Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access

Abstract:

During 2000 - 2004, 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. The conservancy then assessed various watersheds in southeastern Pennsylvania and mapped waterways lacking riparian forest buffers.  The assessment included the main stem, tributaries and small headwater streams.

Interpretation of 1" = 400' black-and-white high altitude aerial photographs, Orthophotos, and videotape from helicopter over flights were used to determine the presence or absence of a forested buffer for 1,200 miles of stream. The forest buffer conditions were classified and digitized into a Geographic Information System (GIS).

A series of large-scale (1" = 400') maps were produced showing sections of stream bank lacking forest buffers. Local conservation groups were given the maps to assist them in targeting areas for riparian buffer plantings to improve water quality.

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 1995 1"=400' aerial photography from regional planning commissions.

Process_Description:

1"=400' aerial photographs were scanned and then georeferenced to UTM, Zone 18, NAD27, Units Meters, Spheroid Clarke1866.  The GIS Technician methodically classified the forest buffer status according to the benchmarks and digitized on-screen the sections of stream bank lacking or with a partial forest buffer. Where the stream bank appeared to be lacking a forest buffer on both sides, the section was classified as lacking forest buffer on both sides. Otherwise, each side of the creek was treated separately. Small water bodies such as man-made farm ponds were not assessed. Larger water bodies, such as the shore of Lake Galena, an impoundment on the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County, were assessed.
The data has been reprojected to Pennsylvania State Plane Feet, NAD83

Process_Description:

Dataset copied.

Attribute_Definition:

Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Definition:

Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Definition:

Lacking Forest Buffer - defined as stream bank lacking 50' wide forest AND less than 50% canopy closure.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Heritage Conservancy

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 For Seven Counties In Pennsylvania (Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia)