Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access

Abstract:

During 2011 - 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), as part of the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program and Pennsylvania Stream ReLeaf, funded Heritage Conservancy to develop a rapid assessment method to identify and map sections of stream lacking riparian forest buffers. Montgomery County Planning Commission provided in-kind funding for the project as well as completing the assessment portion in Montgomery Count. Heritage Conservancy completed the assessment for the areas in Bucks County and Philadelphia County. Both organizations then mapped waterways lacking riparian forest buffers.  The assessment included the main stem, tributaries and small headwater streams.

The 1' pixel resolution 2010 aerials from DVRPC served as the basis for the riparian conditions along the waterways. The forest buffer conditions were classified and digitized into a Geographic Information System (GIS).

This dataset is an assessment of the same area completed back in 200-2004. The same methodology of creating 50 foot buffers from the edge of water to assess the tree cover in this area was used. The stream centerline is used to represent the classification of whether one side, both sides, or neither side has tree cover. In addition to the three categories from the previous assessment, the category of culvert was added to incorporate areas where there was not an opportunity for tree cover.

Purpose:

To identify stream banks within watersheds of Southeast Pennsylvania lacking riparian forest buffers

Currentness_Reference:

publication date

Use_Constraints:

The information conveyed in this data is regional in nature and is not suited for site-specific studies.  The user shall hold Heritage Conservancy harmless from any suits, claims, or action arising out of the use of this data or accompanying documentation.  In addition, data may not be sold.

Address:

85 Old Dublin Pike

Source_Contribution:

Data source is 2010 1' pixel resolution aerial imagery from DVRPC.

Process_Description:

Aerial photographs from 2010 were scanned by analysts at a fixed scale of 1"=200'. The water edges were buffered 50' and this area was assessed with the tree cover on both sides. The categories are one-side has cover, both sides have cover, neither side has cover, and culvert. The culvert classification would be for streams that do not have the opportunity to have tree cover, such as areas where the stream is piped under a road.

Process_Description:

Dataset copied.

Process_Description:

Metadata imported.

Attribute_Definition:

Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Definition:

Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Definition:

Stream Classification

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Heritage Conservancy/Montgomery County Planning Commission

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Tree cover on 1 side

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Tree cover on both sides

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Tree cover is not possible

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

No tree cover on either side

Attribute_Definition:

Length of Segment (feet)

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Definition:

Length of Segment (Miles)

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Address:

115 Land and Water Building

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.

Address:

115 Land and Water Building

Riparian Buffers in Southeast Pennsylvania