Gulf-Wide Information System, Environmental Sensitivity Index Crawfish Database, Geographic NAD83, LDWF (2001) [esi_crawfish_LDWF_2001]

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Frequently-anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Gulf-Wide Information System, Environmental Sensitivity Index Crawfish Database, Geographic NAD83, LDWF (2001) [esi_crawfish_LDWF_2001]
Abstract:
This data set contains sensitive biological resource data representing major concentration areas for harvested or potentially harvested crawfish and river shrimp in coastal Louisiana. Vector polygons represent water-bodies and habitat considered important for these resources in inland rivers and lakes. Species-specific abundance, seasonality, status, life history, and source information are stored in relational data tables (described below) designed to be used in conjunction with this spatial data layer. This data set comprises a portion of the Gulf-Wide Information System (G-WIS) database for the entire coastal zone of Louisiana. The G-WIS data include three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. See also the FR_FISH and NHP data layers, part of the larger Louisiana G-WIS database. FR_FISH contains information on inland finfish resources. NHP contains locations of rare and endangered aquatic invertebrates, including other species of crawfish and freshwater mussels.
  1. How should this data set be cited?

    Minerals Management Service (MM, MS-5220, New Orleans, LA 70123-2394; Lou, 200109, Gulf-Wide Information System, Environmental Sensitivity Index Crawfish Database, Geographic NAD83, LDWF (2001) [esi_crawfish_LDWF_2001]: None Louisiana, Minerals Management Service (MMS) 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., MS-5220, New Orleans, LA 70123-2394, New Orleans, LA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Prepared by Research Planning, Inc. (RPI), Columbia, South Carolina and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for Louisiana State University (LSU), Center for Coastal, Energy and Environmental Resources (CCEER) and the Department of Geography and Anthropology, 302 Howe-Russell, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 and Minerals Management Service (MMS) 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., MS-5220, New Orleans, LA 70123-2394

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -91.871297
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -89.361260
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.500195
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 29.286844

  3. What does it look like?

    <URL:esi_crawfish_LDWF_2001.gif> (GIF)

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Beginning_Date: 1999
    Ending_Date: 2001
    Currentness_Reference:
    The biological data was compiled during 1999-2001. The currentness dates for these data range from 1999 to 2001 and are documented in the Source_Information.

  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):

      • G-polygon (813)
      • Label Point (813)
      • GT-polygon composed of chains (813)
      • Point (27)

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.000000. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.000000. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees.

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222.

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    esi_crawfish_LDWF_2001
    The spatial data layer esi_crawfish_LDWF_2001 contains polygons representing major concentration areas for harvested or potentially harvested crawfish and river shrimp. Note that all attribute information is stored in a series of relational files, described below. See the browse graphic for this data set for an entity-relationship diagram describing the way this table relates to other attribute tables in the G-WIS data structure. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    FID
    Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI)

    Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI)

    Coordinates defining the features.

    AREA

    PERIMETER

    CRAWFISH_

    CRAWFISH_I

    RARNUM
    An identifier that links vector objects in the biology data layers to records in the BIORES data table. The value for RARNUM is determined for each unique combination of SPECIES_ID, CONC, SEASON_ID, G_SOURCE, S_SOURCE, and ELEMENT for single species records, or for groups of species co-occurring at a location. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    BIORES data table
    The data table BIORES contains both biological attribute data and items necessary for linking the biological spatial data layers to other associated data tables. See the browse graphic for this data set for an entity-relationship diagram describing relationships between attribute tables in the G-WIS data structure. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    RARNUM
    An identifier that links records in the BIORES data table to vector objects in the biology data layers. The value for RARNUM is determined for each unique combination of SPECIES_ID, CONC, SEASON_ID, G_SOURCE, S_SOURCE, and ELEMENT for single species records, or for groups of species co-occurring at a location. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    SPECIES_ID
    Numeric identifier for each species that is unique within each element and refers to a nationwide master ESI species list maintained at RPI and NOAA. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    CONC
    The field CONC refers to "concentration", abundance, or density values. Because no quantitative or categorical data exist for invertebrates in this data set, this field contains only "PRESENT". (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    SEASON_ID
    Numeric identifier for the unique monthly presence and life history characteristics of each species at a given location. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    G_SOURCE
    Geographic source identifier that links records in the BIORES data table to records in the SOURCES data table. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    S_SOURCE
    Seasonality source integer identifier that links records in the BIORES data table to records in the SOURCES data table. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    ELEMENT
    Major categories of biological data (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    BIRDBirds
    FISHFish
    HABITATHabitats and plants
    INVERTInvertebrates
    M_MAMMALMarine mammals
    REPTILEReptiles and Amphibians
    T_MAMMALTerrestrial mammals

