Ecological Survey of Central Arizona: a survey of key ecological indicators in parcels of residential areas in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, ongoing since 2010
Author(s):
- Dan Childers, Arizona State University
- Nancy Grimm, Arizona State University
- Sharon Hall, Arizona State University
Abstract:
The Ecological Survey of Central Arizona (ESCA) is an extensive field survey and integrated inventory designed to capture key ecological indicators of the CAP LTER study area consisting of the urbanized, suburbanized, and agricultural areas of metropolitan Phoenix, and the surrounding Sonoran desert. The survey is conducted every five years at approximately 200 sample plots (30m x 30m) that were located randomly using a tessellation-stratified dual-density sampling design. Study plots cover habitats throughout the CAP LTER study area ranging from native Sonoran desert sites to residential yards to an airport tarmac.
In 2010, the survey was expanded to include an assessment of residential parcels overlapping the survey plot at sites in residential areas. Many of the same variables that are measured in the 30m x 30m survey plot are measured in the parcel, including an inventory of perennial plants, and the biovolume of trees. In addition, a detailed assessment of characteristics of the parcel is performed.
Investigators interested in data from the broader Ecological Survey of Central Arizona that includes all survey plots should should search the data catalog for 'ecological survey of central arizona' or 'survey 200' to locate those and other data related to the CAP LTER's ESCA.
Keywords:
Temporal Coverage:
2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29Geographic Coverage:
Geographic Description: CAP LTER study areaBounding Coordinates:
Longitude:-112.783 to -111.579
Latitude:33.8267 to 33.2186
Contact:
Data Manager, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University,PO Box 875402,Tempe
caplter.data@asu.edu
Methods used in producing this dataset: Show
Data Files (10) :
Tabular: 653_parcel_characteristics_f5c0678aa01036e86cb7fb56227ac15d.csv
Description: General characteristics concerning the appearance, health, and presence of specific attributes of the parcel yard. The front and back yards of the parcel are surveyed independently.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
parcel_survey_type | indicating the yard (front or back of the residence) where the survey was conducted |
string |
Enumeration:
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parcel_residence_type | type of residence |
string | |
parcel_social_class | approximate (perceived) social class of the surrounding area |
string |
Enumeration:
|
parcel_appearance | general appearance of the yard |
string |
Enumeration:
|
parcel_orderliness | yard orderliness (placement of plants, riverbed, etc.) |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_bird_feeder | presence of a bird feeder |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_water_feature | presence of a water feature |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_porch_patio | presence of a porch or patio |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_cats | presence of a cat |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_dogs | presence of a dog |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_pet_waste | presence of pet waste |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_statues | presence of a bird feeder |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_flagpole | presence of a flag pole |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_cars_yard | presence of cars in the yard |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_potted_plant | presence of a potted plant(s) |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_play_equip | presence of play equipment |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_lawn_ornaments | presence of lawn ornament(s) |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_furniture | presence of furniture (chairs, tables) |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_river_bed | presence of a landscaped rock river |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_yard_topography | created yard topography |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_litter | presence of litter (refuse on ground) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_veg_litter | presence of vegetation litter (leaves, etc.) |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_yard_tools | presence of yard tools |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_light_post | presence of a light post |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_other | presence of other |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_irrigation_flood | indication of flood irrigation |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_irrigation_drip | indication of drip irrigation |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_irrigation_hose | indication of hose irrigation |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_irrigation_sprinklers | indication of sprinkler irrigation |
string |
Enumeration:
|
landscape_type | landscape type |
string |
Enumeration:
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amount_grass | amount of yard covered by grass |
string |
Enumeration:
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weed_quantity_mesic | density of weeds in the grassy area |
string |
Enumeration:
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weed_quantity_xeric | density of weeds in the non-grassy area |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_weeds_other | are there weeds in other area of the yard (e.g. flower beds, driveway, etc.) |
string |
Enumeration:
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parcel_pruning_trees | indication of pruning trees (e.g., cut branches) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
parcel_pruning_shrubs | indication of pruning shrubs (e.g., shaped shrubs) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
