New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

2012 Land Use / Land Cover Update and Impervious Surface Mapping Project

In 2013, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) contracted Aerial Information Systems, Inc. (AIS) to revise the State’s existing GIS Land Use/Land Cover and Impervious Surface, (herein after referred to as LU/LC) database. The resulting LU/LC layer is intended as a resource for trend analysis. The layer will provide information for those who are interested in quantifying physical changes made to LU/LC features over time using GIS for their particular area of interest.

The LU/LC update mapping began in July 2013 and was completed in December 2014. The data compilation and conversion efforts were conducted by AIS using computer interactive photo interpretation techniques and limited on-site field surveys. The baseline dataset for the update consisted of the 2007 LU/LC data layer. Using heads-up digitizing techniques, AIS photo interpreters compared the existing LU/LC information to year 2012 color-infrared (CIR) digital orthophotography to create the 2012 LU/LC layer.

The metadata contained herein describes for the user the methods and mapping criteria used by AIS to capture and compile the information used for the LU/LC update. This document is divided into five sections and an attachment:

· Section 1 includes a general description of photo interpretation methods and update mapping;

· Section 2 lists the primary and ancillary sources of information used for the data capture, including a brief history of the baseline dataset;

· Section 3 describes the LU/LC update project characteristics, project issues, and map validation;

· Section 4 details the specific criteria used for the LU/LC update;

· Section 5 contains the Data Dictionary; and

· Attachment A includes the project Land Use/Land Cover Classification.

SECTION 1: General Concepts

This section contains a brief description of the basic principles of photo interpretation and update mapping.

Photo Interpretation

Most LU/LC features can be recognized by photo signature; i.e. characteristics unique to that feature. These signatures are defined by color, texture, pattern, and tonal qualities on the aerial photography. By observing the extent of the photo signatures associated with specific LU/LC types, the photo interpreter is able to identify and delineate the boundaries of LU/LC features.

When the same photo signature exists for one of more LU/LC types, the surrounding physical environment, or “context”, is an important tool in determining the appropriate LU/LC class. An understanding of the current and historical patterns of development for the area results in more accurate interpretations. For example, a large rectangular building viewed on the photo can represent either commercial or industrial land use. Knowing that industrial uses are often located next to rail corridors and away from high traffic areas while commercial uses are usually located along major traffic corridors and intersections, the interpreter can review the surrounding environment of the building signature for those types of features.

Collateral sources are useful to the photo interpreter as they help to identify specific LU/LC features and provide a background context against which the photo signatures can be compared. Internet resources, including Google, Bing, and other websites, are important sources used for the photo interpretation process. Google Maps, Google Earth, and Bing Maps, are of particular importance as they provide access to various eras of imagery, often from multiple perspectives, including street views and “birds eye” imagery, i.e. oblique views from multiple angles. Open source digital datasets such as USGS DRG topographic maps and county street maps are also important. The usefulness of these collateral sources are directly related to the detail, accuracy, and timeliness of the information they provide.

If the above sources are not sufficient for the interpreter to confidently assign a LU/LC class, on-site field visits are required. In addition to answering polygon specific questions flagged during the photo interpretation effort, on-site field surveys serve to verify correlations previously established between photo signatures and LU/LC types, ensuring that the interpretations are as error free as possible.

Update Mapping

Update mapping is the process of revising the spatial and attribute data of an existing dataset using current sources of information for the purpose of change detection and trend analysis studies. When the attributes of the finished products are analyzed in a GIS, areas of change are exposed. Ideally the project classification, mapping criteria, and data capture method of the update should be the same as the previous data compilation effort in order to make accurate comparisons.

Terminology

The following are definitions of common terms found throughout this document.

Below Resolution
This term describes LU/LC features that are smaller than the minimum mapping unit. Unless they are remnant polygons, in general, BR features are not mapped for their LU/LC class but are aggregated into an adjacent above resolution LU/LC polygon.

Composite Layer
Final LU/LC layer delivered to NJDEP containing both the 2007 and 2012 LU/LC delineations and codes.

Non-Tidal Freshwater Wetland (FWW)
Refers to non-tidal freshwater wetlands mapped as part of NJDEP’s Freshwater Wetlands mapping program.

Distressed Vegetation (DV)
Modifier used to refer to vegetation that is stressed in some way. There are 4 values to indicate the type of vegetation stress:
1 Standing Dead Conifers (SDC)
2 Disturbed Vegetation (DV)
3 Man-Made Disturbance (PB)
4 Persistent Distressed Vegetation (PDV)

Impervious Surface (IS)
Impervious surface values were assigned to each LU/LC unit in 5% increments based on the percentage of paved and/or built-up area within the polygon.

National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) FCode (New in 2012)
All LU/LC types classified as WATER (5XXX classes and 1419) were assigned an NHD FCode based on the NHD project classification found elsewhere in this document. All other LU/LC types were assigned an FCode value of 0.

Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU)
The smallest polygon size (total area) mapped for each LU/LC class within a unique era. Does not apply to polygons in the composite LU/LC data.

Minimum Mapping Width (MMW)
The smallest polygon width (linear features) mapped for each LU/LC class within a unique era. Does not apply to polygons in the composite LU/LC data.

Polygon
Can refer to either the polygons in the composite LU/LC data or the polygons created by aggregating the LU/LC classes for a specific era. Polygons in the composite LU/LC data can be smaller than the project MMU/MMW, i.e. below resolution (BR). Unique LU/LC polygons for a specific era are typically not BR unless they are remnant polygons.

Photomorphic
The polygon boundary for a LU/LC unit follows the morphology (boundary) of the photo signature. Where a LU/LC boundary follows a distinctive photo signature, the resulting polygon is said to be photomorphic.

Remnant polygon
Refers to valid BR polygons in the 2012 LU/LC or 2007 LU/LC data created by the subdivision of previously mapped LU/LC polygons due to changes in the LU/LC.

Retroactive (Retro) Mapping
Revision of the 2007 LU/LC data due to changes in the 2012 mapping criteria, 2012 classification, differences in image registration and resolution between 2007 and 2012, or error of interpretation during the 2007 update.

SECTION 2:Data Sources

Primary Data Sources

2012 Digital Orthophotography
Digital Color Infrared (CIR) orthophotos, dated 2012 and provided by NJDEP, served as the base for the 2012 LU/LC mapping effort and were used as the primary source to interpret the LU/LC, Impervious Surface (IS), Distressed Vegetation (DV), and NHD FCode. As with the 2007 Update, digital photography gives the interpreters virtually unrestricted viewing using ArcGIS tools. This capability, in conjunction with the high resolution and quality of the digital imagery, resulted in accurate and detailed delineations of the data for the 2012 mapping efforts.

2007 LU/LC layer
The baseline data for the 2012 mapping effort was the NJDEP 2007 LU/LC created by AIS during NJDEP’s previous update cycle.

Collateral Sources

2007 Digital Orthophotography
The digital 2007 CIR orthophotos that served as the base for the previous LU/LC update were used as a supplemental source of imagery for the 2012 effort. The interpreters referred to this imagery to verify areas of change and to identify where corrections to the existing interpretations were required.

2010 County Imagery
Natural color, 1-meter resolution imagery obtained from NJDEP.

Internet
Online sources such as the Google search engine, Google Maps, Bing Maps, and other websites were a significant resource for the 2012 LU/LC Update. The photo interpreters used them to research information and view photos from different eras to help classify the polygons for signatures that were not readily identifiable on the project imagery.

Google Earth
Google Earth was another significant resource for the 2012 update, especially with regards to viewing historical imagery. This allowed the interpreters to view multiple eras of imagery over time.

USGS Digital Raster Graphic (DRG) Maps
These maps were used for determining the general topography of the landscape and for identifying historic features, e.g. cemeteries, schools, etc. At one time, the DRGs were a primary source for LU/LC information but their usefulness has been blunted due to more current information available from Google Maps and Bing Maps.

2002 AIS Field Data and 2007 AIS Field Data
Point and polygon data showing sites visited by AIS during field verification efforts in 2002 and 2007.

2010 NJ Review Points from 2010 NHD and LU/LC Integration Mapping
The dataset of points containing NJDEP comments from the 2010 Integration mapping project performed by AIS.

Upper Wetland Boundary (UWB)
This data was provided by NJDEP and used to determine the general boundary between tidal (61XX) and non-tidal (62XX) wetlands.

Cowardin Data
For the 2012 LU/LC Update, the Cowardin codes were removed from the LU/LC database however, the legacy Cowardin data was used for reference.

10’ Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
This data was provided by NJDEP and was used to help identify areas of elevation change, particularly in water-land interfaces.

SECTION 3: LU/LC Update Issues, Mapping Procedure and Map Validation

Overview
The 2012 LU/LC update was performed using the same data compilation methods and essentially the same mapping classification and criteria established during the 2007 LU/LC update. The state was divided into 13 HUC 8 watersheds. AIS further subdivided the HUC 8s into working production modules, based roughly on the 1:24k USGS topographic quadrangle system. The Great Egg Harbor HUC 8 was designated as the pilot area to test proposed mapping criteria for the new code addition, 5412 Tidal Mud Flat, and the new attribute field (NHD FCode). Upon completion and approval of the pilot, NJDEP prioritized the mapping order starting with the southern watersheds and moving north as the project progressed. The baseline datasets consisted of digital CIR orthophotos, dated 2012, and the State’s existing 2007 LU/LC data.

The photo interpreters compared the 2012 digital imagery to the existing LU/LC data and the 2007 digital CIR orthophotos to detect areas of change. Using heads-up digitizing techniques, the LU/LC units were delineated and classified per the modified Anderson level III/IV classification (Attachment A). Impervious surface values were assigned to each LU/LC unit in 5% increments based on the percentage of paved and/or built-up area within the polygon. FCode values were assigned to all LU/LC types classified as Water. As in the 2007 LU/LC update the minimum mapping unit was 1 acre, the minimum mapping width for non-water features was 60’, and the minimum mapping width for linear water features was 30’.

The 2012 LU/LC interpretations were incorporated directly into the baseline 2007 LU/LC data, creating a final composite layer containing both eras of LU/LC. This method ensured that the different layers seamlessly co-registered to each other, creating a sliver free data set for use in change analysis studies.

Each polygon in the composite layer contained mapping attributes for both 2012 and 2007. Where no LU/LC change had occurred, the LU/LC class for both years remained the same. Where a LU/LC change did occur, new boundaries were added to the dataset as needed, subdividing the existing 2007 polygon, and the polygons were attributed for the appropriate 2012 LU/LC type. The original 2007 boundaries and codes were retained in the data thus keeping the polygon “history” intact. The same methodology was used when there was a change in the IS, DV and FCode. In 2010 AIS performed an integration of the NHD FCodes into the 2007/2002 land use layer which served as a starting point for this update. The NHD_FCode_Original was tracked and kept for change analysis and renamed to FCode_07.

Project Characteristics

The following section describes significant mapping issues related to the 2012 LU/LC update.

· Orthophoto Registration, Image Clarity and Retroactive Mapping

The 2007 and 2012 digital images were both 1 foot pixel resolution but each image set was ortho-rectified using independent sets of ground control points, creating some minor registration issues. In addition, although both image sets had the same pixel resolution, the 2012 imagery had slightly better clarity. This resulted in more accurate delineations and classifications of the 2012 era but it also highlighted areas where the 2007 interpretations or polygon boundary placements needed modification. Since change detection and trend analysis were major objectives of the update project, it was important to adjust major issues in the base 2007 base data so that land use/land cover change identified and mapped correctly. AIS went beyond the scope of the project and performed retroactive mapping due to the increased image clarity for major discrepancies.

· Classification, Criteria, and Attribute Field Changes

The LU/LC classification remained unchanged from the 2007 Update excepting the addition of two new LU/LC types, 5412 Tidal Mud Flat and 7440 Disturbed Tidal Wetlands, and the revision of the 7500 Transitional Areas class description. Other changes for the 2012 Update include the addition of a new attribute field, NHD_FCode, and a new Disturbed Vegetation attribute value, Persistent Distressed Vegetation (PDV). AIS and NJDEP collaborated on defining the class descriptions and refining the mapping criteria, as needed, for both the new and existing classes.

While most of the classification revisions occurred prior to the start of the 2012 LU/LC interpretations, some of the modifications occurred after the production phase of the project had commenced. While AIS made the maximum effort possible, including reviewing previously mapped data, to correctly represent the latest criteria and coding additions and revisions, the User is advised that potential inconsistencies of interpretation could exist in areas mapped prior to the addition/revision date for the new codes or criteria. The new code additions, criteria changes, and classification description revisions are described below.

Other changes to the LU/LC dataset included the removal of the Cowardin attribute field. This field was originally added to the LU/LC dataset in the early 1990s when the State’s Freshwater Wetlands (FWW) dataset was integrated into the LU/LC but no FWW updates have been performed since that time. As a result, the State decided to reclassify the layer as a legacy dataset and the Cowardin attribute field was removed from the LU/LC geodatabase. The legacy FWW data was used for the 2012 Update but only as a reference layer to assist the analysts with their interpretations.

2012 LU/LC Code Additions

5412 Tidal Mud Flat (2012 data only)

§ Applied to unvegetated areas along tidal rivers, bays, and estuaries that were periodically exposed due to tidal fluctuations.

§ Did not apply to mud flats within tidal wetlands (6111, 6112).

§ Did not apply to unvegetated areas near non-tidal water bodies (5100, 5200, 5300).

§ Was only mapped using the 2012 imagery.

§ Was not retro mapped in the 2007 dataset.

§ Was classified as a Water type, therefore required an NHD FCode.

§ If the area was below resolution in 2012, it was mapped as the adjacent tidal water (5410, 5411, 5420, or 5430) and assigned the appropriate FCode.

7440 Disturbed Tidal Wetland

§ Applied to disturbed areas in tidal wetlands, including areas formerly coded as 7430.

§ Applied to both 2007 and 2012.

§ Was retro mapped in the 2007 dataset.

§ MMU was 1 acre.

Redefining Existing LU/LC Category for 2012 Update

7500 Transitional Areas

For the 2007 Update, the 7500 Transitional Areas land use class was used to classify lands on which active site preparation for development was in progress but the future land use was not fully developed. Areas under construction for residential, commercial and industrial uses, as well as unknown uses, were included in this LU/LC type. After mapping had begun for the 2012 Update, the definition of the 7500 class was modified to include areas of disturbance, even if they were not under active construction, for both upland and wetland areas.

Criteria for 7500 established during the 2012 mapping process:

§ Could persist over multiple inventories.

§ Although could persist over several years, the revised 7500 definition was not retro mapped as a refinement for the 2007 database.

§ Included active construction and destruction.

§ Included significant areas of scraped land resulting from both construction and destruction.

§ Included buildings removed associated with land disturbance.

§ Where it’s difficult to distinguish between a 7500 and 1700, the surrounding LU/LC (“context”) will be used to help determine best code.

Removal of Cowardin (FWW) Attribute Field for 2012 LU/LC Update

The Cowardin attribute field was removed from the 2012 LU/LC geodatabase but the legacy FWW/Cowardin layer was used as ancillary data to assist with the mapping.

Addition of NHD FCode Attribute for 2012 LU/LC Update

In 2010, AIS integrated NHD polygons and codes into the 2007 LU/LC data. The integration meant that water polygons mapped or revised during the LU/LC can be imported directly into the NHD database from the LU/LC data, effectively synching the NHD polygon update with the LU/LC Update cycle. The NHD FCode attribute reflects water conditions in 2012, per the NHD FCode Classification.

§ Every LU/LC classified as Type = Water has an FCode value other than 0. This included all 5XXX classes and all 1419s.

§ All non-water LU/LC types were assigned an FCode = 0, with the exception of Dam Spillways (1400 – Urban)

Addition of 2012 Distressed Vegetation Attribute Value for 2012 LU/LC Update

The Distressed Vegetation (DV) attribute was added to the 2007 LU/LC data to account for situations where the vegetation had undergone significant change/disturbance but the changes did not meet the criteria for a re-classification of the LU/LC type for the polygon. Three major types of change were identified:

§ Standing Dead Conifers (SDC)

§ Disturbed Vegetation (DV), natural disturbance, not man-made

§ Man-Made Disturbance (PB), large-scale man-made vegetation removal

In the 2012 LU/LC Update, another type of vegetation change was identified: areas that were coded as SDC or DV in 2007 that appeared unchanged from that time and still did not meet the criteria for re-classification into another LU/LC type. To identify these areas, a new DV code, Persistent Distressed Vegetation (PDV), was added to the classification.

The data capture criteria for Persistent Distressed Vegetation class is described below.

§ Only applied to 2007 DV= SDC or 2007 DV= DV.

§ Did not apply to 2007 DV= PB.

§ Was only a valid code for 2012.

§ Was not retro’d.

§ LU/LC did not change.

§ Applied to uplands and wetlands.

§ 1 acre mmu.

· Photo Signature versus On-Site Field Observations

The user should be aware that the data represents LU/LC as it existed at the date of the project photography, with some exceptions. In general, if subsequent on-site field surveys revealed that the LU/LC had changed since the 2012 photography, the polygon was coded for the 2012 photo signature, not necessarily for the LU/LC observed in the field. Therefore, although the project photography is relatively current, it should be assumed that LU/LC information is approximately one and a half years old at the time of the project completion.

Mapping Procedure

The following is an outline of the basic data capture procedures used for the 2012 update mapping effort. Additional criteria are discussed in Section 4.

Registration – The 2007 and 2012 imagery were compared to one another to verify the accuracy of registration between one era and the next, with the 2012 imagery serving as the base. In general, the registration was consistent throughout most of the state. Where significant discrepancies affected the co-registration of the 2007/2012 LU/LC data, the data was retro mapped to match the 2012 image.
Comparison – Concurrent with the registration, the 2012 base imagery was compared to the baseline data and the 2007 imagery for LU/LC feature changes.
Delineation – Areas of change in 2012 were added or removed from polygons, as needed, while existing features not previously delineated, or delineated incorrectly were retroactively mapped.
LU/LC Classification – Each polygon in the 2012 LU/LC data was coded for the appropriate Anderson level II, III or IV category, in accordance with the project LU/LC classification shown in Attachment A.
Impervious Surfaces – Each LU/LC feature was assigned an IS percentage, ranging from 0 – 100, in increments of 5%, based upon the estimate of experienced photo interpreters.
NHD FCode – Each polygon was assigned a value for NHD FCode. Non-water polygons were assigned 0; polygons classified as water were assigned the appropriate NHD FCode, per the NHD Classification.
Distressed Vegetation – Where suitable, a Distressed Vegetation modifier was assigned to the polygon.
NJ Review Points – These points were created by AIS during the mapping process when issues arose that needed NJDEP input. The NJ Review Points were usually sent with the interim WMA deliveries. Once received, NJDEP evaluated and answered the questions, then sent the points back to AIS where the data was revised per NJDEP’s direction.
Edgematching – The working modules, when completed, were edgematched to adjacent working modules for consistency of polygon delineations and coding. As all of the modules within a WMA were completed, the WMAs were edgematched to each other to create a seamless statewide dataset.
Quality Control – Senior analyst reviewed the interpretations to ensure accuracy of interpretation and adherence to the project mapping criteria and classification.
NJDEP Review and Approval – A draft geodatabase for each completed HUC 8 was delivered to NJDEP for review. AIS revised the data, as needed, per NJDEP’s direction.
Data Verification – The field preparation, on-site field survey, and field revision tasks were performed to ensure that the data produced was as error free as possible. Field plots containing the project imagery and preliminary LU/LC delineations were created and prepped with street names and daily routes. Polygons flagged for field were reviewed on-site, if possible, and resolved. Additional verification of non-flagged polygons occurred to ensure the accuracy of established correlations between photo signatures and specific LU/LC feature types. Upon return to the office, the interpreters entered the field corrections and changes directly into the 2012 LU/LC dataset.

2012 LU/LC Map Validation Procedures

A series of quality control and map validation procedures were performed to ensure the accuracy of the 2012 LU/LC data per the project classification and mapping criteria. The validation process consisted of on-line virtual field surveys using internet resources such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, Google Earth, and other websites; on-site windshield field surveys; review of multiple image sets representing different eras; a separate Quality Control review of the draft delineations and attributes by AIS senior photo interpreters; and NJDEP staff comments arising from AIS questions and the NJDEP review of the data.

1. Ancillary Digital Imagery

Five additional sources of digital image sets were during the 2012 Update including the 2007 CIR and 2010 natural color photography provided by NJDEP and online imagery available through Google Maps, Google Earth and Bing Maps. The ancillary imagery provided the interpreters with a more comprehensive picture of the LU/LC by providing them with views of the study area under different seasonal conditions, in different eras, and different formats (natural color and CIR). The interpreters used this information to make more accurate informed decisions about the pattern of land use and types of land use change for a given area.

2. On-site Field Visits

The field surveys typically targeted the developed areas of the state. Areas of pure vegetation were usually not visited due to access issues and the limited scope of the windshield survey. Polygons flagged for on-site review during the initial photo interpretation and quality control review steps were visited and the information recorded on hard-copy field plots. As part of the validation process, the LU/LC types observed during travel from one flagged polygon to another were noted on the field plots. Where problematic LU/LC calls were observed directly in the field, the situation was investigated and resolved by the field team.

The field observations were entered into the dataset during the field revision process. In order to track what polygons had been visited, the polygon was noted with either an “On-Site Field Check” in the FieldCheck attribute field and/or assigned a NJ Review point with a call type of “On-site Field Check”. The FieldCheck attribute does not form boundaries in the polygon data, therefore in order for a polygon to be coded as field checked, ~85% or more of the polygon had to be viewed by the field team while on-site. Where this threshold was not met, a NJ Review point was placed on the buildings/general location of the on-site field visit. This typically occurred with large polygons (usually dense urban centers) that had been verified but <85% of the polygon was visited.

Sometimes polygons that were attributed with a FieldCheck attribute of “On-site Field Check” also contained individual NJ Review Points with a call type value of “On-site Field Check”, so there is some overlap between the polygons and points that contain field verification information. Due to these reasons, it is difficult to determine the exact acreage verified via on-site field visits.

While a strict statistical accuracy assessment cannot be performed using these field investigation results, based on the on-site and virtual field observations, and on the additional validation steps outlined below, it is estimated that the dataset has an overall minimum classification accuracy of at least 85%, with an accuracy of > 90% for the developed land classes. The review point layer identified 596 points as field checked.

3. Virtual Field Checks (Internet Resources)

The internet proved to be a significant resource of information for the 2012 Update, and was used to perform “virtual” field check for the LU/LC interpretations. The amount and quality of online information obtained by this “virtual” field survey method resulted in a significant reduction in the number of polygons requiring actual on-site verification and thereby allowed the field team to concentrate their limited time in areas most urgently requiring visual on-site confirmation of the LU/LC types. Google Maps was an excellent resource for built-up (urban) land use types as it provided the names and point locations of private and public entities, often with additional links to associated websites. In many areas, Google Maps also provided a Street View option (not available in all areas) that allowed the interpreter to view an area from the adjacent street.

Google Earth provided the same advantages that Google Maps did, but in addition it also had multiple sets of imagery to enable the interpreter to get a historical perspective of an area. The imagery from multiple eras was advantageous when historical knowledge of an area helped making coding decisions. This was primarily useful when evaluating change or retro in marginal looking agricultural areas or sod farms.

Bing Maps was primarily used by the interpreters for the Bird’s Eye imagery, where available. The Bird’s Eye imagery provided the interpreters with a close-up view of the area in question, sometimes at multiple oblique angles, in order to see more clearly areas of change, determine property boundaries, and even the relative height of vegetation when these features were not clearly visible on the project imagery. Bing Maps also provided land use information but not to the same degree as Google Maps.

The Google search engine was frequently used by interpreters to further research the information obtained from Google Maps, Bing Maps, or observed in the field, in order to more accurately classify the LU/LC type.

The same on-site field check criteria was used to assign the virtual field check attribute/NJ Review point assignment. When ~85% or more of a polygon was verified via virtual field check methods, the polygon was assigned a FieldCheck value of “Virtual Field Check”. Where <85% of the polygon was not verified (typically larger polygons in dense urban and/or agricultural areas), these areas were noted by a NJ Review Point placed on the locations that were verified and assigned a call type of “Virtual Field Check”.

As with the on-site field check criteria, sometimes polygons that were coded with a FieldCheck attribute value of “Virtual Field Check” also contained individual NJ Review Points with a call type of Virtual Field Check, so there is some overlap between the polygons and points; because of this overlap, it is difficult to ascertain the exact acreage virtually verified. The review point layer identified 1483 points as Virtual field checked.

4. Other Resources

The on-site field verified data from the 2002 and 2007 LU/LC Updates were used as reference material. More credence was given to the 2007 field data since it was more recent but the 2002 was used as well. Where the interpreters had questions about the accuracy of an existing LU/LC type, the archive field data was reviewed to see if the area had been visited during the previous field visits before making any changes to the data.

The NJDEP comments from the 2010 NHD integration project were also used as reference data to help make decisions regarding water related questions. These comments were usually regarding criteria or confusing signatures that were questioned during the NHD integration map production.

Digital USGS topographic quadrangles (DRGs) were another collateral resource used to increase the accuracy of the interpretations. Due to the age of the DRG information, the interpreters primarily used these maps to verify the general topography of an area and to get a historic perspective of the vegetation and land use for a given area.

The 10’ Digital Elevation Model (DEM), provided by NJDEP, was primarily used to review contours and prudently used to discern between land/water boundaries.

The Upper Wetland Boundary (UWB) was an old dataset so current conditions of the tidal boundary were not always reflected, but it was used a guideline particularly when mapping in tidal zones.

5. Quality Control Review

In order to further ensure the accuracy of LU/LC data, the draft data was reviewed by senior Quality Control (QC) staff. The QC’ers reviewed the draft delineations and code attributes for adherence to the project protocols. This included, but was not limited to, the representation of the LU/LC feature relative to the photo signature, the aggregation of below resolution LU/LC types, the interpretation and application of reference information, and adherence to mapping criteria.

6. NJDEP Review and Comment

Additional validation steps of the LU/LC assignment were performed through consultation with NJDEP staff over the course of the project. AIS created points, called NJ Review Points, about unusual issues that arose during the mapping project. The issues/questions were documented and referred to NJDEP for their review. In some instances, the resolution coming from NJDEP resulted in global changes to the criteria. In other situations, the issues were localized, only affecting a limited number of features. In both examples, the input from NJDEP increased the accuracy and provided validation of the LU/LC types in question.

SECTION 4: 2012 LU/LC Mapping Criteria

Introduction

This section describes the final criteria as developed by AIS and NJDEP. Some of these criteria were developed over the course of the project in response to new situations or to modify existing situations. As the procedures evolved they were submitted to NJDEP for approval. Any discrepancies in mapping procedure from the beginning of this project to the end were due to this evolution, and were recognized by both AIS and NJDEP.

These criteria supersede all previous criteria for this project.

Drafting Conventions

The following details the drafting criteria used to delineate the LU/LC units.

General Drafting

· When a road separated differing LU/LC features, the polygons for these features followed the road centerline. Although roads often include a right-of-way on either side, these slivers of land between the roads and the adjacent LU/LC features were aggregated with the LU/LC unless they could be reasonably extracted. The above criteria were applied for the delineation of new LU/LC polygons. Existing LU/LC polygon boundaries that did not follow road centerlines due to image registration issues were not corrected.

· Where roads and features on the orthophoto differed from those represented on other collateral sources, the location on the orthophoto was used to depict the feature.

· Boundaries were followed as closely as possible. Where boundaries were particularly jagged, however, some cartographic smoothing was deemed appropriate. This was generally for use along natural boundaries and was rarely needed along man-made boundaries.

Urban/Built-Up Areas

Built-up land uses usually follow man-made features such as fence lines, roads, and property boundaries. To properly represent these boundaries:

· Linework was kept straight and used right angle corners.

· Lines were placed down the centerline of boundaries (such as roads and tree lines).

· Structures were not dissected.

Non-Urban/Natural Areas

Natural vegetation boundaries tend to be transitional therefore the line separating different classes was often less distinct. These polygons seldom contained straight edges or angles unless the vegetation unit was adjacent to built-up or man-made features. Vegetation category polygons were usually represented with flowing and curvilinear lines, reflecting the more natural shape of the land cover.

Minimum Mapping Unit/Width Criteria

The minimum mapping unit for the 2012 LU/LC was established at one acre for all features, excluding the following classes: 1419 Bridge Over Water and 1411 Mixed Transportation Corridor Overlap Areas. Additionally, a minimum width of 60’ was applied to non-water linear features, excluding 1420 Railroad Facilities, while a minimum width of 30’ was required for linear water features.

Aggregation

Where a non-exempted class did not meet the minimum mapping unit size, it was aggregated into an adjacent LU/LC type per the following general guidelines:

· Built-up land uses took precedence over non built-up categories. For example, if a below-MMU residential land use was adjacent to a below-MMU forest cover, the forested area was typically absorbed into the residential land use.

· In general, residential land uses took precedence over other built-up land uses. If a below-MMU residential land use was adjacent to a below-MMU commercial land use, typically the commercial area was absorbed into the residential land use.

· If a below-MMU LU/LC feature was surrounded by a number of other above-MMU LU/LC features, then the below-MMU unit would be absorbed into the unit that most closely represented its class. For example, if a below-MMU residential class was next to above-MMU commercial, industrial, and forested polygons, the residential land use was absorbed into the commercial polygon.

· An isolated below-MMU LU/LC feature completely surrounded by a single LU/LC feature was absorbed into the surrounding LU/LC class.

· Some remnant polygons remaining from the 2007 Update were merged according to the criteria above if they were not significant to the overall classification of the area.

Below-MMU polygons

Below resolution polygons were left intact or created in the following situations:

· Isolated below-MMU roads completely surrounded by non-tidal freshwater wetlands polygons.

· Below resolution LU/LC features were mapped provided they were significant to the overall classification of the area. Typically this occurred where the LU/LC type was present within a given area but no single feature attained the minimum mapping size. If the 1 acre MMU had been strictly observed, these units would not have been captured in the database. By mapping certain LU/LC classes smaller than the 1.0 acre MMU, the user is given a more accurate depiction of LU/LC conditions in these areas.

· Remnant polygons from the 2007 Update were kept in the data as long as they were significant to the overall classification of the area. Typically these included built-up land uses and wetland vegetation types. Upland vegetation remnants were usually re-classified into surrounding LU/LC polygons.

· When existing non-tidal wetlands included paved or otherwise disturbed areas, said areas were delineated out of the wetland polygon and aggregated with the adjacent LU/LC class. This process sometimes resulted in remnant below-MMU wetland polygons.

Impervious Surfaces Mapping (IS) Criteria

Relationships between land uses and impervious surfaces previously established by the National Resource Conversation Service were used as baseline values for the built-up land use categories. Values were estimated based upon the percentage of impervious surfaces within a given polygon.

· IS was interpreted in 5% increments, from 0% to 100%.

· Impervious surface percentages were assigned to each LU/LC unit based on an estimate of the paved and/or built-up area within the polygon. The estimates were rounded to the nearest 5% increment. For example, if the IS estimate for a polygon was estimated at 2% impervious, it was assigned an IS value = 0. If a polygon was estimated to be 53% impervious, it was assigned an IS value = 55.

· Where a single LU/LC polygon contained areas of differing IS and each area met the 1 acre MMU, the polygon was subdivided and assigned different IS values.

· Hard packed earthen areas (earthen dams being the exception), gravel areas, and natural rock areas (including road cuts) were mapped as pervious surfaces.

· Compared similar land use signatures as a consistency check.

· Compared similar IS-valued polygons as a consistency check.

· IS for all water bodies, including concrete-lined reservoirs, were 0% unless other below-MMU paved or built-up areas existed within the polygon.

· IS for bridges (1400, 1410, and 1419) passing over vegetation or water were 0%.

· IS for 1411s represent the IS of the underlying transportation type.

Distressed Vegetation Mapping (DV) Criteria

The Distressed Vegetation attribute was mapped to note where substantial disturbance or change had occurred within a polygon, but did not meet the criteria for a change to a different LU/LC class for the polygon.

· Standing Dead Conifers (DV=1) was only used where dead conifer vegetation was still standing; applied to upland vegetation and wetland vegetation types; applied where coniferous vegetation was present; required ~50% conifer death in a polygon; LU/LC class was not changed based on SDC assignment; 1 acre MMU that could be an aggregation across adjacent LU/LC types

· Disturbed Vegetation (DV=2) was used for deciduous and coniferous types; applied to upland and wetland vegetation types; used where change in vegetation could be not be obviously attributed to man-made vegetation disturbance/removal; required ~25% of polygon to be affected by the DV; LU/LC class was not changed based on DV code assignment; applied to all polygons coded as LU/LC=4500 and 6500; 5 acre MMU (although some exceptions were made)

· Man-Made Disturbance (DV=3) was used only for deciduous and coniferous upland vegetation types where significant areas of vegetation change occurred due to obvious man-made vegetation removal; usually included logged areas; typically LU/LC class would change, but it was possible that it could remain the same; 1 acre MMU

· Persistent Distressed Vegetation (DV=4) was used for uplands and wetlands that were coded as 2007 DV= 1 or 2; was not retro’d; was only valid for 2012; LU/LC did not change; 1 acre MMU

NHD FCode Mapping

NHD FCodes were used to designate the condition of the water in the 2012 imagery. The NHD FCodes were based on the NHD FCode Classification.

· Every LU/LC classified as Type = Water was assigned an FCode value other than 0. This included all 5XXX classes and all 1419s.

· All non-water LU/LC types were assigned an FCode = 0 except Spillways (1400 – Urban)

Orders of Precedence Standards

Land Use

If urban/built-up use occurred together with non-urban use, the urban use took precedence over the non-urban. For example, a heavily wooded residential area was coded as residential unless vegetation could be extracted into above-MMU polygons.

Within urban areas, built-up land uses took precedence over non built-up land uses.

Residential land uses generally took precedence over other built-up land uses.

Mixed road/utility rights-of-way polygons, where both features were below resolution but together they met the MMU, the polygon was coded for the appropriate road type (1400/1410).

Where minor and major roads intersected one another (1400/1410) the 1410 Major Road took precedence.

Utility rights-of-way were only mapped when they passed through vacant land (1700, 4xxx) and non-tidal wetlands (62xx), except where the vegetation had obviously been undisturbed for a significant period of time. In those situations, the vegetation took precedence.

Stormwater basins (1499) took precedence over utility rights-of-way and vacant land (1700, 4xxx, and 6xxx).

Land Cover

Trees took precedence over shrubs; shrubs took precedence over herbaceous ground cover.

The dominant vegetation class and type took precedence over the less dominant class and type.

Dense trees in recreational areas were separated out if above-MMU and no built-up areas were included within the tree polygon(s).

In water polygons that contained landmasses, the water would take precedence unless the landmass could be reasonably extracted into an above-MMU polygon.

7000 categories normally took precedence over other, non-urban, land cover.

Change Criteria in the 2012 LU/LC Update

Change in the 2012 LU/LC is defined as a physical difference in the LU/LC type, and/or percent of IS visible, and/or change in DV modifier when viewing the 2007 and 2012 images for the same geographical area. If the area of change conformed to the project mapping criteria, the interpreters delineated new boundaries, as needed, and assigned new codes for the 2012 LU/LC polygon. The original polygon boundaries were not deleted and each affected polygon carried both the original 2007 LU/LC coding attributes and the updated 2012 LU/LC coding attributes.

General Guidelines for Change Criteria

· Change was captured and the resulting polygons were coded appropriately and delineated to match the 2012 imagery.

· Linework between features was not adjusted when a change to either one or both resulted in both units sharing the same 2012 LU/LC, IS, or DV codes. This occurred in instances of physical change to the LU/LC feature within unchanging boundaries and/or actual changes to the dimensions of the LU/LC feature where both polygons ended up carrying the same 2012 code structure.

Non-tidal Freshwater Wetlands (FWW)

· If an FWW (62XX) vegetation unit underwent a change to a specific non built-up urban or agricultural land use, it was coded as the wetland equivalent of that land use.

o If the change resulted in an area of maintained grassy lawn, it was coded as 1750.

o If the change resulted in an athletic field, golf course, ball field, or other recreational land use (but not built-up or filled), it was coded as 1850.

o If the change resulted in an agricultural land use, it was coded as 2140

o If a 2140 agricultural wetland was no longer being cultivated and was not built-up, maintained lawn, or a recreational use, then it was coded as 2150 (Former Agricultural Wetland).

· If the change involved land cover growth, the LU/LC code was changed to the appropriate land cover code. For example, instances where trees grew from emergent or shrub categories, or where coniferous shrubs overgrew deciduous shrubs would be coded with the appropriate land cover value.

· A 7430 wetland that changed naturally and significantly was changed to the appropriate wetland vegetation category.

· If the FWW polygon had changed, and it was considered “negative,” this was manifested in portions of the imagery where a taller order of vegetation was replaced with a shorter order. If the negative change was in the form of man-made disturbance, such as logging, then the 7430 Disturbed Wetland code was assigned.

· If non man-made change was observed in an FWW polygon but the affected area was below MMU and unable to be aggregated, then the linework and code were retained. However, if the affected area was below MMU but able to be aggregated to an adjacent polygon due to similarity of LU/LC types, the affected area was delineated and coded appropriately.

o One example is an above-MMU logged area contained for the most part within upland tree polygons, but occasionally moving into adjacent below-MMU sections of wetland polygons. The below-MMU wetland sections will be delineated and the codes will be changed to the corresponding upland disturbed code for aggregation purposes.

Water

· The 2007 imagery reflected exceedingly wet conditions throughout the state. An attempt was made to determine whether visible standing water was “permanent” or the temporary result of spring flooding conditions and/or recent rain events during the 2007 LU/LC Update. The 2012 imagery showed drier conditions than the 2007 imagery. As a result, there were many dry looking areas on the 2012 imagery that were coded as water types in 2007. Many of these polygons were sent as questions to NJDEP and some resulted with an NHD FCode value of 39001 (intermittent), but rarely resulted in change from water in the LU/LC code.

· Reservoirs that were drained due to man-made influences were coded as water, not land.

· In the absence of true change, large areas of tidal mud flats were coded 5412 only where the area had been captured as water (54XX) in 2007. These areas were not retro’d.

· If a water body appeared wet in 2007 but dry in 2012 (excluding type 1499), the FCode was coded as to 39001 (intermittent). If a water body was connected to a drainage basin, then the FCode was coded as 43614 (intermittent reservoir). Both of these situations were generally noted in the NJ Review Points.

· Bridges (1419) were only captured where they crossed over water polygons, i.e. water visible on the project imagery that met the water capture criteria. The resulting 1419 polygon was assigned an IS value of zero and the appropriate NHD FCode value based on the underlying water FCode. Bridges that crossed below resolution water visible on the imagery were not captured in the data.

Coastline

· Changes along coastlines, including the shoreline of the Delaware River, that occurred due to erosion or deposition greater than 30 feet were delineated and coded as a change. Coastal changes usually resulted in LU/LC codes indicating ocean or beach. For the Delaware River, LU/LC changes were coded with wetland codes consistent with surrounding wetlands.

· Many areas directly along the coast that had undergone change were captured as 7100 (Beaches). Some of these areas did not show a typical beach signature, which was smooth and white. These areas tended to show a lot of color variation (red-brown, brown, gray) and lots of texture but no obvious vegetation. In some situations it was hard to tell if it was sand or low tidal marsh (6111). In 2007 this red-brown, brown, gray signature was coded as water. Changes in the way NHD defines water (having to do with high and low tide lines), caused NJDEP to alter the water/land criteria. Because of this criteria change, these areas were captured as change and no retro’s were performed.

Burned areas

· In burned areas where there was still viable vegetation (the land cover type could be readily determined), the polygon in which the burned area was included was not coded as burned.

· For upland areas where a severe burn occurred (blackened, tree crowns gone), the area was delineated separately and coded as a change with a LU/LC code of 4500, DV= Disturbed Vegetation.

· For wetland areas where a severe burn occurred (blackened, tree crowns gone), the area was delineated separately and coded as a change with a LU/LC code of 6500, DV= Disturbed Vegetation.

Retroactive Mapping Criteria

Retroactive (retro) mapping was defined as any correction to the original 2007 LU/LC data due to changes in classification, criteria, registration issues, or error in the original photo interpretations. To qualify for retro mapping, the photo signature in 2012 and 2007 had to be the same, i.e. no detectable change in LU/LC class, IS or DV, and the corrections had to comply with the 2012 mapping criteria.

· Polygons improperly coded during the 2007 effort were assigned the appropriate LU/LC values for the 2012 update. These values were then retro-mapped back to the 2007 data.

· Polygons improperly coded as a result of the differences in criteria between the 2007 and the 2012 updates were given the appropriate code in 2012 and retro-mapped to the 2007 dataset, unless the class specifically excluded retro mapping, e.g. 5412, 7500, etc.

· Features on the imagery meeting the minimum mapping unit but not delineated due to photo interpretation error in 2007 were delineated and retro-mapped.

· Any or all portions of linework that were determined to be inaccurate were re-delineated to correlate with the 2012 imagery.

· Wetland polygons containing existing built-up or paved areas were re-delineated if the non-wetland areas were above-MMU or capable of being aggregated. Any new polygons were then retro-mapped back to 2007.

Section 5: Data Dictionary

2012 LU/LC Attributes

ObjectID	Unique ID number
Shape	Type of geometry of feature
Acres	Acreage of polygon
LU12	2012 LU/LC code
Label 12	Text name of 2012 LU/LC code
Type12	Type name of 2012 LU/LC code
IS12	Impervious surface of 2012 polygon
DV12	2012 distressed vegetation
NHD_FCode	2012 National Hydrography Dataset FCode
FCode_Description	Text name of FCode
LU07	2007 LU/LC code
Label 07	Text name of 2007 LU/LC code
Type07	Type name of 2007 LU/LC code
IS07	Impervious surface of 2007 polygon
DV07	2007 distressed vegetation
NHD_FCode07	2007 FCode
Change12	Y/N (1/0) if LU12 changed from LU07
ISChange12	Y/N (1/0) if IS12 changed from IS07
HUC8	The ID number of the HUC8, from the National Watershed Database
FieldCheck	Describes if a polygon has been verified on-site or virtually

2012 LU/LC Attribute Values

ObjectID

Variable, unique ID number for each polygon.

Shape

Geometry of all features in geodatabase is polygon.

Acres

Variable, depending on the size of the polygon.

LU12, LU07- Land Use/Land Cover

LU/LC categories. Refer to Table 1 below. For a full description of each LU/LC class see the Anderson, et al, classification in Attachment A.

Label 12, Label 07

Name of the LU/LC categories. Refer to Table 1 below.

Type12, Type07

Type assigned to each LU/LC category. Refer to Table 1 below.

