Other Areas--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive

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Frequently-anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?
    Title: Other Areas--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive
    Abstract:
    Surface effects maps were produced for 72 of 89 underground detonations conducted at the Frenchman Flat, Rainier Mesa and Aqueduct Mesa, Climax Stock, Shoshone Mountain, Buckboard Mesa, and Dome Mountain testing areas of the Nevada Test Site between August 10, 1957 (Saturn detonation, Area 12) and September 18, 1992 (Hunters Trophy detonation, Area 12). The “Other Areas” Surface Effects Map Database contains digital reproductions of these original maps. The database is provided in both ArcGIS (v. 8.2) geodatabase format and ArcView (v. 3.2) shapefile format. This database contains sinks, cracks, faults, and other surface effects having a combined (cumulative) length of 136.38 km (84.74 mi). In GIS digital format, the user can view all surface effects maps simultaneously, select and view the surface effects of one or more sites of interest, or view specific surface effects by area or site. Three map layers comprise the database. They are: (1) the surface effects maps layer (oase_n27f), (2) the bar symbols layer (oase_bar_n27f), and (3) the ball symbols layer (oase_ball_n27f). Additionally, an annotation layer, named "Ball_and_Bar_Labels," and a polygon features layer, named "Area12_features_poly_n27f," are contained in the geodatabase version of the database. The annotation layer automatically labels all 295 ball-and-bar symbols shown on these maps. The polygon features layer displays areas of ground disturbances, such as rock spall and disturbed ground caused by the detonations. Shapefile versions of the polygon features layer in Nevada State Plane and Universal Transverse Mercator projections, named "area12_features_poly_n27f.shp" and "area12_features_poly_u83m.shp," are also provided in the archive.
    Supplemental_Information:
    1: This metadata file pertains to the three primary map layers that make up the database, as well as to all other area-wide and site-specific surface effects maps of the "Other Areas" surface effects group that includes the Frenchman Flat, Rainier Mesa and Aqueduct Mesa, Climax Stock, Shoshone Mountain, Buckboard Mesa, and Dome Mountain testing areas.

    2: The three map layers are named as follows: oase_n27f: polyline coverage containing the surface effects map features oase_bar_n27f: polyline coverage containing the bars of the bar-and-ball symbols oase_ball_n27f: point coverage containing the balls of the bar-and-ball symbols

    3: The bar-and-ball symbols are used to illustrate vertical displacement on the down-thrown side of faults and vertically displaced cracks. The ball symbols (point coverage) contain an attribute field named OFFSET_CM. This field contains a numerical value that is used to label the fault symbols. The value indicates the amount of vertical offset (in centimeters) that was originally measured for these features.

  1. How should this data set be cited?

    Grasso, Dennis, 20030525, Other Areas--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive: Open-File Report ofr-03-151, U.S. Geological Survey, USGS Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -116.344328
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -115.924638
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.238082
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 36.815883

  3. What does it look like?

    <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr-03-125.pdf> (Portable Document Format (PDF))
    Multi-Panel Surface Effects Map

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Beginning_Date: 19570810
    Ending_Date: 18-Sep-1992
    Currentness_Reference: Surface effects mapped shortly following each detonation

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • String (6226)

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: State Plane Coordinate System 1927
      State_Plane_Coordinate_System:
      SPCS_Zone_Identifier: 2702
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999900
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -116.666667
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 34.750000
      False_Easting: 500000.000000
      False_Northing: 0.000000

      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000256
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000256
      Planar coordinates are specified in survey feet

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1927.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.400000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.978698.