parcel_grass_patchiness | patchiness of grass |
string |
Enumeration:
|
parcel_percent_living_grass | estimated area (as percent) of living grass in grassy area of yard |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_bare | estimated area (as percent) of bare ground in grassy area of yard |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_dead | estimated area (as percent) of dead grass in grassy area of yard |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_weeds | estimated area (as percent) of weeds in grassy area of yard |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_other | estimated area (as percent) of other in grassy area of yard |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_no_stress | percent of living grass in grassy area of yard that is very green (no stress) |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_little_stress | percent of living grass in grassy area of yard that is moderately green (little stress) |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_some_stress | percent of living grass in grassy area of yard that is greenish-yellow (some stress) |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_moderate_stress | percent of living grass in grassy area of yard that is yellowish (moderate stress) |
float | dimensionless |
parcel_percent_severe_stress | percent of living grass in grassy area of yard that is brownish (severe stress) |
float | dimensionless |
lawn_health | overall lawn health and color |
string |
Enumeration:
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lawn_quality | overall lawn quality |
string |
Enumeration:
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presence_of_lawn_trimmed | are the lawn edges trimmed? |
string |
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|
presence_of_recent_cut | was the lawn recently mowed? |
string |
Enumeration:
|
parcel_grass_height | height of grass |
float | centimeter |
parcel_weed_height | height of weeds |
float | centimeter |
parcel_feature_comments | general observations or comments |
string |
Tabular: 653_human_indicators_c968d0c7398e98a9271c809cea18abd6.csv
Description: The presence of features or characteristics that are reflective of human presence or activity in the parcel yard.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
human_presence_of_path | indication of the presence of a path through the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_footprints | indication of the presence of foot prints through the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_bike_tracks | indication of the presence of a bicycle tracks through the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_off_road_vehicle | indication of the presence of off road vehicle activity in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_small_litter | amount of small litter |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_dumped_trash_bags | amount of dumped trash bags |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_abandoned_vehicles | amount of abandoned vehicles at the site |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_graffiti | amount of graffiti present |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_injured_plants | amount of injured plants |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_informal_play | amount of informal play occurring at the site |
string |
Enumeration:
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human_informal_recreation | amount of informal recreation occurring at the site |
string |
Enumeration:
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human_informal_living | amount of informal living in the parcel (homeless camps, water bottles, bonfire sites, privies) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_sports_equipment | amount of sports equipment used within the site |
string |
Enumeration:
|
human_number_cars | number of cars within a 50 m radius of the parcel |
float | number |
human_number_motorcycles | number of motorcycles within a 50 m radius of the parcel |
float | number |
human_number_bicycles | number of bicycles within a 50 m radius of the parcel |
float | number |
human_number_houses | number of houses within a 50 m radius of the parcel |
float | number |
human_number_rvs | number of recreational vehicles within a 50 m radius of the parcel |
float | number |
human_social_class | approximate (perceived) social class of the surrounding area |
string |
Enumeration:
|
Tabular: 653_landscape_irrigation_35a9d7fa8daadb5aa7fe47f5a17ac6a8.csv
Description: Characteristics reflective of the landscape type, health, and quality in the parcel yard.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
appears_maintained | landscape maintenance quality |
string |
Enumeration:
|
appears_professional | indication of professional landscaping |
string |
Enumeration:
|
appears_healthy | were the plants healthy |
string |
Enumeration:
|
appears_injured | presence of injury to plants |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_open_ground | presence of bare soil in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_trees | presence of trees in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_shrubs | presence of shrubs in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_cacti_succ | presence of cacti or succulents in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_lawn | presence of turf in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_herbaceous_ground | presence of herbaceous ground cover in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_other | presence of other types of ground cover in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_hand_water | indication of hand watering in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_drip_water | indication of drip irrigation in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_overhead_water | indication of overhead watering in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_flood_water | indication of flood irrigation in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_subterranean_water | indication of subterranean irrigation in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_no_water | indication of no irrigation at the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
