm error. The typical distance in the map plots ranged from 1 to 12 m. We tested the rangefinder measurement against tape measure for that range and found that the error was well within the manufacturer's specifications even for cases where branches were obstructing the field of view. 4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration The instrumentation was calibrated once. 4.2.3 Other Calibration Information None. 5. Data Acquisition Methods The site characterization involved producing a stand map of individual crown locations and dimensions. Mapped plots, with dimensions of 50 m by 60 m (50 m by 40 m for YJP, and 40 m by 40 m for NSA-YA), were placed in areas representative of the "major canopy stratum," as determined by aerial photographs and verified on the ground. These representative stands were selected for relative homogeneity of species composition, age, and soil drainage characteristics. A grid, consisting of painted stakes placed every 10 m (every 5 m for YJP), was installed to establish the coordinate system for all measurements. Each tree in the mapped plot is labeled with numbered aluminum tags nailed in the trunk at eye level. All measured parameters refer to the tree identification numbers. Once the reference grid was set up and the trees were labeled, we produced a comprehensive site characterization that consisted of measurements of location, DBH, height, and crown extent for trees within the plot. In addition, we produce a map of understory cover. First, we mapped X-Y positions of all trees relative to the grid coordinate system. Next, we measured the DBH of all trees and categorized every tree crown into a standard forestry dominance category: dominant, codominant, suppressed, juvenile, dead standing, or dead leaning. Then, we established stand-specific allometric relationships that permitted calculation of height and crown radius from DBH, based on a statistically significant sample of tree height and crown extent measurements. Crown extent was estimated by averaging measurements made for four azimuth directions. Where warranted, we recorded an estimate of the terrain topography. Finally, we characterized understory cover by dividing the mapped plot into 10-m by 10-m subplots, hand-drawing maps of cover by main understory features for each subplot, and identifying major plant and lichen species within each cover class. We took a catalog of color photographs, consisting of views of each 10-m by 10-m subplot and characteristic views of the canopy. 6. Observations 6.1 Data Notes All pertinent data is contained in the data files. 6.2 Field Notes Field notes were recorded in notebooks and data sheets and are available from ORNL. 7 Data Description 7.1 Spatial Characteristics 7.1.1 Spatial Coverage The overall BOREAS project was conducted at a 1,000-km by 1,000-km regional area. The SSA was defined to cover a 130-km by 90-km area, and the NSA was defined to cover a 40-km by 30-km area. Each tower flux site was at the scale of approximately 1 km by 1 km. In terms of spatial coverage, the 13 mapped plots were located at tower flux sites or auxiliary sites throughout both the SSA and NSA. The SSA and NSA measurement sites and associated North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) coordinates are: NSA-OA, site id T2Q6A, Lat/Long: 55.88691°N, 98.67479°W, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 14, N: 6,193,540.7, E: 520,342. NSA-ASP-AUX09, site id W0Y5A, Lat/Long: 56.00339°N, 97.3355°W, UTM Zone 14, N: 6,207,706.6, E: 603,796.6. NSA-OBS, site id T3R8T, Lat/Long: 55.88007°N, 98.48139°W, UTM Zone 14, N: 6,192,853.4, E: 532,444.5. NSA-OJP, site id T7Q8T, Lat/Long: 55.92842°N, 98.62396°W, UTM Zone 14, N: 6198176.3, E: 523496.2. NSA-YJP, site id T8S9T, Lat/Long: 55.89575°N, 98.28706°W, UTM Zone 14, N: 6194706.9 E: 544583.9. SSA-9OA, site id C3B7T, Lat/Long: 53.62889°N, 106.19779°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5,942,899.9 E: 420,790.5. SSA-MIX (1,2,3,4), site id D9I1M, Lat/Long: 53.7254°N, 105.20643°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5,952,989.7 E: 486,379.7. SSA-OBS, site id G8I4T, Lat/Long: 53.98717°N, 105.11779°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5,982,100.5 E: 492,276.5. SSA-OJP, site id G2L3T, Lat/Long: 53.91634°N, 104.69203°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5,974,257.5 E: 520,227.7. SSA-YJP, site id F8L6T, Lat/Long: 53.87581°N, 104.64529°W, Utm Zone 13, N: 5,969,762.5 E: 523,320.2. 7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map Not available. 