Appalachian National Scenic Trail Centerline in Pennsylvania


Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator:Appalachian Trail Conference
Publication_Date:200304
Title:
Appalachian National Scenic Trail Centerline in Pennsylvania
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:vector digital data
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place:Harrisburg, PA
Publisher:Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Online_Linkage: https://www.pasda.psu.edu/
Online_Linkage: https://www.appalachiantrail.org/
Description:
Abstract:
This data set represents the most current depiction of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail centerline for the portion of the trail passing through Pennsylvania. 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:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date:unknown
Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Status:
Progress:Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency:As needed
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -84.199830
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -68.921782
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 45.904373
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 34.626563
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:ISO 19115 Topic Categories
Theme_Keyword:Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Theme_Keyword:Appalachian Trail
Theme_Keyword:National Scenic Trail
Theme_Keyword:AT
Theme_Keyword:Appalachian Trail Centerline
Theme_Keyword:society
Theme_Keyword:trails
Theme_Keyword:recreation
Place:
Place_Keyword:Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Place_Keyword:Appalachian Trail
Place_Keyword:Pennsylvania
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_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization:Appalachian Trail Conference
Contact_Address:
Address_Type:mailing and physical address
Address:
799 Washington Street
Address:
P.O. Box 807 
City:Harpers Ferry
State_or_Province:West Virginia
Postal_Code:25425-0807
Country:United States
Contact_Voice_Telephone:(304) 535-6331
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:(304) 535-2667
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:info@appalachiantrail.org
Data_Set_Credit:
Appalachian Trail Conference and National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office
Native_Data_Set_Environment:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.0 (Build 2195) Service Pack 3; ESRI ArcCatalog 8.2.0.700
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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).
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:5000
Type_of_Source_Media:CD-ROM
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date:19981206
Ending_Date:20020312
Source_Currentness_Reference:
ground condition
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
AT_apptrail
Source_Contribution:
Position and attribute information
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:
AT_apptrail data was imported to DCNR systems.  Portions for Pennsylvania clipped out and reprojected.
Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:
AT_apptrail
Process_Date:2003
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Metadata imported.
Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:
\\Orser52\allweb\pasda\documents\metadata\dcnr\dcnr_apptrail_2003.xml
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Dataset copied.
Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:
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Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method:Vector
Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:
SDTS_Terms_Description:
SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type:String
Point_and_Vector_Object_Count:4549
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Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Geographic:
Latitude_Resolution:0.000010
Longitude_Resolution:0.000010
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
Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Altitude_System_Definition:
Altitude_Resolution:1.000000
Altitude_Encoding_Method:Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
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Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: at_centerline
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: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:LENGTH
Attribute_Definition:
GIS Length in Feet
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:LENGTH_M
Attribute_Definition:
GIS Length in Meters
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:LENGTH_MI
Attribute_Definition:
GIS Length in Miles
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:SUPPLIER
Attribute_Definition:
Supplier of data
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:TRAIL_CLUB
Attribute_Definition:
Trail Maintaining Club responsible for a specific section of trail
Attribute_Definition_Source:
ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label:SHAPE..Length()
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Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization:Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA)
Contact_Address:
Address_Type:mailing address
Address:
Land and Water Building
City:University Park
State_or_Province:PA
Postal_Code:16802
Country:USA
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:pasda@psu.edu
Resource_Description:Downloadable Data
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.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name:Shape file
File_Decompression_Technique:zip compression
Transfer_Size:6.484
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Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date:20020312
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization:Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA)
Contact_Position:Metadata Coordinator
Contact_Address:
Address_Type:mailing address
Address:
115 Land and Water Building
City:University Park
State_or_Province:PA
Postal_Code:16802
Country:USA
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:pasda@psu.edu
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
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