Southeast Coast Network Park Land Cover Grid and Classification GIS Files

GIS files contain a base-square grid with distance and surface analysis attributes for each cell, supporting user-defined queries. The data includes aerial imagery classified into natural and non-natural areas for parks within the Southeast Coast Network. Procedures are designed for analysis in the FRAGSTATS landscape application and adaptation for spatially-balanced sampling.

Use Cases

• Perform landscape pattern analysis in FRAGSTATS using the classified natural and non-natural area polygons.
• Conduct user-defined spatial queries on grid-cell attributes derived from distance and surface analyses.
• Adapt the base-grid shapefile as an extent and probability raster for the RRQRR Tool to draw sampling locations.
• Analyze the relationship between park subunits and variables like adjacent-land impacts using separately prepared data.

Strengths

• Data includes a structured base-square grid with multiple calculated attributes per cell for analytical flexibility.
• Land cover classification uses SECN-specific operational definitions for natural and non-natural areas.
• Methodology accommodates park subunits for areas with differing environmental impacts or characteristics.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column counts, and spatial resolution of the grid cells are not provided in the metadata.
• The classification is limited to a two-class system (natural/non-natural), which may oversimplify complex landscapes.
• Data usefulness is contingent on user proficiency with specialized tools like FRAGSTATS and GIS software.

Provenance

Source

Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

Collection Method

Derived from aerial imagery classification and grid-cell surface analysis procedures documented in NPS reference IRMA 2188654.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Parks within the Southeast Coast Network (SECN), United States.