    EL_SPE
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT and SPECIES_ID. This item links records in the BIORES data table to records in the SPECIES and STATUS data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#####Where E is the first character of ELEMENT and the next five characters are SPECIES_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD' and SPECIES_ID = 1; EL_SPE = 'B00001').

    EL_SPE_SEA
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT, SPECIES_ID, and SEASON_ID. This item links records in the BIORES data table to records in the SEASONAL, BREED, and ACTIVITY data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#######Where E is the first character of ELEMENT, the next five characters are SPECIES_ID, and the last two characters are SEASON_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD', SPECIES_ID = 1 and SEASON_ID = 1; EL_SPE_SEA = 'B0000101').

    SPECIES data table
    The data table SPECIES identifies all species in the G-WIS data set. See the browse graphic for this data set for an entity-relationship diagram describing the way this table relates to other attribute tables in the G-WIS data structure. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    SPECIES_ID
    Numeric identifier for each species that is unique within each element and refers to a nationwide master ESI species list maintained at RPI and NOAA. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    NAME
    Species common name (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    GEN_SPEC
    Species scientific name (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    ELEMENT
    Major categories of biological data (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    BIRDBirds
    FISHFish
    HABITATHabitats and plants
    INVERTInvertebrates
    M_MAMMALMarine Mammals
    REPTILEReptiles and Amphibians
    T_MAMMALTerrestrial Mammals

    SUBELEMENT
    Species subgroup pertaining to elements occurring in this data layer. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    barnacleBarnacle
    bivalveBivalve
    cephalopodCephalopod
    chordateChordate
    crabCrab
    crayfishCrayfish, crawfish, etc.
    echinodermEchinoderm
    gastropodGastropod
    insectInsect
    invertGeneric invertebrate species
    lobsterLobster
    shellfishShellfish
    shrimpShrimp

    NHP
    Natural Heritage Program global conservation status rank, if used (Source: Network of Natural Heritage Programs)

    Formal codeset
    Codeset Name:NHP Global Conservation Status Rank
    Codeset Source:Natural Heritage Program

    NHP_DATE
    Publication date of source material used to determine NHP Global Conservation Status Ranks for each species, if used. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    0Not used
    Numericmmyyyy

    EL_SPE
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT and SPECIES_ID. This item links records in the SPECIES data table to records in the BIORES, SEASONAL, and STATUS data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#####Where E is the first character of ELEMENT and the next five characters are SPECIES_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD' and SPECIES_ID = 1; EL_SPE = 'B00001').

    SEASONAL data table
    The data table SEASONAL contains information on the seasonal presence of each species associated with each spatial vector object. See the browse graphic for this data set for an entity-relationship diagram describing the way this table relates to other attribute tables in the G-WIS data structure. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ELEMENT
    Major categories of biological data (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    BIRDBirds
    FISHFish
    HABITATHabitats and plants
    INVERTInvertebrates
    M_MAMMALMarine Mammal
    REPTILEReptiles and Amphibians
    T_MAMMALTerrestrial Mammals

    SPECIES_ID
    Numeric identifier for each species that is unique within each element and refers to a nationwide ESI species list maintained at RPI and NOAA. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    SEASON_ID
    Numeric identifier for the unique monthly presence and life history characteristics of each species at a given location. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    JAN
    Present in January (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in January

    FEB
    Present in February (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in February

    MAR
    Present in March (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in March

    APR
    Present in April (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in April

    MAY
    Present in May (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in May

    JUN
    Present in June (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in June

    JUL
    Present in July (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in July

    AUG
    Present in August (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in August

    SEP
    Present in September (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in September

    OCT
    Present in October (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in October

    NOV
    Present in November (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in November

    DEC
    Present in December (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    XPresent in December

    EL_SPE
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT and SPECIES_ID. This item links records in the SEASONAL data table to records in the SPECIES and STATUS data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#####Where E is the first character of ELEMENT and the next five characters are SPECIES_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD' and SPECIES_ID = 1; EL_SPE = 'B00001').