Table 1

LU	LABEL	TYPE
1110	RESIDENTIAL, HIGH DENSITY OR MULTIPLE DWELLING	URBAN
1120	RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE UNIT, MEDIUM DENSITY	URBAN
1130	RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE UNIT, LOW DENSITY	URBAN
1140	RESIDENTIAL, RURAL, SINGLE UNIT	URBAN
1150	MIXED RESIDENTIAL	URBAN
1200	COMMERCIAL/SERVICES	URBAN
1211	MILITARY INSTALLATIONS	URBAN
1214	NO LONGER MILITARY	URBAN
1300	INDUSTRIAL	URBAN
1400	TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNICATION/UTILITIES	URBAN
1410	MAJOR ROADWAY	URBAN
1411	MIXED TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR OVERLAP AREA	URBAN
1419	BRIDGE OVER WATER	WATER
1420	RAILROADS	URBAN
1440	AIRPORT FACILITIES	URBAN
1461	WETLAND RIGHTS-OF-WAY	WETLANDS
1462	UPLAND RIGHTS-OF-WAY DEVELOPED	URBAN
1463	UPLAND RIGHTS-OF-WAY UNDEVELOPED	URBAN
1499	STORMWATER BASIN	URBAN
1500	INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES	URBAN
1600	MIXED URBAN OR BUILT-UP LAND	URBAN
1700	OTHER URBAN OR BUILT-UP LAND	URBAN
1710	CEMETERY	URBAN
1711	CEMETERY ON WETLAND	WETLANDS
1741	PHRAGMITES DOMINATE URBAN AREA	WETLANDS
1750	MANAGED WETLAND IN MAINTAINED LAWN GREENSPACE	WETLANDS
1800	RECREATIONAL LAND	URBAN
1804	ATHLETIC FIELDS (SCHOOLS)	URBAN
1810	STADIUM, THEATERS, CULTURAL CENTERS AND ZOOS	URBAN
1850	MANAGED WETLAND IN BUILT-UP MAINTAINED REC AREA	WETLANDS
2100	CROPLAND AND PASTURELAND	AGRICULTURE
2140	AGRICULTURAL WETLANDS (MODIFIED)	WETLANDS
2150	FORMER AGRICULTURAL WETLAND (BECOMING SHRUBBY, NOT BUILT-UP)	WETLANDS
2200	ORCHARDS/VINEYARDS/NURSERIES/HORTICULTURAL AREAS	AGRICULTURE
2300	CONFINED FEEDING OPERATIONS	AGRICULTURE
2400	OTHER AGRICULTURE	AGRICULTURE
4110	DECIDUOUS FOREST (10-50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4120	DECIDUOUS FOREST (>50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4210	CONIFEROUS FOREST (10-50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4220	CONIFEROUS FOREST (>50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4230	PLANTATION	FOREST
4311	MIXED FOREST (>50% CONIFEROUS WITH 10-50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4312	MIXED FOREST (>50% CONIFEROUS WITH >50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4321	MIXED FOREST (>50% DECIDUOUS WITH 10-50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4322	MIXED FOREST (>50% DECIDUOUS WITH >50% CROWN CLOSURE)	FOREST
4410	OLD FIELD (< 25% BRUSH COVERED)	FOREST
4411	PHRAGMITES DOMINATE OLD FIELD	FOREST
4420	DECIDUOUS BRUSH/SHRUBLAND	FOREST
4430	CONIFEROUS BRUSH/SHRUBLAND	FOREST
4440	MIXED DECIDUOUS/CONIFEROUS BRUSH/SHRUBLAND	FOREST
4500	SEVERE BURNED UPLAND VEGETATION	FOREST
5100	STREAMS AND CANALS	WATER
5190	EXPOSED FLATS	WATER
5200	NATURAL LAKES	WATER
5300	ARTIFICIAL LAKES	WATER
5410	TIDAL RIVERS, INLAND BAYS, AND OTHER TIDAL WATERS	WATER
5411	OPEN TIDAL BAYS	WATER
5412	TIDAL MUD FLAT	WATER
5420	DREDGED LAGOON	WATER
5430	ATLANTIC OCEAN	WATER
6111	SALINE MARSH (LOW MARSH)	WETLANDS
6112	SALINE MARSH (HIGH MARSH)	WETLANDS
6120	FRESHWATER TIDAL MARSHES	WETLANDS
6130	VEGETATED DUNE COMMUNITIES	WETLANDS
6141	PHRAGMITES DOMINATE COASTAL WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6210	DECIDUOUS WOODED WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6220	CONIFEROUS WOODED WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6221	ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6231	DECIDUOUS SCRUB/SHRUB WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6232	CONIFEROUS SCRUB/SHRUB WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6233	MIXED SCRUB/SHRUB WETLANDS (DECIDUOUS DOM.)	WETLANDS
6234	MIXED SCRUB/SHRUB WETLANDS (CONIFEROUS DOM.)	WETLANDS
6240	HERBACEOUS WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6241	PHRAGMITES DOMINATE INTERIOR WETLANDS	WETLANDS
6251	MIXED WOODED WETLANDS (DECIDUOUS DOM.)	WETLANDS
6252	MIXED WOODED WETLANDS (CONIFEROUS DOM.)	WETLANDS
6290	UNVEGETATED FLATS	WETLANDS
6500	SEVERE BURNED WETLAND VEGETATION	WETLANDS
7100	BEACHES	BARREN LAND
7200	BARE EXPOSED ROCK, ROCK SLIDES, ETC	BARREN LAND
7300	EXTRACTIVE MINING	BARREN LAND
7400	ALTERED LANDS	BARREN LAND
7430	DISTURBED WETLANDS (MODIFIED)	WETLANDS
7440	DISTURBED TIDAL WETLANDS	WETLANDS
7500	TRANSITIONAL AREAS	BARREN LAND
7600	UNDIFFERENTIATED BARREN LANDS	BARREN LAND

IS12, IS07- Impervious Surface

Measured as a percentage of polygon, in 5% increments.

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100

DV12, DV07- Distressed Vegetation

1 = Standing Dead Conifers
2 = Disturbed Vegetation
3 = Man Made Disturbance
4 = Persistent Distressed Vegetation (only valid for DV12)

*NHD_FCode

0 = Not Applicable
33600 = Canal/Ditch
39001 = Lake/Pond-intermittent
39004 = Lake/Pond-perennial
39005 = Lake/Pond-intermittent, high water
39009 = Lake/Pond-perennial, average water
39010 = Lake/Pond-perennial, normal pool
39011 = Lake/Pond-perennial, date of photography
43601 = Reservoir- aquaculture
43603 = Reservoir- decorative pool
43610 = Reservoir- treatment-filtration pond
43611 = Reservoir- treatment-settling pond
43612 = Reservoir- treatment-sewage treatment pond
43613 = Reservoir- water storage, non-earthen, covered
43614 = Reservoir- water storage, earthen, uncovered, intermittent
43615 = Reservoir- water storage, earthen, uncovered, perennial
43624 = Reservoir- treatment
43625 = Reservoir- disposal, earthen
44500 = Sea/ocean
45500 = Spillway
46003 = Stream/River-intermittent
46006 = Stream/River-perennial
49300 = Estuary

*Values taken from http://nhd.usgs.gov/NHDinGEO_FCodes_by_layer.pdf.

HUC8

ID number of HUC8 Subbasin within NJ, provided by NJDEP, taken from the National Watershed Database.

FieldCheck

0 = Polygon not field verified
3 = Polygon verified on the ground (On-site Field Check)
9 = Polygon verified virtually (Virtual Field Check)

ATTACHMENT A

2012 LAND USE/LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION

NJDEP MODIFIED ANDERSON SYSTEM

Derived from: A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensor Data, U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 964, 1976; edited by NJDEP, OIRM, BGIA, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2012

(Classes used in current NJDEP mapping program shown in bold)

1000 URBAN OR BUILT-UP LAND

The Level 1 Urban or Built-up Land category is characterized by intensive land use where the landscape has been altered by human activities. Although structures are usually present, this category is not restricted to traditional urban areas. Urban or Built-up Land Level II categories include Residential; Commercial and Service; Industrial; Transportation, Communication and Utilities; Industrial and Commercial Complexes; Mixed Urban or Built-up; Other Urban or Build-up and Recreational. Included with each of the above land uses are associated lands, buildings, parking lots, access roads, and other appurtenances, unless these are specifically excluded.

Urban or Built-up Land takes precedence over other categories when the criteria for more than one category are met. For example, recreational areas that have enough tree cover to meet Forest category criteria are placed in the Recreational category.

1100 RESIDENTIAL

The residential category includes single-family residences, multiple-unit dwellings and mobile homes. Also included is the mixed residential group, which is comprised of two or more of the above groups. Residential areas are easily identified on aerial photographs by the shapes and patterns of individual houses, housing developments and multiple dwelling (apartment or condominium) complexes. They can also be identified by their proximity to urban centers or roadways.

Residential areas which are an integral part of other land uses and located on the site of that land use are included in that land use category. For example, residential units may be found on military bases or on college campuses in the form of barracks, apartments or dormitories. These residences would be mapped as their associated land use.

Residential area categories are based on density in terms of dwelling units per acre (DUPA). In order to determine density at Level III mapping scale, an acre grid is placed over residential areas on the base imagery and the number of residential structures or portions of a structure is counted. An average number of dwelling units per acre is determined and the area is mapped accordingly. Multiple unit structures, such as 2 or 3-family homes, may be included within single-unit residential areas since they are not extensive enough to be mapped individually. Also, commercial areas too small to be mapped separately may be found within residential areas.

1110 Residential (High Density or Multiple dwelling)

This category contains either high-density single units or multiple dwelling units on 1/8 to 1/5-acre lots. These areas are commonly found in the densely populated urban zones.

1111 Single Unit, High Density

This category contains single unit residential areas of more than 5 dwellings per acre. These are generally found in densely populated urban areas.

1112 Multiple Dwelling, Low Rise (3 stories or less)

This category contains residential areas of 2 and 3 family homes, row houses and garden apartments of up to 3 stories. These are generally found in the urban or urban fringe areas of cities.

1113 Multiple Dwelling, High Rise (4 stories or more)

This category includes residential areas comprised of condominiums, apartment complexes and towers of 4 stories or more, generally found in or near urban areas. Multiple dwelling residences can be identified on aerial photography by their size, height, construction pattern and the location of driveways and parking lots.

1120 Residential (Single Unit, Medium Density)

This category is comprised of residential urban/suburban neighborhoods greater than 1/8 acre and up to and including ½ acre lots.

1130 Residential (Single Unit, Low Density)

This category contains single unit residential neighborhoods with areas greater than ½ acre up to and including 1 acre lots.

1140 Residential (Single Unit)

This category contains single unit residential neighborhoods with lots that are at least 1 acre or larger. This type is typically found in sparsely populated regions surrounded by or adjacent to forested or agricultural lands. Also included are estates or modern sub-divisions with large lot sizes providing a density less than or equal to 1 dwelling unit per acre.

1150 Mixed Residential

The mixed residential category is used for an area where various residential uses occur and the individual uses cannot be separated at mapping scale (1 acre). Where more than 1/3 intermixture of other residential use or uses occurs in a specific area, it is classified as mixed residential. Where the inter-mixtures of other residential land use or uses total less than 1/3 of the specified area, the dominant land use category is applied.

1200 COMMERCIAL & SERVICES

Areas that contain structures predominantly used for the sale of products and services are classified as Commercial and Services.

The main building, secondary structures and supporting areas such as parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas are also placed under this category, (unless the landscaped areas are greater than 1 acre in size in which case they are put into a separate category). Sometimes non-commercial uses such as residential or industrial intermix with commercial uses making it difficult to identify the predominant land use. These categories are not separated out; but, if the residential exceeds 1/3 of the total commercial area, the Mixed Urban category (1600) is used. If industrial land use and commercial land use occur in close proximity and are unable to be separated as different categories, then the Industrial and Commercial Complexes code (1500) is used. Often, specific uses of some commercial and services buildings cannot be easily identified from photography alone. Some supplemental information is required. These areas generally have a high percentage of impervious surface coverage. Any of the specific uses listed below may be included in the 1200 category, with the exception of Military Installations which are delineated separately under the code 1211, and No Longer Military, which are delineated under the code 1214.

1201 Central Business District (CBD)

These are the "downtown" banking and commercial centers of cities or towns where land use is largely undifferentiated. Retail stores, banks, office buildings, post offices, libraries, firehouses and courthouses are examples of structures that may comprise a CBD. Some public land uses such as schools and cemeteries are separated out into other categories if they are of a mappable size.

CBDs can exist in any size city or town. Metropolitan CBDs can be easily identified by their large number of high-rise buildings surrounded by parking lots. They are usually easily accessed by interstate bypass routes. Medium-size CBDs contain 3 and 4 story buildings fronted by parking spaces. They are away from the main traffic intersections of cities and often expand outward from railroad lines. Small towns CBDs contain 2 or 3 story buildings that line the streets and are in close proximity to residential structures. They usually parallel main traffic arteries.

1202 Commercial Strip Development

This is the commercial activity developed along major highway and access roads to cities and towns in a more or less single strip. Motel accommodations, car dealers, fast food services, gas stations and other similar goods and services establishments are examples that may comprise a Commercial strip. Location of these building along a main vehicular transportation route is the key criterion. Frequently, especially in suburban areas, residential and industrial land uses intermix with Commercial Strip Development. When these uses exceed 1/3 of the total contiguous length of the Commercial Strip, the Mixed Urban category is used.

1203 Isolated Commercial Establishments for Goods and/or Services

This category pertains to commercial establishments providing goods and services for direct consumer use. Isolated single commercial buildings or isolated cluster of commercial buildings that are not part of a Commercial Strip Development or a well-defined CBD are included in this category.

These buildings are distinguished from Isolated Commercial Office Buildings (1204) because they provide goods and services for direct consumer use while 1204 does not. Some examples are fast food services, dry cleaners, gas stations and banks. Professional buildings that house medical offices, real estate brokers, law firms and travel agents are included in this category as well.

1204 Isolated Commercial Office Buildings

This category pertains to scattered commercial development, specifically commercial office buildings (not providing goods and services for direct consumer use). Isolated single commercial buildings or isolated clusters of commercial buildings that are not part of a Commercial Strip Development or well-defined CBD are included in this category. These buildings are distinguished from the Isolated Establishments for Goods and Services because they do not provide products and services directly to the consumer. Buildings can house administrative and support staffs for large corporations or staffs for several smaller businesses. These buildings can range in size from 2 to 3 stories to high-rise structures.

When several Commercial Office Buildings exist together and share common driveways, parking lots and lawns they are placed in the Industrial and Commercial Complexes category (1500).

1205 Shopping Centers

A Shopping Center is a group of retail stores and other commercial establishments planned, developed, owned and managed as a unit, with off-street parking provided on the property. Shopping centers range in size from those of just a few thousand square feet to plazas covering acres. Key identification features are large and often interconnecting buildings surrounded by well-paved parking lots located near interchanges and highways. Retention ponds located on the property, if of a mappable size are included in the Artificial Lake category (5300).

1206 Resorts, Hotels, Motels & Related facilities

These facilities usually associated with leisure time activities contain over-night accommodations, dining facilities, services and recreational activities. They range in size from converted farm houses to luxury resort hotels. Features that help define them such as tennis courts, pools, golf courses, ski slopes and well-kept lawns and gardens are all included in the category. (These features are included with the resort since they are private and not accessible to non-paying guests). Hotels within urban areas are generally not mapped separately because they are difficult to distinguish from other commercial buildings.

1207 Educational Institutions

This category includes all levels of public and private schools, colleges, universities and training centers. All buildings, campus open space, dormitories and parking areas are included. Not included are recreational facilities such as ball fields, tennis courts, stadiums and swimming pools. These recreational facilities are included in Recreation (1800) if they are of a mappable size. Universities can often be identified by a maze of walkways linking various buildings. Elementary and secondary schools are usually 1 or 2 story buildings surrounded by recreational fields and located in residential areas away from high traffic volumes. Any educational activity associated with religious institutions involving parish schools, seminaries, orphanages and novitiates, if of a mappable size, are included in this category.

