Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Shelter Locations

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Distributor 1
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:Appalachian Trail Conference and National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office

Publication_Date:20011015

Title:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Shelter Locations

Edition:First

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:vector digital data

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place:Harpers Ferry, WV

Publisher:Appalachian Trail Conference

Online_Linkage: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

Online_Linkage: https://www.pasda.psu.edu/

Description:

Abstract:

This data set represents the most current depiction of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Shelter locations. Locational information used to create this data set were obtained from both Global Positioning Systems (GPS) survey data collected between 1998-2001 and information digitized from USGS topographical maps and Appalachian Trail maps.

Purpose:

This data set was developed to provide a depiction of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in an usable and easily transferable format between parties so that it can correctly be represented on digital and printed maps; to assist staff members, agency partners, and trail-maintaining clubs with trail and land management duties; and to help local planning agencies, telecommunications companies, and other groups with planning activities, such as siting new developments that could have a substantial impact on the scenic quality of the Appalachian Trail.

Supplemental_Information:

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a footpath of approximately 2,169 miles in length that traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia. It passes through 14 states and approximately 241 jurisdictions, and links some 75 national and state parks and forests.  Virtually every mile is within easy access of a major population center and some portion of the trail is within a day's drive of 2/3rds of the U.S. population. 



The idea for an Appalachian Trail was conceived by forester Benton MacKaye in 1921. In 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conference, a private not-for-profit organization, was founded specifically to coordinate the development of the Appalachian Trail. Its mission today is to preserve, manage, and promote the Appalachian Trail. By 1937, an Appalachian Trail footpath was considered complete and open for all to enjoy. In 1968, Congress passed the National Scenic Trails Act that created a system of national scenic trails, starting with the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. 

 

Though considered part of the national park system, the Appalachian Trail has largely remained managed by the Appalachian Trail Conference. This responsibility was formally delegated by the Department of the Interior in 1984. Today, the trail and its associated lands are managed by the Appalachian Trail Conference, its 31 affiliated trail clubs, and the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office, in conjunction with several agency partners including the USDA Forest Service and numerous state park and state forest agencies.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date:19981206

Ending_Date:20020312

Currentness_Reference:

publication date

Status:

Progress:Ongoing

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency:As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate:-84.199846

East_Bounding_Coordinate:-68.995692

North_Bounding_Coordinate:45.881650

South_Bounding_Coordinate:34.617557

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:ISO19115 Topic Categories

Theme_Keyword:Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Theme_Keyword:Appalachian Trail

Theme_Keyword:National Scenic Trail

Theme_Keyword:A.T.

Theme_Keyword:AT

Theme_Keyword:A.T. GPS

Theme_Keyword:Appalachian Trail Shelters

Theme_Keyword:A.T. Shelter

Theme_Keyword:biota

Theme_Keyword:shelter

Place:

Place_Keyword:Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Place_Keyword:Appalachian Trail

Place_Keyword:A.T.

Place_Keyword:AT

Place_Keyword:ME-GA

Place_Keyword:ME

Place_Keyword:NH

Place_Keyword:VT

Place_Keyword:MA

Place_Keyword:CT

Place_Keyword:NY

Place_Keyword:NJ

Place_Keyword:PA

Place_Keyword:MD

Place_Keyword:WV

Place_Keyword:VA

Place_Keyword:TN

Place_Keyword:NC

Place_Keyword:GA

Access_Constraints:It is asked that proper citation be used on any materials (digital or printed) in which this information appears.

Use_Constraints:

Although a large portion of this data is quite accurate, the information depicted in this data set is for general reference purposes only and does not represent legal survey information. The Appalachian Trail Conference, the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office, agency partners (including other units of the National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service), and associated trail-maintaining clubs shall not be held responsible for use or misuse of this data. Please see the Distribution_Liability section for more detailed information.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person:Matthew C. Robinson

Contact_Organization:Appalachian Trail Conference

Contact_Position:GIS Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing address

Address:

P.O. Box 807

City:Harpers Ferry

State_or_Province:West Virginia

Postal_Code:25425

Country:USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone:(304) 535-6331

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:(304) 535-2667

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:mrobinson@atconf.org

Hours_of_Service:9-5 EST

Data_Set_Credit:

Appalachian Trail Conferene and National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.2.5.1450

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

All attributes associated with this data set were verified and should reflect the qualities of each portion of the data. Length (distance) information was calculated within the GIS though, so may not accurately reflect true distance values such as those calculated on the ground with a wheel or other measuring device. These values may also vary slightly throughout the data set, depending on the source data used to determine length.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

Information within this data set are considered to be logically consistent, though no formal tests were performed. Line geometry is topologically clean.

