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At least 811 records · Page 45Linked to original sources
USGS2023

The 3D Elevation Program—Supporting Arkansas's economy

Introduction In recent years, Arkansas has coordinated with Federal and local partners to improve the quality and availability of high-resolution elevation data for the State. With high-quality elevation data, Arkansas can improve services offered to the public and within government, resulting in better quality of life, improved public safety, and higher return on investments. Elevation data are beneficial in numerous business activities, including agriculture and precision farming, flood risk management, geologic resource assessment and hazard mitigation, infrastructure and construction management, urban and regional planning, and natural resources conservation. Critical applications that meet the State’s management needs depend on light detection and ranging (lidar) data that provide a highly detailed three-dimensional (3D) model of the Earth’s surface and aboveground features. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey in partnership with Federal, State, Tribal, U.S. territorial, and local agencies to acquire consistent lidar coverage at quality level 2 or better to meet the many needs of the Nation and Arkansas. This fact sheet shows the status of available and in-progress 3DEP baseline lidar data in Arkansas.

Arkansas↗
USGS2024

Streamflow characterization and hydromodification, Indian and Kill Creek Basins, Johnson County, Kansas, 1985–2018

Urban stream restoration requires a quantitative understanding of hydromodification to provide a scientific basis for establishing, prioritizing, and monitoring stream quality improvement goals. A study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Johnson County Urban stream restoration benefits from a quantitative understanding of hydromodification to provide a scientific basis for establishing, prioritizing, and monitoring stream quality improvement goals. A study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program, began in 2017 to assess streamflow conditions at U.S. Geological Survey streamgages along Indian and Kill Creeks in Johnson County, Kansas. These streams represent the most urban (Indian Creek) and least urban (Kill Creek) drainage basins in the county. The assessment used 40 streamflow indicators to characterize streamflow conditions for both streams and quantify the degree of hydromodification for Indian Creek. The 40 streamflow indicators consisted of 35 commonly used indicators for characterizing streamflow, 2 less common seasonality indicators, and 3 other indicators based on duration curves, runoff hydrographs, and streamflow percentile classes. The indicators represented five key components of the natural streamflow regime: magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change. As part of the study, indicators were evaluated as to general utility for characterizing streamflow conditions, quantifying hydromodification, and assessing the effectiveness of implemented management practices intended to restore urban streams. Results identifying indicators that serve these purposes could be applied more generally to other streams in Johnson County to assess hydromodification and potential restoration opportunities. Although the same set of streamflow indicators may not apply to other regions, methods and results presented in this report provide guidance, techniques, and perspective for future related or similar studies elsewhere, particularly those designed to quantify hydromodification of urban streams and monitor the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Compared to Kill Creek, which, for the purposes of this study, was considered representative of a least disturbed rural reference condition, Indian Creek hydrology was determined to be substantially modified because of urbanization. Of the 35 streamflow indicators evaluated, 19 indicated a generally consistent and substantial difference between the 2 streams. Hydromodification of Indian Creek was characterized by larger annual mean and monthly mean streamflows (and, thus, larger streamflow volumes), larger low streamflows of shorter duration, larger high streamflows with increased frequency and shorter duration, faster rise and fall rates, and decreased seasonality of high and low streamflows. For the two seasonality indicators, seasonality of high and low streamflows decreased. Duration curves, runoff event hydrographs, and streamflow percentile classes also indicated differences between the two streams for specific ranges of streamflow. Indicators that were useful in identifying generally consistent and substantial differences between the two streams, and therefore demonstrating they collectively or individually may be indicators of hydromodification, included annual median and mean flows; monthly mean flows for February, July, August, September, October, November, and December; all the minimum mean flow indictors (1-day, 3-day, 7-day, 30-day, and 90-day); annual number and mean magnitude of peak flows; some of the flow pulse indicators; and rise and fall rates. Indicators determined to be marginally useful or not useful for identifying consistent and substantial streamflow differences between streams included the flashiness indicators Richards-Baker flashiness index and the fraction of the year the daily mean flow is greater than the annual mean flow, which was not expected. Municipalities are challenged by the need to restore stream quality in urbanized areas where options are limited because of existing development. Understanding hydromodification effects and implications for stream quality can help managers plan urban development that minimizes degradation of stream quality and provides insights for implementing effective management practices. Streamflow indicators identified in this report can be used to guide urban stream restoration. In particular, the most useful indicators could form the basis of numeric criteria for restoration goals aimed at achieving or progressing toward more natural streamflow conditions—and, by extension, more healthy ecosystems—by characterizing flow conditions, quantifying hydromodification, establishing stream-restoration goals, and monitoring progress toward achieving those goals as management practices are implemented.