7.1.3 Spatial Resolution In terms of spatial resolution, the mapped plot data were measured across scales ranging from approximately 20 cm to approximately 60 m. Accuracy of tree X-Y maps is generally better than 20-cm resolution. Each mapped plot is typically 50 m by 60 m. 7.1.4 Projection The plot location is given in reference to the tower site location. The tree location is given in relation to the local reference point (usually the TF or TE tower). 7.1.5 Grid Description Location of the X-Y grid was determined based on distance and direction from a known reference location (typically the TF or TE tower). The following is a summary of the grid layout: Site Location Width Grid Interval SSA-OBS 150 to 230 m (SE)* +/- 20 m 10 m SSA-OJP 130 to 180 m (SE) +/- 30 m 10 m SSA-YJP 30 to 80 m (SE) +/- 30 m 10 m SSA-OA 70 to 120 m (SW) +/- 20 m 10 m NSA-OBS 80 to 130 m (SE) +/- 30 m 10 m NSA-OJP 70 to 120 m (SE) +/- 30 m 10 m NSA-YJP 120 to 150 m (SE) +/- 20 m 5 m Location of the grid refers to the distance and direction from the flux tower (reference location) along the optical (Jing Chen's RSS-07) transect "B" line (called the center line) in the azimuth direction from North (0°) to the center point of the plot edge closest to the reference location. All transect lines were clearly marked by pink flags, and the sample locations within the mapped plots are marked with stakes (orange wooden stakes in most sites, blue PVC tubes at SSA-OBS). The mapped plot coordinates are marked on the stakes, with the distance from the tower as the x-coordinate and the distance from the centerline as the y-coordinate (except for SSA-OBS, where the x-coordinate of the first mapped location is 0 for consistency with the TE-20/TE-22 mapped plot). SE (135°) or SW (225°) refers to the direction from the tower. Width refers to dimensions of the mapped plot on either side of the optical transect "B" line, except in the case of SSA-OBS, where a "D" line is used, i.e., along the Y=20 line of the grid. Grid interval refers to spacing of grid stakes. 7.2 Temporal Characteristics 7.2.1 Temporal Coverage The mapped plots were set up and characterized between May and August 1994. 7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map The canopy architecture site characterization should generally apply to all of the summer of 1994, because most aspects of a forest stand typically do not change to an appreciable degree during a growing season. For example, changes in DBH and height because of growth would not generally be detected over this time scale. Likewise, modification of stand structure caused by mortality would also not typically be important. No major disturbance (fires, storms, etc.) occurred in any of the mapped plots during the summer of 1994. 7.2.3 Temporal Resolution Mapped plot characteristics generally apply to all of the summer of 1994, and are thus annual measurements. 7.3 Data Characteristics Data characteristics are defined in the companion data definition file (te23mapp.def). 7.4 Sample Data Record Sample data format shown in the companion data definition file (te23mapp.def). 8. Data Organization 8.1 Data Granularity Information on canopy architecture and understory cover at the BOREAS tower flux sites is contained in two files: individual tree data are in the site data file and composite plot values are in the summary data file. 8.2 Data Format The data files contain American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) numerical and character fields of varying length separated by commas. The character fields are enclosed with single apostrophe marks. There are no spaces between the fields. 9. Data Manipulations 9.1 Formulae 9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms Height: height was calculated from DBH based on allometry; for the initial data submission, a linear relationship was satisfactory. Summary statistics of DBH, observed height, and calculated height: mean, standard deviation, and maximum were summarized. Stand density: stand density was calculated as the total number of trees per unit area (units: individual/ha). The densities of individuals greater than 5 and 10 cm DBH were also summarized (units: individual/ha). Stand basal area: stand basal area was calculated as the total area of tree trunks per unit area (units: m2/ha). X-Y location: The field measurements consisted of two distances measured from known reference positions along the border of each 10-m by 10-m subquadrant. These two distance values are converted, by triangulation, in X-Y tree locations. The triangulation calculations find the intersection of two arcs. Each arc corresponds to a circle centered at a reference position and with a radius equal to the measured distance from that reference position to the tree. For reference position a,b with an associated distance r and reference position c,d associated with distance q, the X-Y position of the tree can be calculated using the following pair of quadratic equations: - (a2 - c2 + b2 - d2 + q2 - r2) x = --------------------------------------- (1) 2(c - a) 2b +/- [ 4b2 - 4(b2 + (x - a)2 - r2) ](1/2) y = ------------------------------------------------- (2) 2 Note that these equations give two possible X-Y position solutions. By choosing reference locations along the same edge of a subplot, one solution can readily be rejected as lying outside the subplot. 