Completeness_Report:

All portions of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail are represented within this data set using the most accurate information available. This includes high accuracy Global Positioning Systems (GPS) data in some areas and digitized information from USGS topographic maps and Appalachian Trail maps in others. As more accurate and up-to-date information is collected or becomes available, it will be incorporated within, or used to update, the current data set.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Horizontal accuracy of this data set varies depending on the source data from which it was compiled. All GPS data used to create this data set were collected using Trimble GeoExplorer II, ProXL, or ProXR GPS equipment and  post-process differentially corrected. However, in some areas this included only 2D GPS data (which is generally less accurate than 3D GPS data). Though no formal tests were conducted, all portions of the data based on 3D data are assumed to meet National Mapping Standards of +/- 46.5 feet horizontal accuracy at a 95% confidence level. Portions based on 2D data, however, may exceed National Mapping Standards in some areas. All portions of the data based on GPS data are noted within the attribute information.





All digitized information used to create this data set were based on information depicted on USGS 1:24,000 topographic maps or Appalachian Trail maps, which vary in scale from 1:24,000 to 1:100,000. Generally, this information was only used as a supplement to the GPS data (e.g. in areas where no GPS data was collected or where GPS data did not reflect current conditions such as recent relocations). Though no formal tests were conducted, those portions of the data based on USGS topographic map information are assumed to be within National Mapping Standards. Those based on Appalachian Trail map information, however, may exceed National Mapping Standards in some areas. All portions of the data based on digitized information are noted within the attribute information.

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:

Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Not applicable.

Lineage:

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:Appalachian Trail Conference and National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office

Publication_Date:20011015

Title:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Centerline

Edition:First

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:vector digital data

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place:Harpers Ferry, WV

Publisher:Appalachian Trail Conference

Online_Linkage: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

Source_Scale_Denominator:1:5,000 to 1:24,000

Type_of_Source_Media:CD-ROM

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date:19981206

Ending_Date:20011015

Source_Currentness_Reference:

publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation:

ATC and NPS ATPO

Source_Contribution:

Information used in compiling this data set was collected and contributed by Dr. Vernon Vernier (1998-1999), the Green Mountain National Forest (1999), the White Mountain National Forest (1999-2001), and A.T. staff members (1998-2001).

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail Centerline data was created  from a number of sources. These include Global Positioning System (GPS) survey data collected by Dr. Vernon Vernier (1998-1999), the Green Mountain National Forest (1999), the White Mountain National Forest (1999-2001), and A.T. staff members (1998-2001) as well as some digitized information based on information depicted on USGS topographical maps and Appalachian Trail maps.




All GPS data was post-process differentially corrected either by A.T. staff members or by the party that collected the data. Next, it was populated with data source and supplier information. All GPS data used to create this data set was collected using Trimble's recommended data capture settings (e.g. maximum PDOP of 6.0 and elevation mask of 15 degrees) except the Manual 3D setting for those data collected by Dr. Vernier. Dr. Vernier used the Automatic data setting, which collects 3D GPS data when available and 2D GPS data all other times. Those portions of the data based on 3D GPS data and those based on 2D GPS data were identified and noted in the data. All GPS data were then combine to produce a seamlessly data set and attribute information (e.g. length) was updated for the entire set.




Gaps were then identified and supplemented using digital data based on information depicted on USGS 1:24,000 scale topographic maps and Appalachian Trail maps, which vary in scale from 1:24,000 to 1:100,000. Attribute information (e.g. length) was then updated for the entire set.



Data were then compared to a list of major trail relocations since 1998. Those portions of the data set that no longer accurately depicted the current trail location (e.g. the trail had been relocated since the GPS data in that area was collected) were replaced with digitized information, based on the most accurate and up-to-date information available as to the current trail location, whether that be an Appalachian Trail map (1:24,000 to 1:100,000 scale) or marked up USGS topographic maps (1:24,000 scale). Once combine with the rest of the data set, attribute information (e.g. length and data source) were updated for the entire set.