Kansas↗
USGS1927

The brown iron ores of west-middle Tennessee

A study of the brown iron ore deposits of west-middle Tennessee has been carried on recently under a cooperative agreement between the Tennessee State Geological Survey and the United States Geological Survey. A detailed report on the subject was submitted in the spring of 1925 to the State Survey for publication as a bulletin, and the writing of the present report was completed in March, 1926. The field work was done mainly between October 22 and November 2, 1921, and April 26 and July 18, 1923; but in October, 1924, a visit was made to the mine at Napier. The writer was assisted in the field in 1921 by. R. W. Smith, assistant geologist, and in 1923 by C. C. Anderson, topographer, both of the Tennessee Survey. Mr. Wilbur A. Nelson, State geologist at the time the work was in progress, visited several mines with the writer and on these occasions as well as many times during the preparation of the report rendered helpful suggestions and guidance. Mr. H. D. Miser, of the United States Geological Survey, State geologist from September 1, 1925, to July 1, 1926, who is especially familiar with the southern part of this area, also cooperated heartily in the preparation of this report; and Mr. H. W. Davis, of the United States Bureau of Mines, compiled the statistical data on iron ore and pig iron. To all these gentlemen the writer desires to express his appreciation. Acknowledgments are also due to the officials and employees of the iron mining and manufacturing companies and to people living in the vicinity of inactive mining properties for their courteous attention and for the large amount of information furnished. In the present paper the general features of the region and of the iron-ore deposits are delineated, but only a few typical ore deposits in each county are described, as the State bulletin will contain detailed descriptions of all properties.

Tennessee↗
USGS2026

Strategic approach for bird restoration evaluation - FY 2025 annual report

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill (hereafter “ spill ”) resulted in an estimated loss of 56,141–102,399 birds across 93 species along the U.S. Gulf of America coast. Injured species included those that nest locally along the northern Gulf of America coast as well as species that nest hundreds or thousands of kilometers outside of the region. The breadth of injury and the expansive geographic distribution of birds affected by the spill necessitated implementation of numerous and diverse projects designed to restore the injury of all affected bird species. As of September 2025, the Trustees, who are authorized to act on behalf of the public to restore injuries caused by the spill , have approved 39 projects, amounting to >60% of the total funds specifically allocated for bird restoration (i.e., Bird Restoration Type funding). Strategic allocation of remaining Bird Restoration Type funding is necessary to ensure that restoration of all injured bird species is achieved. An essential component of planning for future restoration is understanding the progress made from restoration actions conducted to date. The purpose of this project is to develop a plan that assesses the current restoration progress for each of the 93 injured species based on available data. The restoration assessment plan will be derived from a data gap analysis that identifies species for which data may be insufficient to assess restoration progress. This project will also allow Trustees to review and update the indicators of restoration success developed for injured bird species (e.g., population counts, reproduction metrics) that are used to evaluate restoration progress.

Annual Report↗
USGS2010

An introduction to the practical and ethical perspectives on the need to advance and standardize the intracoelomic surgical implantation of electronic tags in fish

The intracoelomic surgical implantation of electronic tags (including radio and acoustic telemetry transmitters, passive integrated transponders and archival biologgers) is frequently used for conducting studies on fish. Electronic tagging studies provide information on the spatial ecology, behavior and survival of fish in marine and freshwater systems. However, any surgical procedure, particularly one where a laparotomy is performed and the coelomic cavity is opened, has the potential to alter the survival, behavior or condition of the animal which can impair welfare and introduce bias. Given that management, regulatory and conservation decisions are based on the assumption that fish implanted with electronic tags have similar fates and behavior relative to untagged conspecifics, it is critical to ensure that best surgical practices are being used. Also, the current lack of standardized surgical procedures and reporting of specific methodological details precludes cross-study and cross-year analyses which would further progress the field of fisheries science. This compilation of papers seeks to identify the best practices for the entire intracoelomic tagging procedure including pre- and post-operative care, anesthesia, wound closure, and use of antibiotics. Although there is a particular focus on salmonid smolts given the large body of literature available on that group, other life-stages and species of fish are discussed where there is sufficient knowledge. Additional papers explore the role of the veterinarian in fish surgeries, the need for minimal standards in the training of fish surgeons, providing a call for more complete and transparent procedures, and identifying trends in procedures and research needs. Collectively, this body of knowledge should help to improve data quality (including comparability and repeatability), enhance management and conservation strategies, and maintain the welfare status of tagged fish.

