Appalachian National Scenic Trail Centerline in Pennsylvania

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

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

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:

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

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

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()

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

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