    EL_SPE_SEA
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT, SPECIES_ID, and SEASON_ID. This item links records in the SEASONAL data table to records in the ACTIVITY, BIORES, and BREED data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#######Where E is the first character of ELEMENT, the next five characters are SPECIES_ID, and the last two characters are SEASON_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD', SPECIES_ID = 1 and SEASON_ID = 1; EL_SPE_SEA = 'B0000101').

    BREED data table
    The data table BREED identifies the monthly presence of certain life-history stages or activities for each species at a given location. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    EL_SPE_SEA
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT, SPECIES_ID, and SEASON_ID. This item links records in the BREED data table to records in the BIORES, SEASONAL, and ACTIVITY data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#######Where E is the first character of ELEMENT, the next five characters are SPECIES_ID, and the last two characters are SEASON_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD', SPECIES_ID = 1 and SEASON_ID = 1; EL_SPE_SEA = 'B0000101').

    MONTH
    Two-digit calendar month. Each life history stage or activity type for a particular species can have up to 12 records to account for each month of the year. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:12

    BREED1
    Life history stage or activity type, where: if ELEMENT is "BIRD" then BREED1 = nesting; if ELEMENT is "FISH" then BREED1 = spawning; if ELEMENT is "INVERT" then BREED1 = spawning/mating; if ELEMENT is "REPTILE" then BREED1 = nesting; if ELEMENT is "M_MAMMAL" then BREED1 = mating. This attribute is not used for HABITAT or T_MAMMAL elements. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    YLife-history stage or activity present
    NLife-history stage or activity not present
    -Breed category not used for element

    BREED2
    Life history stage or activity type, where: if ELEMENT is "BIRD" then BREED2 = laying; if ELEMENT is "FISH" then BREED2 = eggs; if ELEMENT is "INVERT" then BREED2 = eggs; if ELEMENT is "REPTILE" then BREED2 = hatching; if ELEMENT is "M_MAMMAL" then BREED2 = calving. This attribute is not used for HABITAT or T_MAMMAL elements (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    YLife-history stage or activity present
    NLife-history stage or activity not present
    -Breed category not used for element

    BREED3
    Life history stage or activity type, where: if ELEMENT is "BIRD" then BREED3 = hatching; if ELEMENT is "FISH" then BREED3 = larvae; if ELEMENT is "INVERT" then BREED3 = larvae; if ELEMENT is "REPTILE" then BREED3 = internesting; if ELEMENT is "M_MAMMAL" then BREED3 = pupping. This attribute is not used for HABITAT or T_MAMMAL elements (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    YLife-history stage or activity present
    NLife-history stage or activity not present
    -Breed category not used for element

    BREED4
    Life history stage or activity type, where: if ELEMENT is "BIRD" then BREED4 = fledging; if ELEMENT is "FISH" then BREED4 = juvenile; if ELEMENT is "INVERT" then BREED4 = juvenile; if ELEMENT is "REPTILE" then BREED4 = juvenile; if ELEMENT is "M_MAMMAL" then BREED4 = molting. This attribute is not used for HABITAT or T_MAMMAL elements. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    YLife-history stage or activity present
    NLife-history stage or activity not present
    -Breed category not used for element

    BREED5
    Life history stage or activity type, where: if ELEMENT is "FISH" then BREED5 = adults; if ELEMENT is "INVERT" then BREED5 = adults; if ELEMENT is "REPTILE" then BREED5 = adults. This attribute is not used for BIRD, M_MAMMAL, HABITAT or T_MAMMAL elements. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    YLife-history stage or activity present
    NLife-history stage or activity not present
    -Breed category not used for element

    ACTIVITY data table
    The data table ACTIVITY contains a record for each month and each life-history stage or activity for all species except habitat types and terrestrial mammal species, which do not possess this information. See the browse graphic for this data set for an entity-relationship diagram describing the way this table relates to other attribute tables in the G-WIS data structure. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    EL_SPE_SEA
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT, SPECIES_ID, and SEASON_ID. This item links records in the ACTIVITY data table to records in the BIORES, BREED, and SEASONAL data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#######Where E is the first character of ELEMENT, the next five characters are SPECIES_ID, and the last two characters are SEASON_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD', SPECIES_ID = 1 and SEASON_ID = 1; EL_SPE_SEA = 'B0000101').

