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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

Publication date: 2018-01-10

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 2015-06-29

Geographic Coverage:

Geographic Description: CAP LTER study area
Bounding 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:
  • back: back
  • front: front
parcel_residence_type type of residence
string
parcel_social_class approximate (perceived) social class of the surrounding area
string
Enumeration:
  • rich: rich
  • upper middle: upper middle
  • upper middle class: upper middle class
  • working lower: working lower
  • working lower class: working lower class
parcel_appearance general appearance of the yard
string
Enumeration:
  • good: good
  • poor: poor
  • professionally or well maintained: professionally or well maintained
parcel_orderliness yard orderliness (placement of plants, riverbed, etc.)
string
Enumeration:
  • highly structured or designed: highly structured or designed
  • lacking order or structure: lacking order or structure
  • medium: medium
presence_of_bird_feeder presence of a bird feeder
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_water_feature presence of a water feature
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_porch_patio presence of a porch or patio
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_cats presence of a cat
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_dogs presence of a dog
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_pet_waste presence of pet waste
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_statues presence of a bird feeder
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_flagpole presence of a flag pole
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_cars_yard presence of cars in the yard
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_potted_plant presence of a potted plant(s)
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_play_equip presence of play equipment
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_lawn_ornaments presence of lawn ornament(s)
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_furniture presence of furniture (chairs, tables)
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_river_bed presence of a landscaped rock river
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_yard_topography created yard topography
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_litter presence of litter (refuse on ground)
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_veg_litter presence of vegetation litter (leaves, etc.)
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_yard_tools presence of yard tools
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_light_post presence of a light post
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_other presence of other
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_irrigation_flood indication of flood irrigation
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_irrigation_drip indication of drip irrigation
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_irrigation_hose indication of hose irrigation
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_irrigation_sprinklers indication of sprinkler irrigation
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
landscape_type landscape type
string
Enumeration:
  • mesic: mesic
  • mixed: mixed
  • patio: patio
  • xeric: xeric
amount_grass amount of yard covered by grass
string
Enumeration:
  • about half: about half
  • all or mostly grass: all or mostly grass
  • less than half: less than half
  • more than half: more than half
  • none: none
weed_quantity_mesic density of weeds in the grassy area
string
Enumeration:
  • few: few
  • infestation: infestation
  • many: many
  • medium: medium
  • no grass: no grass
  • no weeds: no weeds
weed_quantity_xeric density of weeds in the non-grassy area
string
Enumeration:
  • few: few
  • infestation: infestation
  • many: many
  • medium: medium
  • no grass: no grass
  • no weeds: no weeds
presence_of_weeds_other are there weeds in other area of the yard (e.g. flower beds, driveway, etc.)
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
parcel_pruning_trees indication of pruning trees (e.g., cut branches)
string
Enumeration:
  • no: no
  • no specimen: no specimen
  • yes: yes
parcel_pruning_shrubs indication of pruning shrubs (e.g., shaped shrubs)
string
Enumeration:
  • no: no
  • no specimen: no specimen
  • yes: yes
parcel_grass_patchiness patchiness of grass
string
Enumeration:
  • even grass: even grass
  • patches: patches
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:
  • little stress: little stress
  • moderate stress: moderate stress
  • no stress: no stress
  • severe stress: severe stress
  • some stress: some stress
lawn_quality overall lawn quality
string
Enumeration:
  • between moderately green and overall yellow: between moderately green and overall yellow
  • between monoculture and mostly monoculture: between monoculture and mostly monoculture
  • between mostly monoculture and moderately green: between mostly monoculture and moderately green
  • between overall yellow and very patchy but closer to overall yellow: between overall yellow and very patchy but closer to overall yellow
  • between overall yellow and very patchy but closer to patchy and overall brown: between overall yellow and very patchy but closer to patchy and overall brown
  • mixed species (grass & weeds), evenly distributed, overall moderately green: mixed species (grass & weeds), evenly distributed, overall moderately green
  • mixed species (grass & weeds), patchy, overall yellow yard: mixed species (grass & weeds), patchy, overall yellow yard
  • monoculture (no patches, no weeds), dense, very green grass (like golf course): monoculture (no patches, no weeds), dense, very green grass (like golf course)
  • mostly monoculture (few weeds), overall greenish-yellow yard: mostly monoculture (few weeds), overall greenish-yellow yard
  • very patchy (dead grass & weeds + bare ground) overall brown color: very patchy (dead grass & weeds + bare ground) overall brown color
presence_of_lawn_trimmed are the lawn edges trimmed?
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_recent_cut was the lawn recently mowed?
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
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:
  • FALSE: FALSE
human_footprints indication of the presence of foot prints through the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • many: many
  • none: none
  • some: some
human_bike_tracks indication of the presence of a bicycle tracks through the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
human_off_road_vehicle indication of the presence of off road vehicle activity in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
  • some: some
human_small_litter amount of small litter
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
  • some: some
human_dumped_trash_bags amount of dumped trash bags
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
human_abandoned_vehicles amount of abandoned vehicles at the site
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
human_graffiti amount of graffiti present
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
human_injured_plants amount of injured plants
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
human_informal_play amount of informal play occurring at the site
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
  • some: some
human_informal_recreation amount of informal recreation occurring at the site
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
human_informal_living amount of informal living in the parcel (homeless camps, water bottles, bonfire sites, privies)
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
human_sports_equipment amount of sports equipment used within the site
string
Enumeration:
  • none: none
  • some: some
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:
  • rich: rich
  • upper middle class: upper middle class
  • working lower class: working lower class