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries↗
USGS1972

Records of water-level measurements in wells in the Oklahoma panhandle, 1966-70

Investigations of the ground-water resources of the Oklahoma panhandle by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board includes collection of water-level records; the systematic collection of these records began in 1937. Records of many shallow wells were compiled in 1937 and periodic measurements were made in a few wells until 1966. Owing to the heavy development of irrigation during the 1960's (fig. 1) an expanded network of observation wells established in Texas County in 1966 and in Beaver and Cimarron Counties in 1967; measurement of water levels have been made on an annual basis since those times. This report contains water-level records for the period 1966-70 in Texas County, and for the period 1967-70 in Beaver and Cimarron Counties. At the present time (1971) the annual observation-well network includes 528 wells, of which 98 are in Beaver County, 211 are in Cimarron County, and 219 are in Texas County. These data provide an index to available ground-water supplies; they will be useful in planning and studying water resources development; and they will serve as a framework of data for the detailed hydrologic investigation now in progress in the panhandle. (available as photostat copy only)

Open-File Report↗
USGS2023

Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment — Sagebrush and sage-grouse topic, 2015–20

Loss and degradation of sagebrush rangelands due to an accelerated invasive annual grass-wildfire cycle and other stressors are significant management, conservation, and economic issues in the western United States. These sagebrush rangelands comprise a unique biome spanning 11 states, support over 350 wildlife species, and provide important ecosystem services that include stabilizing the economies of western communities. Impacts to sagebrush ecosystem processes over large areas due to the annual grass-wildfire cycle necessitated the development of a coordinated, science-based strategy for improving efforts to achieve long-term protection, conservation, and restoration of sagebrush rangelands, which was framed in 2015 under the Integrated Rangeland Fire Management Strategy (IRFMS). Central to this effort was the development of an Actionable Science Plan (Plan) that identified 37 priority science needs (Needs) for informing the actions proposed under the 5 topics (Fire, Invasives, Restoration, Sagebrush and Sage-Grouse, Climate and Weather) that were part of the collective focus of the IRFMS. Notable keys to this effort were identification of the Needs co-produced by managers and researchers, and a focus on resulting science being “actionable.” Substantial investments aimed at fulfilling the Needs identified in the Plan have been made since its release in 2016. While the state of the science has advanced considerably, the extent to which knowledge gaps remain relative to identified Needs is relatively unknown. Moreover, new Needs have likely emerged since the original strategy as results from actionable science reveal new questions and possible (yet untested) solutions. A quantifiable assessment of the progress made on the original science Needs can identify unresolved gaps and new information that can help inform prioritization of future research efforts. This report details a systematic literature review that evaluated how well peer-reviewed journal articles and formal technical reports published between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, addressed nine needs (hereinafter, “Needs”) identified under the Sagebrush and Sage-Grouse topic in the Plan. The topic outlined research Needs broadly focused on understanding sagebrush rangelands and population dynamics important for the conservation and management of sage-grouse and other sagebrush-reliant wildlife species. We established the level of progress towards addressing each Need following a standardized set of criteria, and developed summaries detailing how research objectives nested within Needs identified in the Plan (‘Next Steps’) were either addressed well, partially addressed or remain outstanding (in other words, addressed poorly) in the literature through 2020. Our searches resulted in the inclusion of 333 science products that at least partially addressed a Need identified in the Sagebrush and Sage-Grouse topic. The Needs that were well and partially addressed included: development of biome-wide mapping techniques that provide regularly updated grassland and shrubland vegetation layers (Need 4); generation of spatially explicit greater sage-grouse habitat suitability and population models (Need 5); identification of greater sage-grouse seasonal habitats (Need 6); identification of thresholds for the extent of threats, especially conifer expansion, above which greater sage-grouse and other sagebrush-obligate species cannot persist (Need 8); and studies of sagebrush community dynamics as those relate to management and restoration of sagebrush rangelands (Need 9). Needs addressed poorly included: investigations of factors conducive and restrictive to greater sage-grouse movement patterns and population connectivity (Need 1); investigations of livestock and other large ungulate (for example, feral horse) grazing effects on greater sage-grouse populations and habitats (Need 2); identification of thresholds of disturbance (especially renewable energy developments) below which greater sage-grouse and other sagebrush reliant species are not impacted (Need 3); and studies of habitat relationships for sagebrush-reliant species other than greater sage-grouse, songbirds, and small mammals (Need 7). The information provided in this assessment will assist updating the Plan along with other science strategies.