    MONTH
    Two-digit calendar month. Each life history stage or activity type for a particular species can have up to 12 records to account for each month of the year. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:12

    ACTIVITY_CODE
    Code identifying the type of life-history stage or activity. NOTE: In the BREED data table, the BIRD element does not have an item for adults, but in this data table adults are identified. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    1Adults
    2Calving
    3Fledging
    4Hatching
    5Internesting
    6Juvenile
    7Larvae
    8Laying
    9Mating
    10Molting
    11Nesting
    12Outmigration
    13Pupping
    14Spawning
    15Eggs
    0No life-history stage or activity used or present for this species in this location

    ACTIVITY_DESC
    Text description of the life-history stage or activity (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    ADULTS 
    CALVING 
    FLEDGING 
    HATCHING 
    INTERNESTING 
    JUVENILE 
    LARVAE 
    LAYING 
    MATING 
    MOLTING 
    NESTING 
    OUTMIGRATION 
    PUPPING 
    SPAWNING 
    EGGS 
    BlankNo life-history stage or activity used or present for this species in this location

    ABUNDANCE
    Monthly abundances for species. Although the G-WIS data structure provides for monthly abundances, concentration for invertebrates is summarized for each location and may be found in the CONC field of the BIORES data table (see above). (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    SOURCES data table
    The data table SOURCES contains the primary sources used to create the G-WIS data set. See the browse graphic for this data set for an entity-relationship diagram describing the way this table relates to other attribute tables in the G-WIS data structure. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    SOURCE_ID
    Source identifier that links records in the SOURCES data table to the items G_SOURCE, S_SOURCE, and A_SOURCE in the BIORES and SOC_DATA tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    ORIGINATOR
    Author or developer of source material or data set (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    DATE_PUB
    Date of source material, publication, or date of personal communication with expert source (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Numericmmyyyy

    TITLE
    Title of source material or data (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    DATA_FORMAT
    The format of the source material (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    PUBLICATION
    Additional citation information (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    SCALE
    Scale denominator of the source (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    integerAny integer

    TIME_PERIOD
    Date(s) of data collection source material is based upon. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Numericyyyy

    TYPE
    Sampling type (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    1Survey
    2Inferred (Typically, all expert knowledge sources are inferred.)
    0Not applicable

    SAMP_PLAT
    Sampling platform (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    SAMP_METH
    Sampling method (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    SPAT_REF_METH
    Spatial reference method (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    STATUS data table
    The data table STATUS identifies the species that are listed as either threatened or endangered by a state or federal authority. See the browse graphic for this data set for an entity-relationship diagram describing the way this table relates to other attribute tables in the G-WIS data structure. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ELEMENT
    Major categories of biological data (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    BIRDBirds
    FISHFish
    HABITATHabitats
    INVERTInvertebrates
    M_MAMMALMarine Mammal
    REPTILEReptiles and Amphibians
    T_MAMMALTerrestrial Mammals

    SPECIES_ID
    Numeric identifier for each species that is unique within each element and refers to a nationwide master ESI species list maintained at RPI and NOAA (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:N

    STATE
    Two letter state abbreviation (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Any characterFree text

    S_F
    State and Federal status. Although, the G-WIS data structure provides for both federal and state listings, there are no state listings in Louisiana. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    FFederally listed

    T_E
    Threatened and endangered status. Although, the G-WIS data structure provides for both federal and state listings, there are no state listings in Louisiana. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    EEndangered on state or federal list
    TThreatened on state of federal list

    DATE_PUB
    Publication date of source material used to assign threatened and endangered status values for each species, if used. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    Numericmmyyyy

    EL_SPE
    Concatenation of the first character of the ELEMENT and SPECIES_ID. This item links the STATUS data table to the BIORES, SPECIES, and SEASONAL data tables. (Source: Research Planning, Inc.)

    ValueDefinition
    E#####Where E is the first character of ELEMENT and the next five characters are SPECIES_ID (e.g. ELEMENT = 'BIRD' and SPECIES_ID = 1; EL_SPE = 'B00001').


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?

