Level III Ecoregions of South Dakota
FGDC Metadata
DescriptionSpatialData StructureData QualityData SourceData DistributionMetadata
+ Resource Description
Citation
Information used to reference the data.
Title: Level III Ecoregions of South Dakota
Originators: US Environmental Protection Agency
Publisher: U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) - National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)
Publication place: Corvallis, OR
Publication date: 20120508 Publication time: 000000
Data type: vector digital data
Description
A characterization of the data, including its intended use and limitations.
Abstract:
Ecoregions by state were extracted from the seamless national shapefile. Ecoregions denote areas of general similarity in ecosystems and in the type, quality, and quantity of environmental resources. They are designed to serve as a spatial framework for the research, assessment, management, and monitoring of ecosystems and ecosystem components. These general purpose regions are critical for structuring and implementing ecosystem management strategies across federal agencies, state agencies, and nongovernment organizations that are responsible for different types of resources within the same geographical areas. The approach used to compile this map is based on the premise that ecological regions can be identified through the analysis of patterns of biotic and abiotic phenomena, including geology, physiography, vegetation, climate, soils, land use, wildlife, and hydrology. The relative importance of each characteristic varies from one ecological region to another. A Roman numeral hierarchical scheme has been adopted for different levels for ecological regions. Level I is the coarsest level, dividing North America into 15 ecological regions. Level II divides the continent into 50 regions (Commission for Environmental Cooperation Working Group, 1997). At Level III, the continental United States contains 105 regions whereas the conterminous United States has 85 (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). Level IV ecoregions are further subdivisions of Level III ecoregions. Methods used to define the ecoregions are explained in Omernik (1995, 2004), Omernik and others (2000), and Gallant and others (1989).

	Literature cited: 
	Commission for Environmental Cooperation Working Group, 1997, Ecological regions of North America- toward a common perspective: Montreal, Commission for Environmental Cooperation, 71 p. 

	Gallant, A. L., Whittier, T.R., Larsen, D.P., Omernik, J.M., and Hughes, R.M., 1989, Regionalization as a tool for managing environmental resources: Corvallis, Oregon, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA/600/3-89/060, 152p. 

	Omernik, J.M., 1995, Ecoregions - a framework for environmental management, in Davis, W.S. and Simon, T.P., eds., Biological assessment and criteria-tools for water resource planning and decision making: Boca Raton, Florida, Lewis Publishers, p.49-62. 

	Omernik, J.M., Chapman, S.S., Lillie, R.A., and Dumke, R.T., 2000, Ecoregions of Wisconsin: Transactions of the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, v. 88, p. 77-103. 

	Omernik, J.M., 2004, Perspectives on the nature and definitions of ecological regions: Environmental Management, v. 34, Supplement 1, p. s27-s38. 