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    oase_n27f
    Attribute Table (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    OBJECTID
    Internal Object Number (Source: ESRI)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:6266
    Units:Integer
    Resolution:1

    SHAPE
    Feature geometry (Source: ESRI)

    ValueDefinition
    PolylineShape type

    AREAID
    Operation Area of the Nevada Test Site (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    Area05NTS Operation Area
    Area11NTS Operation Area
    Area12NTS Operation Area
    Area15NTS Operation Area
    Area16NTS Operation Area
    Area18NTS Operation Area

    SITEID
    Hole (borehole) name as listed in the RSN Drilling & Mining Summary (Red Book) (Source: Prepared by Grasso, 2003, from DOE/NV-209, Rev. 15)

    ValueDefinition
    U-5aHole (borehole) name
    U-5bHole (borehole) name
    U-5eHole (borehole) name
    U-5kHole (borehole) name
    U-11bHole (borehole) name
    U-11cHole (borehole) name
    U-11eHole (borehole) name
    U-11fHole (borehole) name
    U-11gHole (borehole) name
    U-12bHole (borehole) name
    U-12c.03Hole (borehole) name
    U-12e.02Hole (borehole) name
    U-12e.05Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.02Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.05Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.07Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.08Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.10Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.10AHole (borehole) name
    U-12n.11Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.15Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.17Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.18Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.22Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.23Hole (borehole) name
    U-12n.24Hole (borehole) name
    U-12p.02Hole (borehole) name
    U-12p.03Hole (borehole) name
    U-12p.04Hole (borehole) name
    U-12p.05Hole (borehole) name
    U-12rHole (borehole) name
    U-12t.02Hole (borehole) name
    U-12t.04Hole (borehole) name
    U-12t.08Hole (borehole) name
    U-15.01Hole (borehole) name
    U-16aHole (borehole) name
    U-16a.03Hole (borehole) name
    U-16a.04Hole (borehole) name
    U-16a.06Hole (borehole) name
    U-18dHole (borehole) name

    FEATURE
    Surface effects feature type (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    CrackFeature Type
    Crack within sinkFeature Type
    FaultFeature Type
    Fault (known)Feature Type
    Fault (known, concealed)Feature Type
    Fault (known, uncertain)Feature Type
    SinkFeature Type

    LENGTH
    Length of surface effects feature, in feet (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0.21
    Maximum:3686.80
    Units:Feet
    Resolution:0.01

    SOURCE
    Information about the original surface effects map from which the digital feature were prepared (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    1:480-scale paper mapSource map information
    F&S DNA Report #DNA-TR-93-150-V3 (1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    F&S Memo #GEO-0329 (Fig 2; 1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    F&S Memo #GEO-0329 (Fig 5; 1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    F&S Memo #TES-4021 (Fig 2; 1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    F&S Memo #TES-4025 (Fig 1; 1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    F&S Memo #TES-4333 (Fig 6; 1:450)Source map inforamtion
    F&S Mylar Map (Fig 2; 1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    FSN Memo #GEO-0329 (Map 1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    FSN Memo #GEO-0752 (Fig 1; 1:24000)Source map inforamtion
    FSN Memo #GEO-0752 (Fig 2; 1:600)Source map inforamtion
    LRL #UCRL-5766 (Plate 2)Source map inforamtion
    M. Townsend ReviewSource map inforamtion
    Mylar Map--Area11 CompositeSource map inforamtion
    Mylar Map--USGS Letter (Fig.1)Source map inforamtion
    Mylar Map--USGS Letter (Photo 4)Source map inforamtion
    Mylar U-15.01 (OFR77-356, Fg4)Source map inforamtion
    Mylar U-16a (Tech Ltr, Fig2)Source map inforamtion
    Paper Map (RSN Memo; Fig.1)Source map inforamtion
    Paper Map--U-16a.06 AreaSource map inforamtion
    Paper Map--U.S. Army Corp (H&N)Source map inforamtion
    Paper Map--USGS Prof Paper 400-B (Fig 191.3)Source map inforamtion
    Paper Map--USGS SketchSource map inforamtion
    Paper Map--USGS Tech Ltr NTS-110Source map inforamtion
    Paper Map--USGS TEI Report 355Source map inforamtion
    RSN Memo #GEO-0896 (Map 1:1200)Source map inforamtion
    RSN Memo #GEO-1101 (Fig 1; 1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    RSN Memo #GEO-1101 (Fig 2; 1:600)Source map inforamtion
    RSN Memo #GEO-1304 (Map 1:2150)Source map inforamtion
    RSN Memo #GEO-1393 (Fig 2; 1:885)Source map inforamtion
    SE on Aerial PhotoSource map inforamtion
    SE on Aerial Photo--USGS LetterSource map inforamtion
    USGS #TEM-986 (Fig 8; 1:3600)Source map inforamtion
    USGS Mylar Map (1:2400)Source map inforamtion
    USGS Paper Map (Tech Ltr, Fig 2)Source map inforamtion
    USGS Rainier Mesa-16 (Paper Map)Source map inforamtion
    USGS Tech Ltr NTS-91Source map inforamtion
    USGS Tech Ltr NTS-125 & Field MapSource map inforamtion
    USGS Tech Ltr NTS-135Source map inforamtion