1208 Health Institutions

Any facility providing direct health care to the public such as hospitals, mental health institutions, sanitariums, special care centers, major clinics and nursing homes are included in this category. Some identifiable features may include circular drives, covered main entrances, multi-story buildings with wings, large parking lots and spacious grounds.

1209 Correctional Institutions

Prisons and rehabilitation centers make up this category. They can be identified by high walls and controlled access points. Topographic maps should be consulted to make sure minimum security prisons are not over-looked. Land uses, such as farmland or quarries associated with prisons are mapped separately according to their appropriate lane cover/land use category.

1210 Government Centers

This category includes any state, regional, county or municipal office buildings. They can range in size from 1 or 2 story buildings to high-rise complexes. Any government office located in the CBD (1201) or along a Commercial Strip (1202) is included in those categories unless it is of a mappable size.

1211 Military Installations

Military bases and camps, armories, ordnance depots, missile sites, National Guard and Reserve armories are included in this category. Boundaries of major military installations are generally identified by fence lines and roads along their perimeter. Military facilities have a wide variety of conditions including training camps, missile sites, etc. Auxiliary land uses, particularly residential, commercial and other supporting uses located on a military base should be included in this category.

1212 Other Institutional

This category includes any other institutions not included in the other categories. Some examples are churches, synagogues, convents, special research facilities, medical research facilities not open to the public, and social clubs associated with established organizations.

1213 Mixed Commercial & Services

This category is used when a mix of various commercial uses and services exist and no one category predominates. When more than 1/3 of one commercial use is mixed with another use this Mixed category is used. Where the intermixture total is less than 1/3 then the dominant use is mapped.

1214 No Longer Military

Included in this category are portions of former military installations that have been de-commissioned and sold. New development of these areas has not yet begun, so particular use cannot be determined from the photography. Many of the undeveloped portions of these former military sites may remain as preserved undeveloped open space. Developed areas may be re-developed for other uses. However, in all cases, the new intended use is not discernible from the latest available photography, or other ancillary data.

1300 INDUSTRIAL

This category encompasses a great variety of structure types and land uses. Light and heavy industry are comprised of land uses where manufacturing, assembly or processing of products takes place. Power generation is included here because of its similarity to heavy industry. These areas generally have a high percentage of impervious surface coverage.

1310 Light Industrial

Light industry deals with design, assembly, finishing, packaging, and storing of products or materials that have usually been processed at least once. These activities are characterized as "clean", since they produce a relatively small amount of smoke and other effluents, noise, and dust.

Light industries include facilities for administration, research, assembly, storage, warehousing, and shipping. Examples are electronics firms, trucking companies, small textile mills, and auto assembly plants. Characteristic features may include the nature of the buildings, parking and shipping arrangements, the presence of outdoor storage facilities, trailer trucks, loading docks, rail lines, power sources and smokestacks.

1320 Heavy Industrial

Heavy industry involves the processing of raw materials such as iron ore, timber, petroleum or coal, or the fabrication and assemblage of parts that are bulky and heavy.

Examples of heavy industry are steel, pulp, and lumber mills, oil refineries and tank farms, chemical plants, and grain mills. Recognizable features include blast furnaces, kilns, chemical processing towers, large chimneys or stacks, fuel tanks, boiler house, transformer yards, silos, bins and piles and ponds of water. Also included in this category are surface structures associated with mining operations: loading devices, trucks, access roads processing facilities, stock piles, and storage sheds.

1330 Power Generation

There are three main types of power generators: thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric. Features common to all three types are the presence of transmission lines and transformer yards, and often, proximity to water.

Both thermal and nuclear plants usually have cooling towers for used water. Thermal plants often have associated coal piles and conveyor belts leading to the main plants. Nuclear plants have a characteristic nuclear reactor building. Hydroelectric plants are usually at the dams of large reservoirs or impounded streams, or at an elevation break on a watercourse. Typical features include a dam and tailraces.

1400 TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION & UTILITIES

The transportation, communication, and utilities land uses are usually associated with the other Urban or Built-up Land categories since they frequently do not meet the project minimum mapping unit; therefore they are often captured with the land use in which they occur. The presence of major transportation routes, utilities such as sewage treatment plants and power lines, and communications facilities greatly influence both the present and potential uses of an area. Major port facilities, roads and solar panel arrays are also included in this category.

1410 Major Roadway

Major Roadways (or major highways) typically contain at least two lanes in each direction, separated by a concrete barrier or median strip. There are usually no cross streets or traffic lights, and access is limited to ramps. Included in this category are service (rest) areas, right-of-ways, interchanges, maintained hillsides, and other service and terminal facilities. Examples are interstates, U.S. highways and freeways.

Major roads or highways are characterized by "diamond" and "clover-leaf" patterns of ramps, crossroads intersecting via underpasses or overpasses, and the lack of adjacent residential, commercial, or industrial development, with direct connections to the highway. Major road or highway right-of-ways are often bounded by fences or drainage paths.

1411 Mixed Transportation Corridor Overlap Areas

Mixed transportation overlap areas are places in the data where railroads (1420) and roads (1400/1410) intersect. The 1411 class captures segments of the road/railroad that define the major point of intersection and includes at-grade crossings as well as railroad and road bridges. This category does not include road (1400) over road (1410) intersections, auto or rail bridges over water (1419). This category was created to provide continuity of the railroad and road transportation networks for analysis purposes.

1419 Bridges Over Water

Bridges over water are areas in the dataset where polygonal water bodies intersect major roadways or roads. The 1419 code captures segments of road that are considered bridges, as beneath them, water flow is continuous and uninterrupted. Only the section of road that is representative of the criteria should be pulled out as a bridge over water; the rest of the highway will remain in the 1400/1410 class. Bridges Over Water are classified as a Water type and therefore carry an NHD FCode.

1420 Railroads

The railroad category includes railroads and spurs as well as stations, parking lots, roundhouses, power generators, and repair and switching yards. Spurs that connect single industrial or extractive pick-up points with main rail lines are included in the appropriate industrial or extractive category. Spurs that connect multiple industrial uses are included in the railroad class.

1430 Bus and Truck Terminals

Bus and truck terminals are characterized by long buildings with truck trailers or buses adjacent to them. There are large paved areas surrounding the garages, which are used for maneuvering and parking. Terminals are often located in close proximity to major transportation routes.

1440 Airport Facilities

Airport facilities are characterized by areas cleared of vegetation and other obstructions; also, the presence of long, linear runway surfaces. They vary from rural grass landing strips to vast urban complexes.

Typical moderate to large-sized airports contain parallel primary runways, smaller parallel taxi strips, intervening land, aircraft parking aprons, hangars, terminals, service buildings, navigation aids, fuel storage areas, parking lots, and limited buffer zones. This category also includes heliports and land associated with seaplane bases. It does not include small airports on rotated farmland.

1450 Port Facilities

Seaports are isolated areas of high utilization with no well-defined intervening connections. Included in this category are docks, piers, shipyards, drydocks, locks, waterway control structures, buildings, parking lots and adjacent water utilized by ships in the loading or unloading of cargo or passengers.

1460 Power Facilities

Power facilities include power substations and transmission line right-of-ways where the right-of-way is clearly visible on aerial photography and not used for any other purpose. For example, transmission line right-of-ways are clearly discernible where they traverse forest: there are no trees, and vegetation growth is controlled through mowing or herbicides.

Right-of-ways in agricultural land are difficult or impossible to see because there is usually no demarcation from the surrounding land. Additionally, the surrounding agricultural activity also occurs in the right-of-way most of the time. A right-of-way would be mapped as a power facility when traversing forest, but would be mapped as a Level III agricultural category when traversing agricultural land.

On aerial photography, power substations appear as geometric configuration with associated transformers and transmission lines. Those associated with an industrial, commercial, or extractive land uses are included in that category.

1461 Wetland Rights-of-Way

Included in this category are rights-of-way that exist in former wetland areas, and which still exhibit evidence of soil saturation on the photography. Because of alterations associated with creating the rights-of-way, these areas may not support the typical natural wetland vegetation found in adjacent unaltered natural areas. They do, however, exist in areas shown on the Natural Resources Conservation Service soil surveys to have hydric soils, and exhibit the darker tonal signatures associated with saturated soils on the photography. Photo signature of these areas will vary from tan or gray to pink on CIR imagery. Textures will generally be smooth to slightly rough depending on whether the dominant vegetation is low herbaceous species or taller shrubs.

1462 Upland Rights-of-Way, Developed

Included in this category are upland rights-of-way that exist in Developed non-Urban areas. These rights-of-way are defined for the purposes of this project as utilities, meaning they are not necessarily electrical rights-of-way. This category includes lands adjacent to agricultural areas but not visibly used in connection with any agricultural land use. Because of alterations associated with creating the rights-of-way, these areas may not support the typical natural vegetation found in adjacent unaltered natural areas. Photo signature of these areas will vary from tan or gray to pink on CIR imagery. Textures will generally be smooth to slightly rough depending on whether the dominant vegetation is low herbaceous species or taller shrubs.

1463 Upland Rights-of-Way, Undeveloped

Included in this category are upland rights-of-way that exist in undeveloped non-Urban areas. As in the 1462 category, these rights-of-way are also defined as utilities, meaning they do not only include electrical rights-of-way. Lands adjacent to agricultural areas but not visibly used in connection with any agricultural land use are included in this category. Because of alterations associated with creating the rights-of-way, these areas may not support the typical natural vegetation found in adjacent unaltered natural areas. Photo signature of these areas will vary from tan or gray to pink on CIR imagery. Textures will generally be smooth to slightly rough depending on whether the dominant vegetation is low herbaceous species or taller shrubs.

1470 Water Treatment Facilities

Water treatment facilities consist of buildings with adjacent circular or rectangular tanks. They are usually restricted to moderately sized towns and cities, rather than rural areas. Water treatment facilities and sewage treatment facilities are often similar in appearance on aerial photography. However, many water treatment facilities are upstream from the community served, whereas the sewage treatment facilities are often downstream.

1480 Sewage Treatment Facilities

Sewage treatment plants are often adjacent to streams or rivers. Identifiable features include an array of rectangular or circular tanks for initial processing, settling and aeration, and associated low buildings. Like water treatment facilities, they are usually restricted to moderately sized towns and cities rather than rural areas, where individual septic systems are prevalent. Also included in this category are pumping stations, sewage mains, and tertiary treatment fields.

1490 Other Transportation, Communication and Utilities

This category consists of related facilities not included in any of the previous Level III categories. Included are radio, radar, and television antennas, microwave stations, water towers, and lighthouses. Towers include the land enclosed by guide wires. Fence-lines, trimmed or mowed grounds, and access roads are associated with many of these facilities.

1499 Stormwater Basins

Stormwater Basins are a common feature in newer developments. They are typically located in office parks, commercial and industrial parks, and newer residential developments. They are often identifiable by the curved boundaries, interior drainage lines, and characteristic depressional shape. Water may or may not be present at the time the photography is taken; since it is considered to be dynamic, the drainage basin code should take precedence unless there are indications that the water is a more permanent feature, i.e. aeration fountains, etc. In those situations, the water within the basin should be placed in the 5300 Artificial Lakes class.

This category also includes drainage basins, which are not as well-maintained, and therefore more difficult to map. In this classification, land cover takes precedence over the drainage basin structure.

1500 INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES

The Industrial and Commercial Complexes category includes those industrial and commercial land uses that typically occur together or in close proximity. These areas are commonly referred to as "Industrial or Commercial Parks." The major types of business establishments located in these planned industrial and commercial parks are light manufacturing, administration offices, research and development facilities, and computer systems companies. Also found here are facilities for warehousing, wholesaling, retailing and distributing.

Industrial and Commercial Complexes are usually located in suburban or rural areas. The key identifying feature is the planned layout of buildings exhibiting the same or very similar construction. Other identifying features include well-kept lawns and landscaped areas, ample parking areas and common roadways connecting buildings that also provide access to major highways. The lack of smokestacks, storage tanks, raw materials or finished products, and waste signifies that no heavy industries are present. These areas generally have a high percentage of impervious surface coverage (~85%) and some may be up to 100%.

1510 Industrial and Commercial Parks

See category 15 for description. Clusters of commercial office buildings that happen to exist side by side but do not share common roadways and landscaped areas are included in the Isolated Commercial Office building category (1204).

1600 MIXED URBAN OR BUILT-UP LAND

This category includes those urban or built-up areas for which uses cannot be separated into individual categories at the mapping scale employed. Areas are identified under the mixed urban category when more than one-third intermixture of another use or uses is evident.

Uses considered in mixed urban include primarily residential, commercial/service, industrial and transportation/communication/utility. Not included in the category are areas considered part of a definable commercial strip as described under class 1202. In addition, open land that could be classified for any agricultural use would not be included in the mixed urban category.

Level 3 divisions of the Mixed Urban category involve separating the mixed areas based on the predominant use in the intermixture, if one is evident.

1610 - Predominantly Residential - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be identified as Residential).

1620 - Predominantly Commercial/Service - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be identified as Commercial/Service).

1630 - Predominantly Industrial - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be identified as Industrial).

1640 - Predominantly Transportation/Communication/Utilities - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be identified as Transportation/Communication/Utilities).

1650 - Heterogeneous Mixture - (No single use in the intermixture comprises more than 50%).

1700 OTHER URBAN OR BUILT-UP LAND

Included are undeveloped, open lands within urban areas. Some structures may be visible, as in the case of abandoned residential or commercial sites that have not yet been redeveloped. Other areas may be brush-covered or grassy. Large, managed, maintained lawns common to some residential areas, and those open areas of commercial/service complexes, educational installations, etc., are also included. Undeveloped, but maintained lawns in urban parks are also part of this category, if a specific recreational use is not evident. In addition, areas that have been partially developed or redeveloped but remain unfinished are included. Also included in this category are cemeteries.

1710 Cemetery

These areas represent large tracts of primarily open land within urban areas. Large cemeteries can be identified by layout of driveways, lots, mausoleums and marking stones. Cemeteries associated with small towns, individual churches or family estates may not be easily identifiable. Supplemental information is often needed to identify these smaller cemeteries.

1711 Cemetery On Wetland

This category represents those areas that lie within cemetery boundaries and can be classified as wetlands. Maintained lawn areas that are not part of the cemetery but instead lie adjacent to the property will be mapped in the 1750 category. As with the 1710 category, collateral information or field verification is usually needed to delineate these boundaries.

1720 Undeveloped Land Within Urban Areas

Within this category are those areas generally considered vacant lots. These areas may never have been developed, or may represent formerly built-up that have been entirely or partially cleared, but not redeveloped. Included would be abandoned manufacturing or commercial sites that could be redeveloped. Areas within this category are generally brush or grass-covered and may or may not be maintained. Buildings may be present, interspersed with brush areas and concrete or black top.