As more accurate and up-to-date information is collected or becomes available, it will be incorporated within, or used to update, the current data set.

Process_Date:19981206-20020312

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Metadata imported.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

D:\AppTrail\at_centerline.xml

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method:Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type:Entity point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count:290

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution:0.000000

Longitude_Resolution:0.000000

Geographic_Coordinate_Units:Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name:North American Datum of 1927

Ellipsoid_Name:Clarke 1866

Semi-major_Axis:6378206.400000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio:294.978698

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label:AT_ShelterLoactions

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Shape

Attribute_Definition:

Feature geometry

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:ID

Attribute_Definition:

ID

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:FID

Attribute_Definition:

Internal feature number

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:NOTES

Attribute_Definition:

Note about specific portion of the data

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:SOURCE

Attribute_Definition:

Source of data

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:TYPE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:INFO

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:NAME

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:OFFICIAL

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:NEAR_AT

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:FEE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:CAPACITY

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:ACCURACY

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:COUNTY

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:STATE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:QUAD_24K

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:QUAD_ID

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:ZONE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:SEGMENT

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:AT_LAND

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:CAMPING

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:CLUB

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:USFS_LAND

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:WAYPOINT

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:Appalachian Trail Conference

Contact_Person:Matthew C. Robinson

Contact_Position:GIS Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing address

Address:

P.O. Box 807

City:Harpers Ferry

State_or_Province:West Virginia

Postal_Code:25425

Country:USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone:(304) 535-6331

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:(304) 535-2667

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:mrobinson@atconf.org

Hours_of_Service:9-5 EST

Resource_Description:This data set was developed to support the A.T. project and the mission and goals of the Appalachian Trail Conference and the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office.

Distribution_Liability:

Although a large portion of this data is quite accurate, the information depicted in this data set is for general reference purposes only and does not represent legal survey information. The Appalachian Trail Conference, the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office, agency partners (including other units of the National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service), and associated trail-maintaining clubs shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. 



 



The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent with the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. The related graphics are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not appropriate to use the related graphics as data. 







The Appalachian Trail Conference and National Park Service give no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data be directly acquired from ATC or NPS and not indirectly through other sources that may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at both the Appalachian Trail Conference and the National Park Service, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Transfer_Size:6.484

Fees:None

Ordering_Instructions:

Refer to http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ or the contact person listed within this metadata for ordering information or instructions.

Custom_Order_Process:

Refer to http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ or the contact person listed within this metadata for ordering information or instructions.

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA)

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing address

Address:

115 Land and Water Building

City:University Park

State_or_Province:Pennsylvania

Postal_Code:16801

Country:United States

Contact_Voice_Telephone:(814) 865 - 8792

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:pasda@psu.edu

Distribution_Liability:

The USER shall indemnify, save harmless, and, if requested, defend those parties involved with the development and distribution of this data, their officers, agents, and employees from and against any suits, claims, or actions for injury, death, or property damage arising out of the use of or any defect in the FILES or any accompanying documentation. Those parties involved with the development and distribution excluded any and all implied warranties, including warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and makes no warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to the FILES or accompanying documentation, including its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. The FILES and documentation are provided "as is" and the USER assumes the entire risk as to its quality and performance. Those parties involved with the development and distribution of this data will not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the FILES or any accompanying documentation.

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date:20080414

Metadata_Review_Date:20020312

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:Appalachian Trail Conference

Contact_Person:Matthew C. Robinson

Contact_Position:GIS Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing address

Address:

P.O. Box 807

City:Harpers Ferry

State_or_Province:West Virginia

Postal_Code:25425

Country:USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone:(304) 535-6331

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:(304) 535-2667

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:mrobinson@atconf.org

Hours_of_Service:9-5 EST

Metadata_Standard_Name:FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version:FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Time_Convention:local time

Metadata_Access_Constraints:None

Metadata_Use_Constraints:

None

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage:

Profile_Name:ESRI Metadata Profile

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage:

Profile_Name:ESRI Metadata Profile