Full document / COSOC-W-86-002 - the National Sea Grant Library

Brid Sampling- The Operational Phase
Grid sampling ol available NWI maps began on June 17,1986. Fifteen habitat types are
now sampled from each map when they are present. The wetlands team also met with
representatives from USGS and NMFS and determined that the sampling design Is
adequate for the numberol wetland categories sampled. A data base management system
has been developed to record map information such as name, location, scale, and
availability in order to efficiently monitor and document the progress. Software has also
been developed to reproduce grid sampled data In map form on a color monitor and color
printer. Up to six different 1:24,000 scale maps of grid sampled wetland data can be
simultaneously displayed illustrating the general distribution ol habitat types. Hard copies
can be obtained using a color Ink-Jet printer. Additional software has been developed to
aggregate grid sampled data by state, county, and hydrobglc unit as well as by EDA. A
quality control procedure has been Implemented to minimize the types of errors Inherent
in this technique.
The first product from this work will describe Ihe general distribution and areal extent of
coastal wetlands in the Northeast (ME-CT) and should be available by the spring of 1987.
Reports to followwill Include the Mid-Atlantic (NY- VA). Southeast (NC-FL). Gufl ol Mexico
(FL-TX), and the West Coast (CA-WA). NOAA expects to complete this work by the end ol
1988.
Contusion
Recognizing lhat coastal wetlands are an Important national resource, NOAA has
endeavored to develop the first comprehensive national coastal wellands data base.
Grid sampling offers an Inexpensive and relatively simple method for estimating
the areal extent of wetlands from NWI maps at a level of aggregation suitable for
national assessemenl. Development of these data would not be possible without the
significant contribution made by the FWS In mapping coastal wetlands. Products
Irom this project will complement the FWS work and provide a useful
management tool for coastal resource managers at all levels of govemmenl.
particularly those Federal agencies with responsibilities lor wetlands
management and conservation (e.g. FWS, EPA, and COE). Baseline data for the
Nation's coastal wetlands will be a significant addition to our understanding of
these systems and should Improve our ability to manage them effectively. These
data will eventually be integrated into NOAA's NEI framework to establish a
national eslaurine assessment capability.
References
Aloxartder. C.E., M.A. Broutman, and D.W. Field. 1S86. An invontory ol coastal
wetlands of the USA. Strategic Assessment Branch, Rodwilte, Md., National Oceanic
and Atmosphoric Administration, 25 p. (mlmoo).
Bonner, G.M. 1975. The error ol area ostlmates from dot grids. Canadian Journal of
Forest Research. (5)10.
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