western United States↗
USGS1977

Interpretation of discordant 40Ar/39Ar age-spectra of mesozoic tholeiites from Antarctica

Conventional K-Ar ages of tholeiitic basalts of the Ferrar Group in the central Transantarctic Mountains indicate significant loss of radiogenic 40 Ar from this unit over much of its outcrop area. Argon loss varies inversely with amount of devitrified matrix in the basalts, which have not been thermally or tectonically disturbed since extrusion. 40 Ar/ 19 Ar age-spectra of these tholeiites are generally discordant and indicate significant inhomogeneity in the distribution of radiogenic 40 Ar with respect to 39 Ar, but are distinctly different from release patterns of thermally disturbed samples. Amounts of argon redistribution vary directly with amounts of devitrification and are reflected in progressive modification of the age spectra. A model of redistribution of radiogenic 40 Ar by devitrification of originally glassy matrix is suggested that is consistent with disturbance of the conventional K-Ar systematics as well as the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age-spectra. Samples with substantial redistribution but minor loss of radiogenic argon yield age spectra whose apparent ages decrease from low-temperature to high-temperature steps, similar to those reported for some lunar basalts, breccias, and soils. Modification of all the age spectra is attributed to redistribution of radiogenic 40 Ar during progressive devitrification, although 39 Ar-recoil effects suggested by Turner and Cadogan (1974) may be a factor in some cases. Where devitrification involves most potassium sites within the basalt, 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age-plateaux may be formed that have no geologic significance.

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta↗
USGS2017

Final data report for factors controlling DDE dechlorination rates on the Palos Verdes Shelf: A field and laboratory investigation

This data report provides a compilation of information developed over the last 6+ years by a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional research team. The overall goal of this work has been to identify the biological, chemical, and physical factors that control rates of reductive dechlorination of DDE and DDMU in sediments of the Palos Verdes Shelf (PVS). More specific questions and objectives are delineated in the Scope of Work (section 12.1., Appendix 1). The study was composed of two parts: 1) field characterization studies, and 2) laboratory microcosm experiments. The goal of the field characterization studies was to define the conditions under which reductive dechlorination of DDE (and DDMU) is occurring in PVS sediments. This involved two separate cruises (2009, 2010) during which sediment cores, bottom water and other real-time field measurements (e.g., conductivity, temperature, depth of the water column) were acquired. The sediment cores were distributed among research team members for detailed chemical (R. Eganhouse, B. Orem, M. Reinhard), microbiological (A. Spormann), and physical (B. Edwards) analysis as well as for laboratory microcosm experiments (M. Reinhard). A team of collaborating USGS scientists generously contributed valuable information pertaining to geochronology (P. Swarzenski), the character of sedimentary geosorbent phases (P. Hackley), mineralogy (D. Webster), and grain-size characteristics (C. Sherwood) of PVS sediment samples. Together, this information will serve as framework for a conceptual model of natural degradation processes in the DDT-contaminated sediments on the PVS. These findings will enable the USEPA to gain a better understanding of the controls on reductive dechlorination and how dechlorination rates vary spatially and temporally. This, in turn, should facilitate decision making concerning the progress of natural attenuation and when monitoring at the site can be terminated. Toward that end, a brief Synthesis Report, summarizing and interpreting the acquired data, is being prepared and will be released in the coming year.