9.2 Data Processing Sequence 9.2.1 Processing Steps None given. 9.2.2 Processing Changes None given. 9.3 Calculations 9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments None given. 9.3.2 Calculated Variables See section 9.1.1. 9.4 Graphs and Plots None given. 10. Errors 10.1 Sources of Error Because most of our field instruments were simple and operated with a high degree of accuracy, most error can be attributable to human errors in the field or during data entry. These errors were minimized by careful quality control. The following is a summary of sources of error. Reference Grid Position: Setting up the grid required use of both distance and azimuth measurements. Though the sonic rangefinder provided distance values that were about 99.5% accurate, small errors result from inexact placement of the master or target units with respect to a plane corresponding to the center of a source or target. Compass readings of azimuth are typically not as precise as distance measurement, because they are sensitive to the presence of metal and local geologic features, and because of inaccuracies in pointing the compass. Field compass measurements are typically not accurate to better than about +/- 4 degrees. Errors were minimized by using distance measurements to check grid reference positions from multiple directions before deciding on the final placement. Tree Position: Tree positions were located by measuring distances from known grid locations. Thus, errors could result from inaccuracies in placement of the reference grid. Also, the potential existed for misplacement of a tree because of errors in triangulation calculations. Two positions were calculated for each triangulation. In most cases, one value was outside the subplot, so it could readily discarded. In a few cases, where it was necessary to measure distances from opposite sides of the subplot, it was necessary to determine the correct X- Y location based on the sequence of trees. In a few ambiguous cases, we have eliminated trees from our maps until such time as map positions can be verified in the field. These trees are identifiable in the data set by no-data (-999) values for their X-Y position values. Dominance Class: The assignment of the dominance class is somewhat subjective: it depends on the visual assessment of the relative crown height compared with that of the neighboring trees. Through practice and cross-calibrating a selection of dominance classes assigned by different field workers, we were able to minimize this error. DBH: Error in measurement of DBH is subject to irregularities in the surface of trunk and variation in placement and tension of the diameter tape. This error was minimized by careful placement of diameter tapes. Height: Errors in measurement of tree heights are attributable to the visual ability to align the clinometer with the target location on the tree. Errors were minimized by careful choice of positions for viewing the target tree. Crown Radius: Errors in measurement of crown radius result primarily from difficulty in locating points exactly at the outermost extent of foliage. Errors were minimized by training field workers to locate the edge of the crown using a clinometer and by practicing with visual estimates. Understory Cover: Mapping of understory cover is subject to errors in drawing of cover category boundries and in assigning cover categories. Errors were minimized by dividing each 10-m by 10-m subplot into four 5-m by 5-m quadrants for drawing maps. Again, practice and experience of field workers minimized errors. 10.2 Quality Assessment 10.2.1 Data Validation by Source Much of our quality control involved data validation while still in the field, remeasurement when necessary, and noting of any data problems. Further quality control involved checking for out-of-range values and cross-checking correspondence between data base file values and field data notebooks. 10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment Overall, our measurements are well within the accuracy necessary for our studies and for the purposes of other BOREAS researchers. We can readily assign quantitative estimates of accuracy with a high level of confidence. 