presence_of_pervious_irrigation | indication of pervious irrigation in the parcel |
string |
Enumeration:
|
Tabular: 653_shrubs_cacti_succulents_253d88e8880ed53e660d47c85e4ad7b1.csv
Description: Biovolume and characteristics of shrubs and succulent plants within parcel; up to five plants of each type are surveyed.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-03-01 to 2010-06-21
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
vegetation_scientific_name | scientific name of plant |
string | |
common_name | common name of plant |
string | |
vegetation_shape_code | general shape of the plant |
string |
Enumeration:
|
vegetation_classification_code | general position or application of plant in the landscape |
string |
Enumeration:
|
height_measured | Height of the plant if measured in the field with a meter tape. The height of plants that are too tall to be measured with a meter tape must be estimated from clinometer measurements. Heights should be calculated as: height (m) = (TAN(height_degree_up)-TAN(height_degree_down)) * height_distance where height_degree_up is the angle in degrees of the top of the plant; height_degree_down is the angle in degrees of the base of the plant; and height_distance is the distance between the plant and surveyor when angles were measured. Note that some software, such as Microsoft Excel, require degrees to be in units of radians, and degree should be converted in the calculation. |
float | meter |
height_distance | distance between the plant and surveyor when angles were measured |
float | degree |
height_degree_up | angle in degrees of the top of the plant |
float | degree |
height_degree_down | angle in degrees of the base of the plant |
float | degree |
width_ns | width of the plant along the north-south axis |
float | meter |
width_ew | width of the plant along the east-west axis |
float | meter |
stem_diameter | stem diameter |
float | centimeter |
stem_height | height at which stem was measured |
float | inch |
Tabular: 653_trees_a686b035fedfd297dc90b5fe3e259aad.csv
Description: Size and characteristics of trees and Saguaros (Carnegiea gigantea) within parcels. Unlike shrubs and smaller plants where the characteristics of up to five individuals of each type are measured, characteristics of all trees and Saguaros in a parcel are assessed. As such, these data also reflect the total number of trees and Saguaros in the parcel. An exception to this is seedlings, where trees less than 1 meter in height are simply counted (and not measured); counts of these plants are available in the number_perennials data that is part of this data set.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
vegetation_scientific_name | scientific name of plant |
string | |
common_name | common name of plant |
string | |
vegetation_shape_code | general shape of the plant |
string |
Enumeration:
|
vegetation_classification_code | general position or application of plant in the landscape |
string |
Enumeration:
|
height_measured | Height of the plant if measured in the field with a meter tape. The height of plants that are too tall to be measured with a meter tape must be estimated from clinometer measurements. Heights should be calculated as: height (m) = (TAN(height_degree_up)-TAN(height_degree_down)) * height_distance where height_degree_up is the angle in degrees of the top of the plant; height_degree_down is the angle in degrees of the base of the plant; and height_distance is the distance between the plant and surveyor when angles were measured. Note that some software, such as Microsoft Excel, require degrees to be in units of radians, and degree should be converted in the calculation. |
float | meter |
height_distance | distance between the plant and surveyor when angles were measured |
float | meter |
height_degree_up | angle in degrees of the top of the plant |
float | degree |
height_degree_down | angle in degrees of the base of the plant |
float | degree |
bottom_canopy_height | hight to the bottom of the tree canopy if measured in the field with a meter tape. |
float | meter |
crown_deg_down | angle to bottom of the tree canopy if bottom canopy height was estimated using a clinometer |
float | degree |
width_ns | width of the plant along the north-south axis |
float | meter |
width_ew | width of the plant along the east-west axis |
float | meter |
stem_diameter | stem diameter |
float | centimeter |
stem_height | Height at which stem was measured. This is often reported as Diameter Breast Height (DBH; ~4.5 feet), or Diameter Ground Height (DBG; measured at the base of the trunk). If value is numeric, height is in inches. Several codes (g, b, n) were used in early years of the survey, and their meaning is unclear. |
string | |
stem_count | number of stems that contributed to stem_diameter measurement |
float | number |
missing_branches | approximate percentage of branches that missing from what would be considered a perfectly healthy tree |
float | dimensionless |
canopy_condition | general condition of the tree canopy |
string |
Enumeration:
|
Tabular: 653_number_perennials_b6eee68753731513651d5cf409e60b30.csv
Description: The number of perennial plants in the parcel, except Saguaros and mature trees, the numbers of which are available in the trees data that are part of this data set.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
vegetation_scientific_name | scientific name of plant |
string | |
common_name | common name of plant |
string | |
number_plants | number of plants of this type |
float | number |
Tabular: 653_landuse_ad137b437868606df296e98fa1c68b73.csv
Description: Estimated land use or land cover in the parcel. Parcels may consist of multiple land use or land cover types, with the approximate percentage of each estimated. Land use or land cover types/labels are adapted from land use/land cover designations employed by the Maricopa County Association of Governments.