1730 Inactive Land With Street Patterns

This category represents areas for which development or redevelopment was started, but which has been abandoned after some street construction has been completed. No active development is visible. These areas typically would support residential developments if completed, but some industrial or commercial development may be found here. These areas generally have low vegetative cover, possibly with sporadic trees and may or may not be maintained.

1740 Open Areas

Included in this category are miscellaneous open areas within urban settings that do not fall into any of the other categories. Many areas identified as 1740 have planned and maintained feature, such as a central lawn area within a suburban development or a commercial and/or corporate complex that provides "open space". Some areas that are not maintained may be included here.

1741 Phragmites Dominate Urban Area

This category contains herbaceous vegetation in urban settings dominated by Phragmites australis. Phragmites is an invasive grass species that is very tall, six feet or more in height, and grows rather rapidly, choking out native species in the process. Phragmites typically grows in large, homogenous stands and has a feathery seedhead; in combination, these factors produce a fluffy, circular signature. Depending on soil conditions, the photographic signature for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to pale white on the CIR imagery.

1750 Managed Wetland in Maintained Lawn Greenspace

Included in this category are former natural wetland areas that now are part of an altered managed landscape, but which still exhibit signs of soil saturation on the imagery. These areas do not support typical wetland vegetation, but are vegetated primarily by grasses and other planted vegetation that may be routinely mowed. Examples of this category would be maintained open lawns and storm water swales in residential, commercial or industrial areas. None of the wetlands included in this category are routinely inundated, although the swales may be on occasion. These altered wetlands exist on areas shown on the US Soil Conservation Service soil surveys to have hydric soils.

1800 RECREATIONAL LAND

Included in this category are those areas that have been specifically developed for recreational activities, provided they are open to the general public. Any facilities that are part of a resort complex and open only to patrons of the hotel or motel are not mapped under category 1800, but under the Commercial and Services category. Facilities mapped as recreational land may charge user fees to the public, such as public golf courses; or, they may be free to the public, such as ball fields on public school grounds. Level III divisions of this category involve identifying the predominant recreational uses of the areas.

1801 Golf Courses

All par 3 courses and above are included, both public and private, unless associated with a resort hotel/motel. Courses can be identified by greens, fairways, sand traps, water hazards, club houses, and parking areas. Additional facilities often associated with golf courses, such as tennis courts, pools, parking, etc. are not identified separately but included in the 1801 category. Ponds, wetlands and other water bodies are, however, identified separately under the appropriate category if they meet minimum polygon size.

1802 Picnic and Camping Parks

This category includes areas that are set aside for picnicking and camping specifically and associated activities (hiking, etc.). Commercial and private tent and trailer campgrounds are included, unless they are part of a resort complex. Any open areas associated with either picnicking or camping areas that exceed one acre are mapped out under category 1809. Supplemental information may be needed to identify picnic or camping areas in forested regions.

1803 Marina and Boat Launches

Public and private facilities consisting of docks, storage, storage buildings, boat ramps, jetties, piers, and parking areas are included in this category. Boats may or may not be visible because of photo scale. Small, primarily state-owned launching sites will generally not be visible on the small scale air photos.

1804 Athletic Fields (Schools)

This category encompasses athletic and recreational facilities that are only associated with schools, such as football stadiums, soccer and baseball fields, pools, and other miscellaneous recreational areas. Not included in this category are maintained lawns that occur within the boundaries of the school; these will instead be left in the 1200 category or mapped as 1700 if above MMU. Also not included in this category are athletic and recreational fields that are associated with adjacent parks or residential areas.

1805 Parks

City, town, county and state parks that are maintained by a government agency are included in this category. What is actually mapped in this category is park headquarters, parking lots and accessory buildings. Open areas, swimming pools and beaches, golf courses, picnic and camping facilities, etc. are mapped separately under their appropriate category.

1806 Swimming Pools

Included are public and commercial facilities such as swim clubs and city-operated pools. Pools associated with country clubs, motels, resorts and private residences are not mapped. Support buildings and parking areas are mapped in this category, as are any tennis courts, etc. which may be associated with the pool.

1807 Swimming Beaches

These areas are specifically man-made beaches adjacent to lakes or ponds, which have been developed for recreational activities. Parking areas are included, but the water is identified under the appropriate water category.

1808 Formal Lawns, Arboretums and Landscaped Areas

Included are landscaped areas that are associated with facilities open to the public such as gardens. Similar areas associated with private estates are not included within this category. Public facilities are identifiable by general layout, associated roadways, parking areas, and support buildings, all of which are mapped as part of 1808.

1809 Open Areas in Parks

This category includes any open area within a city, town, county, or state park that meets minimum mapping polygon size and which is not developed for any specific recreation activity.

1810 Stadium, Theaters, Cultural Centers, and Zoos

Included in this category is any entertainment facility that is developed for public use. Stadiums, outdoor concert halls, racetracks (horse and car), drive-in theaters, amusement parks, and zoos are the primary facilities involved. Such facilities are primarily commercial, although some public recreation areas may be found. Not included are similar facilities on private property, such as horse tracks within private farms that are open to the public. Parking areas, driveways, and support buildings are mapped in this category.

1811 Other Recreational

Included are rifle, skeet, and archery ranges, ski and winter sport areas, fairgrounds, etc., that do not fall into any of the above categories. These areas often have conspicuous signatures, such as ski runs, but form a small part of the land area of New Jersey.

1850 Managed Wetland in Built-up Maintained Recreation Area

Included in this category are former natural wetland areas that now are part of an altered managed recreational area, but which still exhibit signs of soil saturation on the imagery. These areas do not support typical wetland vegetation, but are vegetated primarily by grasses and other planted vegetation that may be routinely mowed. Examples of this category would be saturated portions of golf courses, and fields used for baseball and other sports in designated recreation areas. None of the wetlands included in this category are routinely inundated, although portions may be on occasion. These altered wetlands exist on areas shown on the US Soil Conservation Service soil surveys to have hydric soils.

2000 AGRICULTURAL LAND

This Level I category includes all lands used primarily for the production of food and fiber and some of the structures associated with this production. These areas are easily distinguished from the other categories and represent a significant land use in New Jersey. The Level II categories of Agricultural Land are; Cropland and Pastureland; Orchards; Vineyards; Nurseries and Horticultural Areas; Confined Feeding Operations; and Other environmental concern because of the non-point source pollution associated with confined feeding operations.

2100 CROPLAND AND PASTURELAND

This Level II category contains agricultural lands managed for the production of both row and field crops and for the grazing of cattle, sheep and horses. Also included in this category are croplands left fallow or planted with soil improvement grasses and legumes. Cropland and pastureland can easily be distinguished from other land uses with large-scale imagery.

2110 Harvested Cropland

This category contains agricultural areas that are managed for the production of harvested row or field crops. These include row crops, such as corn, soybeans, cabbage, and potatoes; or field crops predominately used as forage, such as hay or alfalfa. Row crops are easily identified on imagery because of the striations and the regular patterns. However, there are problems distinguishing between field crops, such as hay or winter wheat, from pastureland.

Pastureland can be distinguished because of its close association with farm structures such as barns or feeding stations. Also, pastureland usually has a slightly more mottled or uneven tone than the photographic signature of field crops.

2120 Pastureland

This category contains agricultural areas that are managed as pasture areas for livestock grazing. These areas may be either permanent pastures or tillable cropland that is used as pasture at the time of photography. The identification problems using imagery alone are discussed in Section 2110. Identification of pastureland, field cropland, and inactive cropland may require field verification or other supplemental information. Pasture may be covered by some brush but are included in 2120 if the predominant use is for pasture.

2130 Inactive Cropland

This category contains agricultural areas that have no physical indication of present agricultural use. These areas include both abandoned cropland and fields left fallow or planted in soil-improving grasses and legumes. An indication of inactive cropland is the presence of any woody stems in the field. The area is placed in the Brushland category if the woody stems cover is abundant and the field appears to be abandoned rather then left fallow for soil improvement. An area is placed in Brushland as either Old Field (4410) or Brush/Shrubland (4420, 4430, or 4440) depending on the percentage of brush cover.

2140 Agricultural Wetlands (Modified)

in this category are lands under cultivation that are modified former wetland areas, and which still exhibit evidence of soil saturation on the photography. Included in the 2140 category are cranberry bogs and blueberry farms, as well as other types of wetland agriculture. These lands will exhibit the textural signature characteristics described for the other agricultural categories, but will have darker color and tonal signatures. Photo signature color will range from gray to pink on CIR imagery; it can also look very wet, especially if it is a cranberry bog. In addition, these agricultural wetlands also exist in areas shown on soil surveys of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to have hydric soils.

2150 Former Agricultural Wetland (Becoming Shrubby, not Built-up)

This category was added to identify areas coded as 2140 in the baseline dataset, but which do not appear to be under active cultivation in subsequent years. These areas have not undergone any other alterations, such as filling, grading or development, and may again be returned to the 2140 category if the farmland is again placed under cultivation. However, these wetlands may continue to develop into a scrub/shrub wetland area if active cultivation is not resumed. As areas in a state of flux, they have been given a separate code.

2200 ORCHARDS, VINEYARDS, NURSERIES AND HORTICULTURAL AREAS

This Level II category contains agricultural areas, which are intensively managed for production of fruits, trees, ornamental plants, and vegetable seedlings. Wholesale greenhouses where plants are grown are also included in this category as are orchards, nurseries, blueberry farms, vineyards, sod and seed farms, and commercial greenhouses. Areas delineated include actively cultivated lands as well as land associated with the operations as, uncultivated lands, dirt roads, dikes, etc.

2210 Orchards

This category contains agricultural areas that are intensively managed as commercial orchards. Established orchards are easily recognized on the imagery by the regular grid patterns of the planted trees. Newly planted orchards are more difficult to identify, but the signature can be distinguished from adjacent cropland.

2220 Vineyards

This category contains agricultural areas of intensively managed vineyards. These areas can be recognized by a "cross-hatched" pattern cause by the Vines trained on wires and the poles used for support in the form perpendicular lines.

2230 Nurseries

This category is comprised of areas that are intensively managed for commercial or private nurseries. Nurseries can be recognized as narrow fields with very regular and definite rows. The colors are usually darker in tones than other cropland. Different shades and tones are present in adjacent fields due to the different stages of seedlings or saplings planted. These shades and tones in the narrow fields present a different signature from other agricultural areas. Christmas tree farms are included in this category.

2240 Floriculture

This category contains areas occupied by wholesale producers of flowers, nursery stock, produce, and vegetable seedlings. These areas consist of large greenhouse operations and the associated land and buildings. Retail greenhouse should be included in a Commercial and Services category. Retail greenhouses can be distinguished from wholesale greenhouse operations by their size, amount of associated land, available customer parking and general location. Hobby greenhouse associated with private homes will not by mapped.

2250 Sod and Seed Farms

This category contains commercial sod and seed farms. These areas can be identified on the color infrared imagery by an even-tone deep red signature. This signature is similar to a well-maintained golf course, but is a deeper shade of red. These operations are usually substantial in size, occupying more than 50 acres. When harvesting procedures are in progress, the signature may exhibit some strips of bare ground. These sod farms are often located near potential markets.

2260 Cranberry Farms

This category is comprised of intensively managed cranberry farms primarily located in southern New Jersey. These areas appear as very dense rows of brush occurring in rectangular or circular fields. These areas have irrigation systems present and are traversed by an extensive network of roads or lanes.

2270 Inactive

This one category is used to represent lands occupied by abandoned or inactive orchards, vineyards, nurseries, and cranberry and blueberry farms. For orchards, vineyards, and nurseries, the inactive signature appears similar to the active signature, except the patterns will be less regular. Natural vegetation growing in the abandoned areas will cause irregular patterns and differing textures in the signature. In some cases, the trees may be removed and earlier photography or supplemental information may be necessary to place the area in this category. Inactive cranberry and blueberry farms may be difficult to distinguish from the Wetlands Brushland/Bog areas.

2280 Blueberry Farms

This category is comprised of intensively managed blueberry farms primarily located in southern New Jersey. These areas appear as very dense rows of brush generally occurring in rectangular fields. Between the rows a bright sand signature is characteristic.

2300 CONFINED FEEDING OPERATIONS

This Level II category contains specialized livestock and poultry production enterprises and other specialty farms. These operations have high populations in relatively small areas, resulting in a concentration of waste material. Since this concentrated animal waste is a critical environmental concern, these areas warranted a specific Level II category. Normal structures (barns) associated with a farmstead are not mapped in this category.

2310 Cattle and Swine Feedlots

This category contains mainly beef cattle feedlots and hog farms. Structures and attached corrals will be mapped in this category, but any substantial acreage of associated pasture will be mapped as Pastureland.

2320 Poultry Farms

This category is comprised of chicken, turkey, and duck production enterprises. These farms may be for either egg or meat production.

2330 Specialty Farms

This category contains specialized farms, such as game farms (pheasant or quail), fish hatcheries, goat farms, pigeon-raising areas, and rabbit production farms.

2400 OTHER AGRICULTURE

This category contains other miscellaneous agricultural areas, including experimental fields, horse farms and isolated dikes and access roads.

2410 Experimental Agriculture Fields

This category contains experimental crop areas associated with agriculture research stations, universities, or industries. These areas are for research purposes and contain many different crops in one field.

2420 Isolated Structures for Crop or Equipment Storage

This category contains storage buildings which are not adjacent to the farmsteads. These areas include isolated grain silos, crop storage sheds, and sheds for storage of farm machinery.

2430 Horse Farm

This category contains specialized farms for raising and training horses. This includes horse barns, corrals, and training racetracks. The oval training racetracks are easily recognized on aerial photography. Extensive acreage of pasture associated with a horse farm is mapped as Pastureland (2120).

2440 Agricultural Dikes/Roadways

Included are non-cultivated portions of special agricultural areas such as dikes or roadways found in blueberry or cranberry farms. These features may be the only portions of these farm categories that are not inundated during certain portions of the growing season, and provide access to the wetter cultivated portions of these farms.

3000 RANGELAND

Rangeland is not found in New Jersey, Consequently, it is omitted from the classification system. However, in order to remain numerically consistent with the USGS Classification Codes, Rangeland's numerical designation (#3) has also been omitted.

4000 FORESTLAND

This Level I category contains any lands covered by woody vegetation other than wetlands. These areas are capable of producing timber and other wood products, and of supporting many kinds of outdoor recreation. Forestland is an important category environmentally, because it affects air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, climate, and many other aspects of the ecology of an area. The Level II categories under Forestland are Deciduous; Coniferous; Mixed Deciduous-Coniferous; and Brushland.

4100 DECIDUOUS

This Level II category includes forested lands that contain deciduous tree species. The average height of the stand is at least 20 feet. Areas with woody vegetation less than 20 feet high should be placed in the Brushland category. A forest stand must have at least 75% canopy coverage from deciduous tree species to be placed in this category.

Deciduous trees are those species which lose their leaves at the end of the growing season. These trees remain leafless throughout the winter and sprout new leaves the following spring.