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:
  • no: no
  • yes: yes
appears_professional indication of professional landscaping
string
Enumeration:
  • do_not_know: do_not_know
  • no: no
  • yes: yes
appears_healthy were the plants healthy
string
Enumeration:
  • dont know: dont know
  • no: no
  • yes: yes
appears_injured presence of injury to plants
string
Enumeration:
  • do_not_know: do_not_know
  • no: no
  • yes: yes
presence_of_open_ground presence of bare soil in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_trees presence of trees in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_shrubs presence of shrubs in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_cacti_succ presence of cacti or succulents in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_lawn presence of turf in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_herbaceous_ground presence of herbaceous ground cover in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_other presence of other types of ground cover in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_hand_water indication of hand watering in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_drip_water indication of drip irrigation in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_overhead_water indication of overhead watering in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_flood_water indication of flood irrigation in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_subterranean_water indication of subterranean irrigation in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
presence_of_no_water indication of no irrigation at the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: TRUE
presence_of_pervious_irrigation indication of pervious irrigation in the parcel
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: FALSE
  • TRUE: TRUE

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:
  • natural: natural
  • rounded: rounded
vegetation_classification_code general position or application of plant in the landscape
string
Enumeration:
  • accent: accent
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:
  • columnar: columnar
  • natural: natural
  • pyramidal: pyramidal
  • rounded: rounded
  • spreading: spreading
  • upright: upright
vegetation_classification_code general position or application of plant in the landscape
string
Enumeration:
  • accent: accent
  • foundation: foundation
  • naturalized: naturalized
  • pool: pool
  • shade: shade
  • street: street
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:
  • critical: critical
  • excellent: excellent
  • fair: fair
  • good: good
  • poor: poor

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:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_social_class_rich perceived wealthy neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_social_class_upper_middle perceived upper middle class neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_social_class_working_lower perceived working lower class neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_buildings_residential residential buildings in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_buildings_commercial commercial buildings in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_buildings_institutional institutional buildings in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_buildings_industrial industrial buildings in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_residence_apartments residential apartments in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_residence_multi_family multi-family residences in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_residence_single_family single-family residences in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_irrigation_drip_trickle evidence of drip irrigation in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_irrigation_flood_hand evidence of flood irrigation or hand watering in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_irrigation_overhead_spray evidence of overhead watering in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_yard_upkeep_good upkeep of yards in neighborhood is good
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_yard_upkeep_poor upkeep of yards in neighborhood is poor
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_yard_upkeep_professionally_maintained yards in neighborhood appear professionally maintained
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_landscape_mesic mesic landscaping in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_landscape_mixed mixed (mesic, xeric) landscaping in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_landscape_xeric xeric landscaping in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_landscape_turf_present turf present in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • FALSE: metadata_not_provided
  • TRUE: metadata_not_provided
neigh_traffic_collector_street collector street(s) in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_traffic_cul_de_sac cul de sac in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_traffic_dirt_road dirt road(s) in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_traffic_freeway_expressway freeway or expressway in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_traffic_highway highway in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_traffic_major_city_road major city road(s) in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_traffic_none no road(s) in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
neigh_traffic_paved_local_street pavel local street(s) in neighborhood
string
Enumeration:
  • NA: NA
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

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