10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters and Variables The following are quantitative estimates of accuracy of our data. Estimates are based upon a confidence that 95% of values will lie within the specified accuracy range. Reference Grid Position: +/- 0.25 m Tree Position: +/- 0.5 m Dominance Class: +/- 5% DBH: +/- 0.3 cm Height: +/- 0.5 m Crown Radius: +/- 0.5 m Understory Cover: +/- 10% of area 10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments All data files were checked against original field acquisition sheets. 10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center The data were examined for clarity and consistency. 11. Notes 11.1 Limitations of the Data The mapped plots were selected to be representative of each forest type. Because the forests were relatively homogeneous, the measurements derived from the mapped plots are generally representative of the larger areas. However, caution should be used because of natural variability. 11.2 Known Problems with the Data The SSA-OBS site was located in an area drier than the forest immediately surrounding the flux tower. 11.3 Usage Guidance As with any data set, caution should be used in the interpretation and application of the data. TE-23 and collaborators have done their best to produce an accurate and useful data set, but do not assume responsibility or liability for the use of the data. 11.4 Other Relevant Information J.M. Chen's (RSS-7) optical measurements were made on a transect that usually passes through the Y=0 center line of each mapped plot. Also, the catalog of hemispherical photographs acquired by P.M. Rich (TE-23) were taken along the same center line of each mapped plot. Various other groups are expected to supply LAI, FIPAR, and FAPAR data for an intercomparison. Finally, the vectorized trees (i.e., detailed branch segment and needle distribution within crown) measured by R. Landry (RSS-19) were characteristic of trees in the SSA- OJP, SSA-YJP and SSA-OA mapped plots. All other relevant information is in the data files. 12. Application of the Data Set These mapped plots serve two general categories of applications: 1) Modeling applications that require provide comprehensive canopy architecture measurements for a site representative of a specific type of forest; e.g., modeling of reflectance patterns, modeling of turbulence, modeling of influences of canopy geometry on light regimes, and modeling of forest dynamics; 2) Field measurement applications that require a mapped study area for field measurements; e.g., field studies of light regime, LAI, and tree population dynamics. 13. Future Modifications and Plans Further work will involve use of these data, in conjunction with tree vectorization data to characterize the three-dimensional geometry of forests, simulate light regimes, and examine implications for ecology and remote sensing. The understory data need to be more fully developed in data summary files and map coverages before they will be fully useful. 14. Software 14.1 Software Description Microsoft Excel v.5.x spreadsheets were used for organizing data and performing calculations. 14.2 Software Access Original Microsoft Excel v.5.x spreadsheets are available upon request from TE- 23. 15. Data Access 15.1 Contact Information 15.1 Contact Information Ms. Beth Nelson BOREAS Data Manager NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-4005 (301) 286-0239 (fax) Elizabeth.Nelson@gsfc.nasa.gov 15.2 Data Center Identification See Section 15.1. 15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data Users may place requests by telephone, electronic mail, or fax. 15.4 Data Center Status/Plans The TE-23 Map Plot Data are available from the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC). The BOREAS contact at ORNL is: ORNL DAAC User Services Oak Ridge National Laboratory (865) 241-3952 ornldaac@ornl.gov ornl@eos.nasa.gov 16. Output Products and Availability 16.1 Tape Products Not applicable. 16.2 Film Products Not applicable. 16.3 Other Products The canopy architecture site characterization data set is available in ASCII format and in an ARC/INFO Geographic Information System (GIS) data base format submitted to BORIS and on local UNIX or PC computers at KU and CCRS. Data are also available in Microsoft Excel v.5.0 format from TE-23. These data are available on the BOREAS CD-ROM series. 17. References 17.1 Platform/Satellite/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation Manufacturer's specifications for the sonic rangefinder, model Sonin Combo Pro, Sonin Inc., 672 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale, NY 10583, Tel (914) 725-0202, Fax (914) 725-1158. 17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports Fournier, R.A., P.M. Rich, Y.R. Alger, V.L. Peterson, R. Landry, and N.M. August. 