4110 Deciduous Forest, 10-50% Crown Closure

This category contains deciduous forest stands that have crown closure greater than 10%, but less than 50%. Crown closure is the percentage of a forest area occupied by the vertical projections of tree crowns. Crown closure percentages provide a reasonable estimate of stand density.

An ocular estimate of percent crown closure is made while viewing the area from a bird's eye perspective on the imagery. The ocular judgment is a reliable estimate since the category levels for closure are relatively broad: 10-50% and > 50%. This procedure will also be followed to determine percent crown closure in the other categories.

4120 Deciduous Forest, > 50% Crown Closure

This category contains deciduous stands with crown closures greater than 50%. The majority of the deciduous forests in New Jersey will be in this category.

4200 CONIFEROUS

This Level II category includes forested lands which contain coniferous tree species. The stand must be 20 feet high and must be stocked by at least 75% conifers to be labeled as a coniferous stand.

Coniferous species are those trees commonly known as evergreens. They do not lose their leaves (needles) at the end of the growing season but retain them through the year. Conifers can easily be distinguished from deciduous trees on CIR imagery (leaf-off conditions) because of their high infrared reflectance due to their leaf retention.

4210 Coniferous Forest, 10-50% Crown Closure

This category contains natural coniferous stands with crown closure > 10%, but less than 50%. Stands of pygmy pines (a stunted variety of the pitch pine) are mapped in this category.

4220 Coniferous Forest, > 50% Crown Closure

This category contains natural coniferous stands with crown closure > 50%.

4230 Plantation

This category contains conifer stands that have been artificially planted. These include stands planted for timber harvesting or aesthetics. Crown closure estimates will not be determined for plantations. Plantations appear as uniform blocks (usually rectangular) of conifers.

Other planted stands of conifers, such as Christmas tree farms, will not be included in this category but in the nursery category under Agriculture.

4300 MIXED DECIDUOUS/CONIFEROUS

This Level II category consists of forested areas where there is a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees. If less than 75% of the forest is dominated by either type then the stand is placed in the mixed category. Only forest stands greater than 20 feet in height will be placed in this category.

4310 Mixed with Coniferous Prevalent (> 50% Coniferous)

This category contains stands of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees. The percentage of coniferous trees is higher than the deciduous (>50% of the stand) but the coniferous species do not dominate the stand (<75%).

4311 Mixed Forest (>50% Coniferous with 10-50% Crown Closure))

This category contains stands of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees with the coniferous species > 50% and with crown closures between 10% and 50%.

4312 Mixed Forest (> 50% Coniferous with > 50% Crown Closure)

This category contains stands of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees with the coniferous species > 50% and with crown closures > 50%.

4320 Mixed with Deciduous Prevalent (> 50% Deciduous)

This category contains stands of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees. The percentage of deciduous trees is higher than the coniferous (> 50%), but the deciduous species do not dominate the stand (< 75%).

4321 Mixed Forest (>50% Deciduous with 10%-50% Crown Closure)

This category contains stands of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees with the deciduous species > 50% and crown closures between 10% and 50%.

4322 Mixed Forest (>50% Deciduous with > 50% Crown Closure)

This category contains stands of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees with the deciduous species > 50% and crown closures > 50%.

4400 BRUSHLAND/SHRUBLAND (Height<20 feet)

This Level II category contains forestlands, which are predominately between 0 and 20 feet in height. Vegetative communities in these areas may range from early successional species which are only a few years old, to climax or sub-climax communities which are many years old. Also included in this category are old fields that are covered primarily by grasses and some shrubs. Brushland areas represent critical habitat for many species of wildlife in New Jersey.

4410 Old Field (<25% Brush Covered)

This category includes open areas that have less than 25% brush cover. The predominant cover types are grasses, herbaceous species, tree seedlings and/or saplings. Old fields are distinguished from fallow farmland by the amount of brush cover. If a field contains few woody stems (<5%), it is considered fallow and mapped as the Cropland and Pastureland class. An area should be placed in the Old Field category if the amount of brush cover requires extensive brush removal before plowing. In some cases, it may not be established that the previous use was agricultural.

4411 Phragmites Dominate Old Field

This category contains herbaceous vegetation in upland vegetation settings dominated by Phragmites australis. Phragmites is an invasive grass species that is very tall, six feet or more in height, and grows rather rapidly, choking out native species in the process. Phragmites typically grows in large, homogenous stands and has a feathery seedhead; in combination, these factors produce a fluffy, circular signature. Depending on soil conditions, the photographic signature for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to pale white on winter CIR imagery.

4420 Deciduous Brush/Shrubland (>25% Brush Covered with Deciduous Species Predominant > 75%)

This category contains natural forested areas with deciduous species less than 20 feet in height. An area must have greater than 25% brush cover to be placed in this category. This category also contains inactive agricultural areas that have been grown over with brush.

There are photographic signature differences between brushland and the pole or saw-timber stage trees (Categories 4100, 4200, 4300). Besides the obvious height difference visible on stereo viewing, larger trees display much larger crown diameters than brushland areas.

4430 Coniferous Brush/Shrubland (>25% Brush Covered with Coniferous Species Predominant > 75%)

This category contains natural forested areas with coniferous species less than 20 feet high. This category is for natural areas; therefore, Christmas tree farms should be placed in the Nursery category (2200).

4440 Mixed Deciduous/Coniferous Brush/Shrubland (>25% Brush Covered with a Mixture of Deciduous and Coniferous Species; <75% of One Type)

This category contains natural forested areas less than 20 feet in height with a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees.

4500 SEVERE BURNED UPLAND VEGETATION

Included in this category are naturally vegetated upland areas that have been altered by intense burning. These burned areas have not re-vegetated sufficiently on the photography, or at the time of any field inspection undertaken to support a mapping effort, to make a determination of the type of vegetation that will re-appear in the burned area. The pre-burn cover type may be any of those listed above in the 4000 series. Where sufficient re-vegetation has occurred to determine a post-burn cover type, the burned area is given the appropriate land cover code. However, where the re-vegetation has been insufficient, the 4500 code has been applied. Note that many different upland forest types may be included in this category.

5000 WATER

All areas within the landmass of New Jersey periodically water covered are included in this category. All water bodies should be delineated as they exist at the time of data acquisition, except areas in an obvious state of flood. Level I includes four (4) Level II categories; Streams and Canals; Natural Lakes; Artificial Lakes; and Bays and Estuaries and Other Tidal Waters. Not included in this category are water treatment and sewage treatment facilities.

5100 STREAMS & CANALS

This category includes river, creeks, canals and other linear water bodies that have a minimum width of 30 feet. For watercourses interrupted by control structures, the impoundments are placed in other appropriate water categories (see below), and the impoundment structures are included in the Urban or Built-up category. Remote sensing of these features is not difficult. Colors on infrared photography range from light blue to black.The signature can be smooth or rippled depending on the conditions at the time of the photography.The greatest difficulty occurs when overhanging vegetation or shadows obscure the extent of the watercourse.

5110 Streams

This category includes streams that are no less than 80 feet wide. These features are easily recognized on aerial photography because of their meandering pattern and variable width due to natural fluvial processes. Short distances of WC constriction which fall under the minimum width standard may be included for the sake of continuity. The photographic characteristics of streams are much too numerous and obvious to list. Specific comments on signature and problems are discussed under category 5100.

5120 Canals

This feature may be no less than 80 feet wide and like streams is easily recognized on aerial photography. Canals are consistent in width, do not meander, are sometimes bordered by a towpath and often utilize a lock system. Along the length of the canal are found clusters of buildings that formerly serviced the canal track when it was a transportation entity. In New Jersey these clusters along with the canal and the towpath often comprise either historic sites or parkland and should be included under those categories when such information is available.

5190 Exposed Flats

Exposed flats are unvegetated areas in riverine systems that were formerly classed as water, but because of meandering of the stream course, are now exposed. They are felt to be semi-permanent changes in the stream configuration and not the result of temporary water level reductions. Because these areas may again be under water at some time in the feature, they remain in the WATER category.

5200 NATURAL LAKES

Water bodies that are non-flowing and naturally enclosed, including regulated natural lakes but excluding reservoirs, are placed in this category. Islands that are below MMU are included in the water area. To identify this feature accurately, it is important to remember natural lakes are the results of ground water seepage and surface run-off of precipitation, whereas reservoirs are the result of man-made impoundments and are maintained primarily by linear watercourses. Remote sensing of this feature, once again is simple. The signatures and associated problems are discussed under category 5100.

5210 Small Lakes

These features have an areal range of one (1) to two (2) acres. Confer with category 5200.

5220 Medium Lakes

These features have an areal range of two (2) to ten (10) acres. Confer with category 5200.

5230 Large Lakes

These features will be greater than ten (10) acres in area. Confer with category 5200.

5300 ARTIFICIAL LAKES

The 5300 category consists of all artificial impoundments of water. Water in this category typically includes water impounded for irrigation, flood control, municipal water supplies, recreation, landscaping and hydro-electric power or the result of an active extractive operation. Dams, bulkheads, spillways and other water control structures (WCS) should be evident and are critical for accurately identifying these features. Also important to remember is that artificial lakes and reservoirs are charged primarily through linear WCS. Photo identification should key on the non-linear shapes of these features, the water control structures, and the signatures discussed in category 5100.

5310 Artificial Lakes

Since the primary use for these artificial lakes is recreation, some recreational characteristics such as beaches, refreshment stands, parking lots, boat slips, etc. should be present. Frequently, residential development approaches the lake shoreline. Aerial interpretation is discussed under category 5300.

5320 Multiple Use Reservoirs

The two most common combinations are flood control/recreation and hydro-electric/recreation. As in category 5310, the recreational and water control characteristics should be present and obvious. In addition, if the water body is used for flood control, the water level should be well below the maximum capacity, and, if the water body is used for hydroelectric purposes, the generating station should be present. Confer with category 5300 for more specific identification information.

5330 Restrictive Use Reservoirs

Most restricted use reservoirs are municipal water supplies. Thus, they are located in more remote, less trafficked areas of the state. They are characterized by limited road access and dense surrounding vegetation. No recreational characteristics should be present. Confer with category 5300 for more specific identification information.

5400 BAYS, ESTUARIES & OTHER TIDAL WATERS

This category is comprised of salt-water inlets and arms of the sea that extend inland and fall within the landmass of New Jersey. All U.S.G.S. conventions delineating the open sea and bay/estuary interface shall be followed.

5410 Tidal Rivers, Inland Bays and Other Tidal waters

Included in this category are the tidal portions of watercourses, mud flats, enclosed tidal bays, and other tidal water bodies such as tidal pools, ponds and natural lagoons. The tidal watercourses may include everything from smaller entirely tidal features commonly draining tidal marsh systems, to the tidal portions of intermediate and large features such as the Mullica River, the Raritan River, and even the Delaware River. Enclosed tidal bays are those open water tidal features existing commonly behind barrier island systems. These bays generally have a restricted opening to larger tidal features such as Delaware Bay or the Atlantic Ocean. While these features are regularly flushed, portions of these enclosed bays may have complex flushing patterns due to the relatively small outlets. These small bays provide important finfish, shellfish and waterfowl habitat, as well as important recreational potential. Tidal pools and ponds generally will be found in the interior portions of regularly flowed tidal marshes, but these water bodies themselves may not be flooded on every tidal cycle.

5411 Open Tidal Bays

Included in this category are large tidal water bodies such as Delaware and Raritan Bays, which have large unrestricted openings directly to the Atlantic Ocean.

5412 Tidal Mud Flat (2012)

This category is reserved for unvegetated areas along tidal rivers, bays, and estuaries that are periodically exposed to tidal fluctuations. The photographic signature on the CIR imagery (leaf-off conditions) yields a smooth texture, with a gray or brown color.

5420 Dredged Lagoon

Artificial dredged lagoons are networks of rectangular dredged areas, containing water, usually associated with residential development or mobile home development. Dredged lagoons are generally in sites of former wetlands and have characteristically bulkheaded shorelines. They usually feed into a central dredged waterway that gives access to open tidal water.

5430 Atlantic Ocean

This category includes only open water of the Atlantic Ocean. This category identifies open offshore waters from those of tidal bays and rivers.

6000 WETLANDS

The wetlands are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground waters at a frequency and duration sufficient to support vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Included in this category are naturally vegetated swamps, marshes, bogs and savannas which are normally associated with topographically low elevations but may be located at any elevation where water perches over an aquiclude. Wetlands that have been modified for recreation, agriculture, or industry will not be included here but described under the specific use category.

The wetlands of New Jersey are located around the numerous interior stream systems, and along the coastal rivers and bays. New Jersey, by its numerous different physiographic regions, supports various wetland habitats dependent upon physiographic and geological variables. The Level II classification separates wetlands into two categories based on the location relative to a tidal water system: Coastal Wetlands and Interior Wetlands.

6100 COASTAL WETLANDS

These areas are associated with the tidal portions of the Delaware River system and the tidal portions of the watercourses draining into the Atlantic Ocean. This cover type is predominantly vegetated by herbaceous plants adapted to the varied environmental conditions imposed by the tidal environment: water level fluctuations, salinity and sediment deposition. Also included are those non-tidal areas closely associated with adjacent coastal wetlands such as salt marsh transition zones and coastal vegetated dunes.

6110 Saline Marshes

These are open graminoid dominated regions associated with waters with salinities >1 part per thousand (0/00). Saline marshes are generally dominated by two growth forms of Spartina alterniflora in regions with the highest salinities. Marshes flowed by water less than 10 0/00 are generally brackish and co-dominated by Spartina cynosuroides, S. alterniflora, Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, and Scirpus pungens.

Marshes exhibiting these characteristics are restricted to the Delaware Bay and associated tributaries downstream of Salem and all estuarine tributaries that empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The photographic signatures for these areas are smooth and low, and range in color from red to pinks on CIR imagery.

6111 Saline Marsh (Low marsh)

This category contains herbaceous vegetation dominated by Spartina alternifloria where the height is <1 foot and is primarily flooded throughout. The photographic signature for these areas ranges in color from tan or gray to pink or red on CIR imagery; the texture is generally smooth.

6112 Saline Marsh (High marsh)

This category contains herbaceous vegetation dominated by Spartina patens (salt hay) where the height is 1 foot to 3 feet. The CIR photographic signature for these areas ranges in color from red to pink or pale white with variable texture.

6120 Freshwater Tidal Marshes

These marshes are co-dominated by annual and perennial herbaceous vegetation on substrates associated with tidal waters with salinities less than 1 0/00. Freshwater marsh species are characterized by Nuphar lutea, Peltandra virginica, Pontederia cordata, Zizania aquatica, Polygonum punctatum, Bidens laevis, and Typha latifolia. Marshes exhibiting this cover are found on the tidal Delaware River and tributaries downstream of Trenton to Salem and upstream of the saline marshes on the Atlantic drainage watercourses. Non-tidal marshes are coded as interior wetlands (category 6240 Herbaceous Wetlands). The photographic signatures for these areas are both smooth-and rough-textured with little elevation. The colors range from dark grey to pink on CIR imagery.