    This project was supported by the Minerals Management Service (MMS) 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., MS-5220, New Orleans, LA 70123-2394. Norman Froomer with MMS coordinated the larger G-WIS project and was particularly supportive during the Louisiana portion of the project. This project was coordinated by Louisiana State University (LSU), Center for Coastal, Energy and Environmental Resources (CCEER) and the Department of Geography and Anthropology, 302 Howe-Russell, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. DeWitt Braud, Dina Sa, Hampton Peele, and Lynda Wayne were key contributors to the project. The majority of natural resources data used to develop the larger LA G-WIS data set were provided by the LDWF. Jim Hanifen coordinated the LDWF effort. The following LDWF personnel (listed alphabetically) were major contributors to the LA G-WIS project: Jan Bowman, Heather Warner Finley, Robert Helm, Noel Kinler, Gary Lester, Greg Linscombe, Mike Olinde, Gary Tilyou, and Bill Vermillion. At Research Planning, Inc. (RPI), Scott Zengel was the Project Manager. Colin Plank and Miles Hayes performed the shoreline classification. Zach Nixon was the GIS Coordinator, Jon Whitlock, and Jennifer Rainman performed data processing, and Kristi Suggs prepared the final metadata. Joanne Halls and William Holton contributed to the conceptual design of the project and participated in the LA G-WIS pilot project, which preceded this final data set.

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?


Why was the data set created?

The G-WIS data are created to support environmental assessments associated with oil and gas exploration, production, and transportation activities in the Gulf of Mexico. The G-WIS data structure is closely related to the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data structure used by NOAA, USCG, and other agencies for oil spill planning and response purposes. These data therefore support the requirements of the Clean Water Act, with amendments by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, in the development of response plans for immediate and effective protection of sensitive resources. G-WIS and ESI data are also appropriate for other natural resource management and environmental assessment purposes.


How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

    None (source 1 of 2)
    LDWF, Inland Fisheries Division, Unpublished material, Inland Fisheries Summary Data for Louisiana.

    Type_of_Source_Media: Disk
    Source_Contribution:
    Major concentration areas for harvested or potentially harvested crawfish and river shrimp

    None (source 2 of 2)
    NWRC, USGS, Unpublished material, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Louisiana Habitat Data.

    Type_of_Source_Media: Disk
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000
    Source_Contribution: Coastal habitat data

  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: Jun-2001 (process 1 of 1)
    Vector polygons in this data layer represent water-bodies and habitats considered major concentration areas for harvested or potentially harvested crawfish and river shrimp. LDWF fisheries biologists delineated water-bodies with similar species assemblages and concentrations based upon expert knowledge. In some cases, such as the Atchafalaya and Pearl River Basins or the area surrounding Lake Palourde, polygons represent both water-bodies and areas of regularly flooded wetlands. The Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers were delineated as the boundary of the river itself as well as any connecting water-body that fell within a 1 km buffer of the approximate centerline of the river. The species represented here, and other freshwater invertebrates, are likely to be present in other inland freshwater habitats.

    Person who carried out this activity:

    Research Planning, Inc.
    c/o Scott Zengel - Senior Ecologist and Project Manager; Zach Nixon - Project GIS Coordinator
    Senior Ecologist, or Project GIS Coordinator
    1121 Park Street
    Columbia, SC 29201

    (803) 256-7322 (voice)
    (803) 254-6445 (FAX)
    szengel@researchplanning.com; znixon@researchplanning.com

  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?

    A multi-stage error checking process is used to verify both attribute accuracy and logical consistency throughout data production. The process includes a standardized data entry methodology, hardcopy data review by in-house and external resource experts, and a final Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) process, as well as multiple automated logical consistency checks. Quantitative data (such as densities, counts, abundances, or concentrations) provided by resource experts for inclusion in the data set may vary widely in attribute accuracy depending upon the methodology used to collect and compile such data. Contact sources listed in lineage for a more detailed evaluation of source data attribute accuracy.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    The spatial components of the biological data sets were developed from pre-existing digital sources and reflect the positional accuracy of these original data. See the lineage and process description sections for more information on the original source data and how these data was integrated or manipulated to create the final data set. Note that biological resource data by their very nature are considered "fuzzy", and this should be understood when considering the positional accuracy of vector digital objects representing these resources.