1995. Canopy architecture of boreal forest: links between remote sensing and ecology. American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Technical Papers 2:225-235. Landry, R., R.A. Fournier, and F.J. Ahern. 1994. Tree Vectorization: a new methodology for characterizing tree architecture in support of remote sensing models. Submitted to Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94). Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPSDOC 94). Sellers, P.J., F. Hall, H. Margolis, B. Kelly, D. Baldocchi, G. den Hartog, J. Cihlar, M.G. Ryan, B. Goodison, P. Crill, K.J. Ranson, D. Lettenmaier, and D.E. Wickland. 1995. The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS): An overview and early results from the 1994 field year. Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc. 76:1549-1577. Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96). Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1996 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPSDOC 96). Sellers, P.J., F.G. Hall, R.D. Kelly, A. Black, D. Baldocchi, J. Berry, M. Ryan, K.J. Ranson, P.M. Crill, D.P. Lettenmaier, H. Margolis, J. Cihlar, J. Newcomer, D. Fitzjarrald, P.G. Jarvis, S.T. Gower, D. Halliwell, D. Williams, B. Goodison, D.E. Wickland, and F.E. Guertin. 1997. BOREAS in 1997: Experiment overview, scientific results, and future directions. Journal of Geophysical Research, 102 (D24), 28731-28769. 18. Glossary of Terms DBH: diameter at breast height (cm). Stand density: stand density was calculated as the total number of trees per unit area (units: individual/ha). Stand basal area: stand basal area was calculated as the total area of tree stems per unit area (units: m2/ha). 19. List of Acronyms ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange BOREAS - BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study BORIS - BOREAS Information System CCRS - Canada Centre for Remote Sensing CD-ROM - Compact Disk-Read Only memory DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center DBH - Diameter at Breast Height EOS - Earth Observing System EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System FAPAR - Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation FIPAR - Fraction of Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation GEMLab - GIS and Environmental Modeling Laboratory GIS - Geographic Information System GPS - Global Positioning System GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center HTML - HyperText Markup Language IR - Infrared KU - University of Kansas LAI - Leaf Area Index NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration NSA - Northern Study Area OA - Old Aspen OBS - Old Black Spruce OJP - Old Jack Pine ORNL - Oak Ridge National Laboratory PANP - Prince Albert National Park RSS - Remote Sensing Science SSA - Southern Study Area TE - Terrestrial Ecology TF - Tower Flux URL - Uniform Resource Locator USGS - United States Geological Survey YA - Young Aspen YJP - Young Jack Pine 20. Document Information 20.1 Document Revision Date Written: 5 March 1997 Last Updated: 9-Feb-1999 20.2 Document Review Dates BORIS Review: 29-Jan-1999 Science Review: 20.3 Document ID 20.4 Citation Simplified Acknowledgment: The canopy architecture and understory cover data were collected for BOREAS by science team TE-23 under the direction of P.M. Rich at the University of Kansas and R.A. Fournier at the Canadian Forest Service. Acknowledgments -- People: The canopy architecture and understory cover data were collected for BOREAS under the direction of P.M. Rich at the University of Kansas and R.A. Fournier at the Canadian Forest Service. We thank Y.R. Alger, N.M. August, C. Paquet, and V.L. Peterson for their dedicated efforts in collecting and preparing these data. We also thank J.M. Chen of the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing for his collaboration in plot layout; G. Edwards and H. Margolis of Laval University for their collaboration in data acquisition for the northern sites; M. Apps of Forestry Canada for providing accommodations; and R. Gauthier of the Centre for Remote Sensing for significant scientific, logistical, financial, and moral support. Acknowledgments -- Organizations/Funding Sources: This work was supported by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Canadian Forest Service, the Kansas Applied Remote Sensing Program, the Kansas Biological Survey, the Kansas Center for Excellence in Computer Aided Software Engineering, NASA grant NAG5-2358, and the University of Kansas Research Development and General Research Funds. 20.5 Document Curator 20.6 Document URL Keywords: Canopy Architecture Canopy Geometry DBH Forest Characterization Mapped Forest Plots Tree Geometry Understory Characterization TE23_Map_Plot.doc 03/03/99