	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2011. Level III and IV ecoregions of the continental United States. U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon, Map scale 1:3,000,000. Available online at: http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/level_iii_iv.htm.
Comments and questions regarding Ecoregions should be addressed to Glenn Griffith, USGS, c/o US EPA., 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, (541)-754-4465, email:griffith.glenn@epa.gov Alternate: James Omernik, USGS, c/o US EPA, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, (541)-754-4458, email:omernik.james@epa.gov
Purpose:
Ecoregion maps assist managers of aquatic and terrestrial resources to understand the regional patterns of the realistically attainable quality of these resources
Supplemental information:
Electronic versions of ecoregion maps and posters as well as other ecoregion resources are available at: http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions.htm. Except for the Great Lakes, waterbodies were merged with surrounding ecoregion polygons, especially along coastlines. Ecoregions were digitized at 1:250,000 scale and are intended for large geographic extents (i.e. states, multiple counties, or river basins). Use for smaller areas, such as individual counties or a 1:24,000 scale map boundary, is not recommended.
Point Of Contact
Contact information for the individual or organization that is knowledgeable about the data.
Person: Marc Weber
Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)
Position: GIS Analyst
Phone: (541) 754-4469
Email: weber.marc@epa.gov
Instructions:
http://www.epa.gov/nheerl/
Address type: mailing address
Address:
200 S.W. 35th Street
City: Corvallis
State or Province: OR
Postal code: 97333
Data Type
How the data are represented, formatted and maintained by the data producing organization.
Data type: vector digital data
Native dataset environment: Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 3; ESRI ArcGIS 10.0.3.3600
Time Period of Data
Time period(s) for which the data corresponds to the currentness reference.
Date: 20120508
Currentness reference:
Publication date
Status
The state of and maintenance information for the data.
Data status: Complete
Update frequency: As needed
Key Words
Words or phrases that summarize certain aspects of the data.
Theme:
Keywords: biota, boundaries, environment, location
Keyword thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme:
Keywords: Conservation, Ecology, Ecosystem, Environment, Land, Management, Natural Resources, Surface Water
Keyword thesaurus: EPA GIS Keyword Thesaurus
Place:
Keyword thesaurus: None
Data Access Constraints
Restrictions and legal prerequisites for accessing or using the data after access is granted.
Access constraints:
None
Use constraints:
None
Data Security Information
Handling restrictions imposed on the data because of national security, privacy or other concerns.
Security classifiction system: FIPS Pub 199
Security classification: No Confidentiality
Security handling: Standard Technical Controls
+ Spatial Reference Information
Horizontal Coordinate System
Reference system from which linear or angular quantities are measured and assigned to the position that a point occupies.
Coordinate System Details
Map projection
Map projection name: USA Contiguous Albers Equal Area Conic USGS version
Standard parallel: 29.5
Standard parallel: 45.5
Longitude of central meridian: -96.0
Latitude of projection origin: 23.0
False easting: 0.0
False northing: 0.0
Planar Coordinate Information
Planar coordinate encoding method: coordinate pair
Coordinate representation:
Abscissa resolution: 0.0000000037527980722984474
Ordinate resolution: 0.0000000037527980722984474
Planar distance units: Meter
Geodetic model
Horizontal datum name: D North American 1983
Ellipsoid name: GRS 1980
Semi-major axis: 6378137.0
Denominator of flattening ratio: 298.257222101
Spatial Domain
The geographic areal domain of the data that describes the western, eastern, northern, and southern geographic limits of data coverage.
Bounding Coordinates
In Unprojected coordinates (geographic)
BoundaryCoordinate
West-104.409274 (longitude)
East-96.432563 (longitude)
North46.18266 (latitude)
South42.235933 (latitude)
+ Data Structure and Attribute Information
Overview
Summary of the information content of the data, including other references to complete descriptions of entity types, attributes, and attribute values for the data.
Entity and attribute overview:
Ecoregions are hierarchical, with Level IV being the most detailed and Level I defining the broadest classifications.  Because of this hierarchy, Level IV features include appropriate codes and names for Levels III,  II, and I.    Likewise, Level III features contain Levels II and I, and Level II retains Level I information.  Attributes pertaining to Level IV are only available for the Conterminous United States (US_).  Level III has  attributes for the US and North America (NA_) while Levels II and I apply to only  North America.   All features are identified by State and EPA Administrative Regions, as well.   Fields ending with "KEY" combine ecoregion code and name attributes for convenient legends and are linked to style and layer files containing color definitions.
Entity and attribute detailed citation:
none
Direct spatial reference method: Vector
Attributes of sd_eco_l3.shp
Detailed descriptions of entity type, attributes, and attribute values for the data.
Description:
shapefile name
Source:
US Environmental Protection Agency
Attributes
FID
Definition:
Internal feature number.
Attribute domain range
RangeValue
Minimum0
Maximum7
Attribute definition source:
ESRI
Shape
Definition:
Feature geometry.
Attribute values: Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute definition source:
ESRI
US_L3CODE
Definition:
Code for Level III Ecoregion (US)
Attribute values: unique code
Attribute definition source:
USEPA
US_L3NAME
Definition:
Name for Level III Ecoregion (US)
Attribute values: unique name
Attribute definition source:
USEPA
NA_L3CODE
Definition:
Code for Level III Ecoregion (North America/CEC)
Attribute values: unique code
Attribute definition source:
CEC
NA_L3NAME
Definition:
Name for Level III Ecoregion (North America/CEC)
Attribute values: unique name
Attribute definition source:
CEC
NA_L2CODE
Definition:
Code for Level II Ecoregion (North America/CEC)
Attribute values: unique code
Attribute definition source:
CEC
NA_L2NAME
Definition:
Name for Level II Ecoregion (North America/CEC)
Attribute values: unique name
Attribute definition source:
CEC
NA_L1CODE
Definition:
Code for Level I Ecoregion (North America/CEC)
Attribute values: unique code
Attribute definition source:
CEC
NA_L1NAME
Definition:
Name for Level I Ecoregion (North America/CEC)
Attribute values: unique name
Attribute definition source:
CEC
STATE_NAME
Definition:
Name of State (US)
Attribute values: unique name
Attribute definition source:
ESRI
EPA_REGION
Definition:
EPA Administrative Region
Attribute domain range
RangeValue
Minimum1
Maximum10
Attribute definition source:
USEPA
L3_KEY
Definition:
US Level III Code and Name for Legend, color layer/style file
Attribute values: unique code plus name
Attribute definition source:
USEPA
L2_KEY
Definition:
NA Level II Code and Name for Legend, color layer/style file
Attribute values: unique code plus name
Attribute definition source:
USEPA
L1_KEY
Definition:
NA Level I Code and Name for Legend, color layer/style file
Attribute values: unique code plus name
Attribute definition source:
USEPA
Shape_Leng
Definition:
Length of feature
Attribute values: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute definition source:
ESRI
Shape_Area
Definition:
Area of feature in internal units squared.
Attribute values: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute definition source:
ESRI
SDTS Feature Description
Description of point and vector spatial objects in the data using the Spatial Data Transfer Standards (SDTS) terminology.
Spatial data transfer standard (SDTS) terms
Feature class
Type: GT-polygon composed of chains
Count: 8
+ Data Quality and Accuracy Information
General
Information about the fidelity of relationships, data quality and accuracy tests, omissions, selection criteria, generalization, and definitions used to derive the data.
Logical consistency report:
Although ecoregion polygons and attributes have been checked for accuracy, some errors may remain. Polygons along state borders were reviewed and updated, May 2010.  ARC/INFO software is used to create and maintain topological relationships.
Completeness report:
Unknown
Positional Accuracy
Accuracy of the positional aspects of the data.
Horizontal accuracy report:
Data were collected using methods that have unknown accuracy (EPA National Geospatial Data Policy [NGDP] Accuracy Tier 10). For more information, please see EPA's NGDP at http://epa.gov/geospatial/policies.html
+ Data Source and Process Information
Process Steps
Information about events, parameters, tolerances and techniques applied to construct or derive the data.
Process step information
Process Step 1
Process description:
1) U.S.G.S. 1:250,000 topographic maps are used to delineate the ecoregions. The lines drawn are manually digitized or scanned to produce georeferenced electronic files.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 2
Process description:
2) All base maps are joined together and errors along the edges are resolved.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 3
Process description:
3) Topology is established and the maps are reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and conformity with the original lines. Corrections are made as needed and topology regenerated.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 4
Process description:
4) Attributes are added.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 5
Process description:
5) Maps are plotted for visual inspection by two individuals and necessary changes made.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 6
Process description:
6) Ecoregions from all available states are merged and dissolved to identify and correct inconsistencies.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 7
Process description:
7) Polygons of the corrected seamless ecoregion features are extended beyond the coastal borders.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 8
Process description:
8) State and Ecoregion datasets are intersected.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 9
Process description:
9) Topology errors removed.
Process date: 2011
Process Step 10
Process description:
10) Final QA
Process date: 2011
Process Step 11
Process description:
11) Select State from national geodatabase
Process date: 2011
Process Step 12
Process description:
12) metadata
Process date: 2012
+ Data Distribution Information
General
Description of the data known by the party from whom the data may be obtained, liability of party distributing data, and technical capabilities required to use the data.
Resource description:
Downloadable Data
Distribution liability:
Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the Environmental Protection Agency, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data to evaluate data set limitations, restrictions or intended use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.
Distribution Point of Contact
Contact information for the individual or organization distributing the data.
Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)
Person: Marc Weber
Position: GIS Analyst
Phone: (541) 754-4469
Email: weber.marc@epa.gov
Instructions:
http://www.epa.gov/nheerl/
Address type: mailing address
Address:
200 S.W. 35th Street
City: Corvallis
State or Province: OR
Postal code: 97333
+ Metadata Reference
Metadata Date
Dates associated with creating, updating and reviewing the metadata.
Last updated: 20120426
Future metadata review date: 20160426
Metadata Point of Contact
Contact information for the individual or organization responsible for the metadata information.
Person: Marc Weber
Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)
Position: GIS Analyst
Phone: (541) 754-4469
Email: weber.marc@epa.gov
Instructions:
http://www.epa.gov/nheerl/
Address type: mailing address
Address:
200 S.W. 35th Street
City: Corvallis
State or Province: OR
Postal code: 97333
Metadata Standards
Description of the metadata standard used to document the data and reference to any additional extended profiles to the standard used by the metadata producer.
Standard name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Standard version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Time convention: local time
FGDC Plus Metadata Stylesheet
Stylesheet: FGDC Plus Stylesheet
File name: FGDC Plus.xsl
Version: 2.3
Description: This metadata is displayed using the FGDC Plus Stylesheet, which is an XSL template that can be used with ArcGIS software to display metadata. It displays metadata elements defined in the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) - aka FGDC Standard, the ESRI Profile of CSDGM, the Biological Data Profile of CSDGM, and the Shoreline Data Profile of CSDGM. CSDGM is the US Federal Metadata standard. The Federal Geographic Data Committee originally adopted the CSDGM in 1994 and revised it in 1998. According to Executive Order 12096 all Federal agencies are ordered to use this standard to document geospatial data created as of January, 1995. The standard is often referred to as the FGDC Metadata Standard and has been implemented beyond the federal level with State and local governments adopting the metadata standard as well. The Biological Data Profile broadens the application of the CSDGM so that it is more easily applied to biological data that are not explicitly geographic (laboratory results, field notes, specimen collections, research reports) but can be associated with a geographic location. Includes taxonomical vocabulary. The Shoreline Data Profile addresses variability in the definition and mapping of shorelines by providing a standardized set of terms and data elements required to support metadata for shoreline and coastal data sets. The FGDC Plus Stylesheet includes the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set. It supports W3C DOM compatible browsers such as IE7, IE6, Netscape 7, and Mozilla Firefox. It is in the public domain and may be freely used, modified, and redistributed. It is provided "AS-IS" without warranty or technical support.
Instructions: On the top of the page, click on the title of the dataset to toggle opening and closing of all metadata content sections or click section links listed horizontally below the title to open individual sections. Click on a section name (e.g. Description) to open and close section content. Within a section, click on a item name (Status, Key Words, etc.) to open and close individual content items. By default, the Citation information within the Description section is always open for display.
Download: FGDC Plus Stylesheet is available from the ArcScripts downloads at www.esri.com.