Palos Verdes Shelf↗
USGS2023

Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment—Fire topic, 2015–20

Loss and degradation of sagebrush rangelands due to an accelerated invasive annual grass-wildfire cycle and other stressors are significant management, conservation, and economic issues in the western United States. These sagebrush rangelands comprise a unique biome spanning 11 states, support over 350 wildlife species, and provide important ecosystem services that include stabilizing the economies of western communities. Impacts to sagebrush ecosystem processes over large areas due to the annual grass-wildfire cycle necessitated the development of a coordinated, science-based strategy for improving efforts to achieve long-term protection, conservation, and restoration of sagebrush rangelands, which was framed in 2015 under the Integrated Rangeland Fire Management Strategy (IRFMS). Central to this effort was the development of an Actionable Science Plan (Plan) that identified 37 priority science needs (Needs) for informing the actions proposed under the 5 topics (Fire, Invasives, Restoration, Sagebrush and Sage-Grouse, Climate and Weather) that were part of the collective focus of the IRFMS. Notable keys to this effort were identification of the Needs co-produced by managers and researchers, and a focus on resulting science being “actionable.” Substantial investments aimed at fulfilling the Needs identified in the Plan have been made since its release in 2016. While the state of the science has advanced considerably, the extent to which knowledge gaps remain relative to identified Needs is relatively unknown. Moreover, new Needs have likely emerged since the original strategy as results from actionable science reveal new questions and possible (yet untested) solutions. A quantifiable assessment of the progress made on the original science Needs can identify unresolved gaps and new information that can help inform prioritization of future research efforts. This report details a systematic literature review that evaluated how well peer-reviewed journal articles and formal technical reports published between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, addressed eight needs (hereinafter known as “Needs”) identified under the Fire topic in the Plan, defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in vegetation or natural fuels, including wildfires and prescribed fires. The topic outlined research Needs broadly focused on understanding the mechanisms and management of threats posed to the maintenance of large, contiguous sagebrush rangelands by fire. We established the level of progress towards addressing each Need following a standardized set of criteria, and developed summaries detailing how research objectives nested within Needs identified in the Plan (‘Next Steps’) were either addressed well, partially addressed or remain outstanding (in other words., addressed poorly) in the literature through 2020. Our searches resulted in the inclusion of 156 science products that at least partially addressed a Need identified in the Fire topic. The Needs that were well and partially addressed included: studies of relationships between fire and the sagebrush ecosystem (Need 1) investigations of the responses of sage-grouse to burned area characteristics (Need 2); spatial modeling of fire risk (Need 3); studies of the effects of fuels management treatments (Need 4); sagebrush reduction treatments on multiple characteristics of the sagebrush ecosystem (Need 6); and assessments of the role of fire in maintaining healthy sagebrush communities (Need 7). Needs addressed poorly included: assessments of the effects of fuel breaks on sage-grouse (Need 5); and investigations of characteristics associated with the effectiveness of fuel breaks (Need 8). The information provided in this assessment will assist updating the Plan along with other science strategies.

western United States↗
USGS2015

Factors controlling Li concentration and isotopic composition in formation waters and host rocks of Marcellus Shale, Appalachian Basin

In this study, water and whole rock samples from hydraulically fractured wells in the Marcellus Shale (Middle Devonian), and water from conventional wells producing from Upper Devonian sandstones were analyzed for lithium concentrations and isotope ratios (&delta; 7 Li). The distribution of lithium concentrations in different mineral groups was determined using sequential extraction. Structurally bound Li, predominantly in clays, accounted for 75-91 wt. % of total Li, whereas exchangeable sites and carbonate cement contain negligible Li (< 3%). Up to 20% of the Li is present in the oxidizable fraction (organic matter and sulfides). The &delta; 7 Li values for whole rock shale in Greene Co., Pennsylvania, and Tioga Co., New York, ranged from -2.3 to + 4.3&permil;, similar to values reported for other shales in the literature. The &delta; 7 Li values in shale rocks with stratigraphic depth record progressive weathering of the source region; the most weathered and clay-rich strata with isotopically light Li are found closest to the top of the stratigraphic section. Diagenetic illite-smectite transition could also have partially affected the bulk Li content and isotope ratios of the Marcellus Shale. In Greene Co., southwest Pennsylvania, the Upper Devonian sandstone formation waters have &delta; 7 Li values of + 14.6 &plusmn; 1.2 (2SD, n = 25), and are distinct from Marcellus Shale formation waters which have &delta; 7 Li of + 10.0 &plusmn; 0.8 (2SD, n = 12). These two formation waters also maintain distinctive 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios suggesting hydrologic separation between these units. Applying temperature-dependent illitilization model to Marcellus Shale, we found that Li concentration in clay minerals increased with Li concentration in pore fluid during diagenetic illite-smectite transition. Samples from north central PA show a much smaller range in both &delta; 7 Li and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr than in southwest Pennsylvania. Spatial variations in Li and &delta; 7 Li values show that Marcellus formation waters are not homogeneous across the Appalachian Basin. Marcellus formation waters in the northeastern Pennsylvania portion of the basin show a much smaller range in both &delta; 7 Li and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, suggesting long term, cross-formational fluid migration in this region. Assessing the impact of potential mixing of fresh water with deep formation water requires establishment of a geochemical and isotopic baseline in the shallow, fresh water aquifers, and site specific characterization of formation water, followed by long-term monitoring, particularly in regions of future shale gas development.