6130 Vegetated Dune Communities

These are areas near the coast that are between saline marsh and open beach. The dominant vegetation can be Ammophila breviligulata, Prunus maritimus, Rhus radicans, Juniperus virginicus, and Acer rubrum. The areas have open to partly closed canopied signatures that are rough in texture and exhibit a red to red brown color on CIR imagery (leaf-off conditions). In addition to variable height, the dune stands range from sparse to dense cover. Unvegetated Dune Communities are included in the Beaches category.

6141 Phragmites Dominate Coastal Wetlands

This category contains herbaceous vegetation in coastal wetland settings dominated by Phragmites australis. Phragmites is an invasive grass species that is very tall, six feet or more in height, and grows rather rapidly, choking out native species in the process. Phragmites typically grows in large, homogenous stands and has a feathery seedhead; in combination, these factors produce a fluffy, circular signature. Depending on soil conditions, the photographic signature for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to pale white on CIR imagery.

6200 INTERIOR WETLANDS

These are generally found in non-tidal lowlands associated with primary, secondary and tertiary watercourses, and isolated wetlands. Included under this heading are all forested wetland (regardless of tidal influences) dominated by deciduous and coniferous trees, and non-tidal herbaceous marshes and savannas.

6210 Deciduous Wooded Wetlands

These wetlands are closed canopy swamps dominated by deciduous trees normally associated with watercourses, edges of marshes, and isolated wetlands. The important canopy species includes Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Salix nigra, Quercus bicolor, Q. phellos, Q. falcata, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Platanus occidentalis. These species combine to form a series of mixed hardwood lowland habitats throughout the entire state. These species have photographic signatures that exhibit height, rough texture, and are dark blue-gray to dark gray or black on CIR imagery (leaf-off conditions).

6220 Coniferous Wooded Wetlands

These wetlands are closed canopy, dominated by coniferous tree species associated with watercourses, seeps, and low topographic land. The northern areas will support Tsuga canadensis, Larix laricina, and Picea mariana as monotypic stands or mixed communities. The southern portion of the State has Pinus rigida and P. taeda in monotypic communities or co-dominate with Acer rubrum. Other species such as Nyssa sylvatica and Chamaecyparis thyoides may also be present. These species have photographic signatures that are varied in texture and are red to dark red on CIR imagery.

6221 Atlantic White Cedar Wetlands

These wetlands are predominantly closed canopy, seasonally flooded wetlands of southern New Jersey dominated by Atlantic White Cedar, Chamaecyparis thyoides. Some other trees such as Acer rubrum and Nyssa sylvatica, and shrubs such as Vaccinium corymbosum may also be present. The dense cedar cover, however, generally precludes a heavy herbaceous layer. This type has a unique photo signature on the CIR imagery that yields a uniform dark red, dense tree cover.

6230 Brush-Dominate and Bog Wetlands

These wetlands are dominated by woody species that are less than 20 feet tall. These areas may be an early successionary stage to wetland dominated by canopy species or a shrub dominate community associated with marshes, isolated wetlands or bogs. The brush category will include communities composed of young saplings such as Acer rubrum, Acer negundo, Liquidambar styraciflua, and areas dominated by shrub species such as Cornus amomum, C. stolonifera, C. racemosa, Spirea alba, S. tomentosa, Viburnum dentatum, and Alnus serrulata. Bogs are Ericaceae dominated and highly acidic, normally associated with glacial areas in the north and pingoes or river ox bows in the south. Some bogs may also contain herbaceous vegetation that is unique to these habitats yet classified by this system as 6240, herbaceous wetlands. The photographic signature for those cover types vary. The brush-dominated areas will have a similar signature as 6210 with more space and smaller stature. The bog areas will be round to oval, low topographically and normally separated from major watercourses. The color seen on winter infrared photographs will be dark blue-gray to black.

6231 Deciduous Scrub/Shrub Wetlands

This brush category will include communities composed primarily of young samplings of deciduous tree species such as Acer rubrum, A. negundo, Liquidamber stryaciflua, Alnus serrulata, Cornus stolonifer, and C. amomum; and woody shrubs such as Vaccinium corymbosum, V. macrocarpon, Spirea alba, Viburnum dentatum, Rosa palustris, Myrica pennsylvania, M. gale, Clethra alnifolia, Cephalanthus occidentalis and Rhododendron viscosum, among others.

6232 Coniferous Scrub/Shrub Wetlands

This brush category will include communities composed primarily of young samplings of coniferous tree species such as Pinus rigida, Larix larcinia, Tusga canadensis, and Picea mariana, and shrubs such as Chamaedaphne calyculata, and Kalmia angustifolia.

6233 Mixed Scrub/Shrub Wetlands with Deciduous Dominant

Included in this category are brush and bog wetlands with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous species, with the deciduous species > 50% but < 75%. Species will be similar to those described under 6231 and 6232.

6234 Mixed Scrub/Shrub Wetlands with Coniferous Dominant

Included in this category are brush and bog wetlands with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous species, with the coniferous species > 50% but < 75%. Species will be similar to those described under 6231 and 6232.

6240 Herbaceous Wetlands

These are wetlands dominated by various herbaceous species that are not connected or associated with tidal waters. Lake edges, open flood plains and abandoned wetland agricultural fields are locations for this cover type. Leersia oryzoides, Phalaris arundinacea, Nuphar lutea, Polygonum arifolium, P. sagittatum, Typha latifolia and Phragmites are species that may dominate this cover type. Bog herbaceous vegetation will be covered by this section includes numerous Cyperaceae genera, Juncus sp. and the carnivorous genera of Drosera and Sarracenia. This cover type will have a similar photographic signature as 6120, varied texture, and light blue-gray or tan color on CIR imagery.

6241 Phragmites Dominate Interior Wetlands

This category contains herbaceous vegetation in interior wetland settings dominated by Phragmites australis. Phragmites is an invasive grass species that is very tall, six feet or more in height, and grows rather rapidly, choking out native species in the process. Phragmites typically grows in large, homogenous stands and has a feathery seedhead; in combination, these factors produce a fluffy, circular signature. Depending on soil conditions, the photographic signature for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to pale white.

6250 Mixed Wooded Wetlands

Included in this category are wetlands inhabited by mixtures of deciduous and coniferous species. Species of each type will be similar to those identified under 6210 and 6220. The dominant type of vegetation will generally be greater than 50% but less than 75%.

6251 Mixed Wooded Wetlands (Deciduous Dominant)

This category contains mixed wooded wetlands with the deciduous tree species > 50 % but < 75%.

6252 Mixed Wooded Wetlands (Coniferous Dominant)

This category contains mixed wooded wetlands with the coniferous tree species > 50% but < 75%.

6290 Unvegetated Flats

Unvegetated flats are former vegetated area located adjacent to a stream or river, in which the vegetation has been scoured away, so that at the time of the photography, there is no vegetation visible. These areas may have been previously classed as wetlands or as upland areas. However, since all the vegetation in these areas was removed primarily because of scouring by ice in the adjacent stream or river, all of these areas are now included in the WETLAND category since any re-vegetation will most probably now be by wetland species.

6500 SEVERE BURNED WETLAND VEGETATION

Included in this category are naturally vegetated wetland areas which have been altered by intense burning at the time of the land cover analysis. These burned areas have not re-vegetated sufficiently on the photography, or at the time of any field inspection undertaken to support a mapping effort, to make a determination of the type of vegetation that will re-appear in the burned area. The pre-burn cover type may be any of those listed above in the 6200 series. Where sufficient re-vegetation has occurred to determine a post-burn cover type, the burned area is given the appropriate land cover code. However, where the re-vegetation has been insufficient, the 6500 code has been applied. Note that many different wetland types may be included in this category.

7000 BARREN LAND

Barren lands are characterized by thin soil, sand or rocks and a lack of vegetative cover in a non-urban setting. Vegetation, if present, is widely spaced. Barren land such as beaches and rock faces are found in nature but also result as a product of man's activities. Extraction mining operations, landfills and other disposal sites compose the majority of man-altered barren lands.

7100 BEACHES

Beaches are predominantly composed of sand and may occur at the land-water interface of oceans, bays and estuaries. Beaches are generally elongated non-vegetated buffering systems subject to the action of waves and tides.

7110 Open Beach

The open beach potentially includes the sandy area from mean low water (MLW) of the foreshore to the berm crest and the backshore. The open beach is characterized by sparse vegetative cover. Other substrate types may be intermixed with sand, including pebbles, stones, silts and shells.

7120 Unvegetated Dune Communities

Unvegetated dune communities are comprised of areas with sparse vegetative cover, with sand substrate and with notable changes in elevations. These areas have a wind-driven origin and vary in size and shape. Dunes are found in coastal areas near large sources of sand. Vegetated dune areas are included in the Wetland categories.

7130 Other Sandy Areas

This category includes natural areas that have been sandy for long periods of time and perturbed areas which have been sandy and for which no known land use is evident.

7200 BARE EXPOSED ROCK, ROCK SLIDES, ETC.

Areas lacking vegetation and composed of rock or rock faces are included in this category.Exposed rock from highway construction is not included in this category.

7210 Rock Faces, Rock Slides, Cliffs

This category includes rock faces on mountains, rock slides and cliffs which are sparsely vegetated. These exposed types have a large vertical component.

7220 Exposed Rock

Areas consisting of exposed bedrock or other accumulation of rocks lacking vegetative cover are included. These areas have a small vertical component compared to rock faces, etc.

7300 EXTRACTIVE MINING

Extractive operations include a wide variety of mining activities, both surface and subsurface. Included are stone quarries, gravel, sand and clay pits, and limestone quarries, to mention a few. Extractive industries are characterized by disturbed ground usually with depth, extractive machinery, buildings and roads for and with heavy equipment. Open mining areas frequently contain water. Extractive mining areas may be as large as stone quarries or as small as borrow pits.

7310 Stone Quarries

Stone quarries are characterized by right-angled rock cleavage, flat terraces, and straight vertical walls. Drill stands, air compressors and similar extractive machinery and buildings may be visible.

7320 Sand and Gravel Pits (Borrow Pits)

Sand and gravel pits have curved borders and sloping walls. They often lack the vertical relief of quarries and do not generally have exposed rock associated with them. Steam shovels, bulldozers, and mechanical loaders are associated with these tow types of extraction. Sand pits may have water and consequently, dredging equipment associated with them. Sand and gravel pits show wide variability in size.

7330 Other Mining

Other types of mining are characterized by disturbed ground with depth, slag heaps, shafts, buildings, and active transportation (trucks, roads for heavy machinery, railways).

7340 Abandoned Mining Sites

Abandoned operations are often partially vegetated and may be accompanied by machinery, roads and buildings in disrepair. When vegetation dominates the site, the parcel is characterized by cover type. In contrast, active operations show evidence of operational equipment and buildings, roads for heavy machinery, etc. Current mining activity is not always distinguishable, and inactive, unclaimed and active strip, mines, quarries barrens pits and gravel pits are included in this category, until other cover or use is established.

7400 ALTERED LANDS

Altered lands are areas outside of an urban setting that have been changed due to man's activities other than for mining.

7410 Solid Waste Disposal Areas

Junkyards, open dumps, landfills and incinerators compose the majority of solid waste disposal sites. Junkyards are collection of old automobiles, machinery or other vehicles. Larger junkyards are fenced and have regular stacking and placing of debris, with well-defined access roads. Older abandoned yards may be vegetated and difficult to detect.

Open dumps and sanitary landfills are usually located in abandoned pits, low-lying areas or other areas of low economic importance. They are characterized by steep banks, white fringes of expose debris, rough texture and lack of vegetation. Larger dumps/landfills are fenced and generally have one heavily used access road.

7420 Dredge Material Disposal Sites

Dredge material disposal sites are barren areas separated from other land forms by dikes. Inside the rectangular dike systems are fine grained sands and silts either deposited in piles but more likely forming a slurry with varying amounts of water within the dike system. Old dredge material site may appear as landfills with steep sides and rough texture but without exposed debris or signs of active management.

7430 Disturbed Wetlands (Modified)

Included in this category are former natural wetlands that have been altered by some form of clearing, leveling, grading, filling and/or excavating, but which still exhibit obvious signs of soil saturation on the imagery. Because of the alterations, these areas do not generally support typical wetland vegetation, and may in fact be unvegetated. They do, however, exist in areas shown on the US Soil Conservation Service soil surveys to have hydric soils, and exhibit the darker tonal signatures associated with saturated soils on the photography. Colors of these areas will vary from gray to blue-gray to black on winter CIR film and gray to black on panchromatic film. These areas may be in transition to a use or associated with a transitional development.

7440 Disturbed Tidal Wetlands (2012)

This category is comprised of areas of disturbance in tidal wetlands that have been altered by some form of clearing, leveling, grading, filling and/or excavating, but which still exhibit obvious signs of tidal conditions on the imagery. Because of the alterations, these areas do not generally support typical tidal wetland vegetation, and may in fact be unvegetated.

7500 TRANSITIONAL AREAS

This category encompasses lands on which site preparation for a variety of development types has begun. However, the future land use has not been realized. Included are residential, commercial and industrial areas under construction. Also, areas that are under construction for unknown use and abandoned structures are included. Active construction as well as stalled construction with a high level of ground disturbance, scraped land associated with construction and destruction, and areas where buildings have been removed that have a high level of ground disturbance are included in this category. These areas are usually sparsely vegetated.

Transitional Areas

7510 Single Unit Residential Under Construction

7520 Multiple Unit Residential Under Construction

7530 Commercial/Service Under Construction

7540 Industrial Under Construction

7550 Transportation/Communication/Utilities Under Construction

7560 Industrial/Commercial Parks Under Construction

7570 Unknown Use Under Construction

7580 Abandoned Structures (Non-Urban)

7600 UNDIFFERENTIATED BARREN LANDS

Undifferentiated barren lands encompass cleared lands that have no apparent site preparation or any indication of past activities. Such areas vary in shape and size but generally possess little vegetation, exposing the soil or surface material only. Ancillary information also gives no indication of former uses.

8000 MANAGED WETLANDS

This category was added to provide an Anderson classification code for several types of disturbed wetland areas that did not easily fit into the existing classification categories. Included would be various landscaped or maintained areas that exhibit signs of soil saturation on the imagery, and which are in zones of hydric soils, but which do not support typical wetlands vegetation because of various alterations. Examples of managed wetlands would be storm water swales, saturated portions of golf fairways and other recreational fields, and open lawn areas in business parks, etc. These areas have often been graded, are vegetated typically by various cultivated grasses and often undergo periodic mowing and other maintenance typical of managed lawn areas. (This code is a legacy code that appears only in the 1986 dataset. It was replaced by codes 1750 and 1850 in the 1995/97 dataset.)