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    These data consist of the best representation of existing expert knowledge sources describing major concentration areas for harvested or potentially harvested crawfish and river shrimp in coastal Louisiana. Polygons represent areas considered highly important for these resources. These species, and other freshwater invertebrates, are likely to be present in other inland freshwater habitats. The following species are included in this data set: Red swamp crawfish, River shrimp, and White river crawfish.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    A multi-stage error checking process, described in the above attribute accuracy report is used to verify both attribute accuracy and logical consistency throughout data production. This process includes multiple automated logical consistency checks which test the files for missing or duplicate data, rules for proper coding, GIS topological consistencies (such as dangles, unnecessary nodes, etc.), and ORACLE(r) to ARC/INFO(r) consistencies.


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:
The G-WIS database was developed to provide summary information on sensitive natural and human-use resources for the purposes of oil spill planning, environmental assessment, and natural resource management. Although the G-WIS database should be a valuable planning and resource management tool, it should not be used to the exclusion of other pertinent data or information held by state or federal agencies or other organizations. Likewise, information contained in the database cannot be used in place of consultations with environmental, natural resource, and cultural resource agencies, or in place of field surveys. Also, this database and related map products should not be used for navigation. Recognize that the information contained in the G-WIS database represents known concentration areas or occurrences of natural, cultural, and human-use resources, but does not necessarily represent the full distribution or range of each species or resource. This is particularly important to recognize when considering potential impacts to protected resources, such as endangered species, wetlands, etc. For more information or guidance on proper and improper uses of these data, please contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Research Planning, Inc. Acknowledgement of the originators, publishers, contributors, and sources listed in this document would be appreciated in products derived from or utilizing these data.

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 2)

    Research Planning, Inc.
    1121 Park Street
    Columbia, South Carolina 29201
    USA

    (803) 256-7322 (voice)
    (803) 254-6445 (FAX)

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    G-WIS for Coastal Louisiana

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    Although this data has been processed successfully on a computer system at Research Planning, Inc. (RPI), no warranty, expressed of implied, is made by RPI regarding the utility of the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Research Planning, Inc. warrants the delivery of this product in computer-readable format, and will offer a replacement copy of the product when the product is determined unreadable by computer input peripherals, or when the physical medium is delivered in damaged condition.

  4. How can I download or order the data?


  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 2 of 2)

    David Gisclair
    Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office
    Technical Assistance Program (TAP) Director
    Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office
    Baton Rouge, LA 70804
    USA

    (225) 219-5800 (voice)
    (225) 219-5802 (FAX)
    dgisclair@losco.state.la.us

    Hours_of_Service: 0800-1700 CST
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    The data herein, including but not limited to geographic data, tabular data, analytical data, electronic data structures or files, are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, or statutory, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the data is assumed by the user. No guarantee of accuracy is granted, nor is any responsibility for reliance thereon assumed. In no event shall the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office (LOSCO) be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages of any kind, including, but not limited to, loss of anticipated profits or benefits arising out of use of or reliance on the data. The LOSCO does not accept liability for any damages or misrepresentation caused by inaccuracies in the data or as a result of changes to the data caused by system transfers or other transformations or conversions, nor is there responsibility assumed to maintain the data in any manner or form. These data have been developed from the best available sources. Although efforts have been made to ensure that the data are accurate and reliable, errors and variable conditions originating from physical sources used to develop the data may be reflected in the data supplied. Users must be aware of these conditions and bear responsibility for the appropriate use of the information with respect to possible errors, scale, resolution, rectification, positional accuracy, development methodology, time period, environmental and climatic conditions and other circumstances specific to these data. The user is responsible for understanding the accuracy limitations of the data provided herein. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. The user should refer to the accompanying metadata notes for a description of the data and data development procedures.

    Although these data have been processed successfully on computers at the LOSCO, no guarantee, expressed or implied, is made by LOSCO regarding the use of these data on any other system, nor does the act of distribution constitute or imply any such warranty. Distribution of these data is intended for information purposes and should not be considered authoritative for navigational, engineering, legal and other site-specific uses.

  4. How can I download or order the data?


Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: Jun-2001
Metadata author:
Research Planning, Inc.
1121 Park Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

(803) 256-7322 (voice)
(803) 254-6445 (FAX)

Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:


This page is <http://lagic.lsu.edu/metadata/data/esi_crawfish_ldwf_2001_faq.html>
LA Geographic Information Center (LAGIC)
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