Temporal Coverage: 2015-04-29 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
landuse_label | land use or land cover description |
string | |
landuse_percent | estimated percent of parcel covered by category |
float | dimensionless |
Tabular: 653_neighborhood_characteristics_218993658e95b51b42203d033a913211.csv
Description: General characteristics, such as those relating to perceived social class, types of buildings (if present), landscape quality and features, and traffic of the immediate area surrounding the parcel.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
neigh_social_class_poor | perceived poor neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_social_class_rich | perceived wealthy neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_social_class_upper_middle | perceived upper middle class neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_social_class_working_lower | perceived working lower class neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_buildings_residential | residential buildings in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_buildings_commercial | commercial buildings in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_buildings_institutional | institutional buildings in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_buildings_industrial | industrial buildings in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_residence_apartments | residential apartments in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_residence_multi_family | multi-family residences in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_residence_single_family | single-family residences in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_irrigation_drip_trickle | evidence of drip irrigation in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_irrigation_flood_hand | evidence of flood irrigation or hand watering in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_irrigation_overhead_spray | evidence of overhead watering in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_yard_upkeep_good | upkeep of yards in neighborhood is good |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_yard_upkeep_poor | upkeep of yards in neighborhood is poor |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_yard_upkeep_professionally_maintained | yards in neighborhood appear professionally maintained |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_landscape_mesic | mesic landscaping in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_landscape_mixed | mixed (mesic, xeric) landscaping in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_landscape_xeric | xeric landscaping in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_landscape_turf_present | turf present in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_traffic_collector_street | collector street(s) in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_traffic_cul_de_sac | cul de sac in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_traffic_dirt_road | dirt road(s) in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_traffic_freeway_expressway | freeway or expressway in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
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neigh_traffic_highway | highway in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_traffic_major_city_road | major city road(s) in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_traffic_none | no road(s) in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_traffic_paved_local_street | pavel local street(s) in neighborhood |
string |
Enumeration:
|
neigh_notes | general notes about the neighborhood |
string |
Tabular: 653_structures_5258dd2dede9da7c79272c951eb5c274.csv
Description: Type and height of any structures within the parcel.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
structure_use | type or use of structure |
string | |
height_measured | Height of the building if measured in the field with a meter tape. The height of buildings that are too tall to be measured with a meter tape must be estimated from clinometer measurements. Heights should be calculated as: height (m) = (TAN(height_degree_up)-TAN(height_degree_down)) * height_distance where height_degree_up is the angle in degrees of the top of the building; height_degree_down is the angle in degrees of the base of the building; and height_distance is the distance between the building and surveyor when angles were measured. Note that some software, such as Microsoft Excel, require degrees to be in units of radians, and degree should be converted in the calculation. |
float | meter |
height_distance | distance between the building and surveyor when angles were measured |
float | degree |
height_degree_up | angle in degrees of the top of the building |
float | degree |
height_degree_down | angle in degrees of the base of the building |
float | degree |
Tabular: 653_sampling_events_ac1700b99889c774f06f1351d765c675.csv
Description: Date of survey and general characteristics of the parcel, including the elevation, slope, a description of the plot, and a description of weather on the date of sampling.
Temporal Coverage: 2010-02-24 to 2015-06-29
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
sample_date | survey date |
date | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
site_code | location code |
string | |
elevation | survey parcel elevation |
float | meter |
slope | predominant slope of survey parcel |
float | degree |
weather_on_the_day | general description of weather on the day of sampling |
string | |
weather_recent_rain_notes | notes relating to evidence of recent rain at the parcel |
string | |
general_description | general description of the survey parcel |
string |