New York, Pennsylvania↗
USGS2014

Mountain pine beetle-caused mortality over eight years in two pine hosts in mixed conifer stands of the southern Rocky Mountains

Eruptive mountain pine beetle ( Dendroctonus ponderosae , MPB) populations have caused widespread mortality of pines throughout western North America since the late 1990s. Early work by A.D. Hopkins suggested that when alternate host species are available, MPB will prefer to breed in the host to which it has become adapted. In Colorado, epidemic MPB populations that originated in lodgepole pine expanded into mixed-conifer stands containing ponderosa pine, a related host. We evaluated the susceptibility of both hosts to successful MPB colonization in a survey of 19 sites in pine-dominated mixed-conifer stands spanning 140 km of the Front Range, CO, USA. In each of three 0.2-ha plots at each site, we (1) assessed trees in the annual flights of 2008–2011 to compare MPB-caused mortality between lodgepole and ponderosa pine; (2) recorded previous MPB-caused tree mortality from 2004–2007 to establish baseline mortality levels; and (3) measured characteristics of the stands (e.g. tree basal area) and sites (e.g. elevation, aspect) that might be correlated with MPB colonization. Uninfested average live basal area of lodgepole and ponderosa pine was 74% of total basal area before 2004. We found that for both species, annual percent basal area of attacked trees was greatest in one year (2009), and was lower in all other years (2004–2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011). Both pine species had similar average total mortality of 38–39% by 2011. Significant predictors of ponderosa pine mortality in a given year were basal area of uninfested ponderosa pine and the previous year’s mortality levels in both ponderosa and lodgepole pine. Lodgepole pine mortality was predicted by uninfested basal areas of both lodgepole and ponderosa pine, and the previous year’s lodgepole pine mortality. These results indicate host selection by MPB from lodgepole pine natal hosts into ponderosa pine the following year, but not the reverse. In both species, diameters of attacked trees within each year were similar, and were progressively smaller the last four years of the study period. Our results suggest that, in contrast to previous reports, ponderosa and lodgepole pine were equally susceptible to MPB infestation in the CO Front Range during our study period. This suggests that forest managers may anticipate similar impacts in both hosts during similar environmental conditions when epidemic-level MPB populations are active in mixed-pine stands.

Colorado↗
USGS2020

A rasterized building footprint dataset for the United States

Microsoft released a U.S.-wide vector building dataset in 2018. Although the vector building layers provide relatively accurate geometries, their use in large-extent geospatial analysis comes at a high computational cost. We used High-Performance Computing (HPC) to develop an algorithm that calculates six summary values for each cell in a raster representation of each U.S. state, excluding Alaska and Hawaii: (1) total footprint coverage, (2) number of unique buildings intersecting each cell, (3) number of building centroids falling inside each cell, and area of the (4) average, (5) smallest, and (6) largest area of buildings that intersect each cell. These values are represented as raster layers with 30 m cell size covering the 48 conterminous states. We also identify errors in the original building dataset. We evaluate precision and recall in the data for three large U.S. urban areas. Precision is high and comparable to results reported by Microsoft while recall is high for buildings with footprints larger than 200 m2 but lower for progressively smaller buildings.

Scientific Data↗