GIS Data Overview and Directory Structure

This CD contains over 100 spatial data sets (GIS layers). Each layer has a wealth of information. The following is an overview of how the data is structured on the CD, and how you can find pertinent information about each data set.

The data layers on this CD can be found in the data directory (the folder on this CD titled "data") at CD/content/data_and_software/data. All GIS data layers on the accompanying CD are provided as shapefiles or grids. Grids have also been converted to images for use in ArcExplorer which can load images but not grids.

A list of all of the data and a brief description of each layer can be found in the data dictionary. The data dictionary also includes the source, extent, and scale of each layer, as well as links to brief abstracts, detailed metadata, and thumbnail images for each layer.

The geographic data is categorized according to the following subjects in the data directory and dictionary:

Directory Name	Description of contents
bio	Biological information: fish distribution, bird and wildlife habitat
bounds	Copper River Collaborative study boundary and planning units
climate	Climate data such as precipitation
econ	&Economic data: mineral/resource claims and leases; recreation areas and licenses
env_qual	Environmental quality: contaminated and potential toxic sites; oil spill; general environmental threats
geomorph	Geology, soils, mineral resource areas
hydro	Hydrology: streams, glaciers, hydrologic units
infra	Infrastructure (transportation and facilities): roads, trails, mines, wells, pipelines, campgrounds, weather stations
landcov	Land cover and vegetation, including ecoregions and fires
polit	Political boundaries (cities, national parks), ownership layers and land tracts, easements, layers used in national forest planning
social	Cultural data such as native languages
terrain	Digital elevation models, mountain peaks

Each subject-oriented directory contains layers that encompass the Copper River study area in extent or are local in extent. Within each subject-oriented directory are two subdirectories, Chugach_NF (Chugach National Forest) and WRST_NP (Wrangell-St. Elias National Park), which contain layers that have been developed by the National Forest or National Park respectively and typically have geographic extents which match the National Forest or National Park.

Most of the data in this system were acquired from existing public sources, while a few were created by Ecotrust. While all data have certain spatial and thematic accuracy limitations, major suspected data errors should be brought to the attention of the creator of the data layer. Read the disclaimer before accessing any information. All data has been provided in Alaska Albers Equal Area Conic projection.

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