    LABEL
    Feature label (or note), where necessary. Label can be added to map. (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    Null (or blank)No label needed
    115 ton Crater TestFeature label (or note)
    Boundary FaultFeature label (or note)
    Disturbed GroundFeature label (or note)
    Fracture setFeature label (or note)
    JointFeature label (or note)
    Lateral motion symbolFeature label (or note)
    Many closely spaced fracturesFeature label (or note)
    Pre-Event Surface FaultFeature label (or note)
    Preshot FaultFeature label (or note)
    Preshot Fault (Reactivated)Feature label (or note)
    Slump CracksFeature label (or note)
    Symbol (sink hachure)Feature label (or note)
    Vertically displaced crackFeature label (or note)
    Yucca FaultFeature label (or note)
    Zone of Abundant FracturesFeature label (or note)

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

    Most of the surface effects contained in the Other Area surface effects (OAse) databases were mapped by scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS; about 22 tests), Lawrence Radiation Laboratory (one test) and various U.S. Department of Energy contractors, including Fenix & Scisson and Raytheon Services Nevada (now Bechtel Nevada [BN]; about 22 tests). These scientists typically mapped surface effects in the field immediately following an underground test, while consulting pre- and post-test aerial photographs where available. All observed and identified surface effects were documented directly on the aerial photographs or topographic base maps at scales ranging from 1:1,200 to 1:2,400. Unlike the underground nuclear tests conducted in other testing areas of the Nevada Test Site, photogrammetric methods were not used to map the surface effects of tests conducted in Areas 12, 15, and 16. The surface effects maps for a few of these tests were published in USGS Open-File Reports and Professional Papers, however, many were found only in unpublished reports and memos, and some were only stored as raw field notes. To develop the digital surface effects contained in this database, considerable time and effort was spent by Margaret Townsend to find all available data stored in various locations at the Nevada Test Site, as well as unpublished USGS and BN source files. For each site every attempt was made to find the "final" version of the map (preferably the master drawing for clarity) and to verify map scale and authenticity. Further information about the sources of these data is available from the BN Geological and Hydrological Services Group at the Nevada Test Site.

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    U.S. Geological Survey
    c/o Ric Page
    Geologist
    Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
    Denver, Colorado 80225-0046
    USA

    Ric Page at (303) 236-1141 (voice)
    rpage@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?
Post-detonation surface effects maps were produced for detonation sites using field and aerial-photo mapping techniques. The fractures produced by the detonations were mapped and reported on in many USGS Technical Letter reports. Features mapped included surface cracks (and fractures), collapse sinks, various types of fault movements, pressure ridges, and reactivated cracks. A final surface effects map, or "crack map" as they were often called, was prepared on stable-base mylar drafting film for use in USGS publications and reports. Ultimately, these maps were stored by the USGS in map files at the Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colorado. The digital reproduction and archiving of these maps was implemented as a means to not only store the original crack maps in a more permanent compact disc format, but to also make them accessible for scientific study and management activities.

How was the data set created?
  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

    Grasso, 2003 (source 1 of 1)
    Grasso, Dennis, 20030525, GIS Surface Effects Map Archive, Nevada Test Site, Nevada: Open-File Report ofr-03-151, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center.

    Type_of_Source_Media: Map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 6,000 to 12,000
    Source_Contribution:
    Vector data representing mapped surface effects of underground nuclear detonations

  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: 01-Oct-1997 to 20020930 (process 1 of 1)
    Digital, vector-based reproductions of the original surface effects maps were produced. Reproduction involved preparation of the original, post-detonation surface effects maps by scanning and georeferencing each map and digitized all mapped surface effects into comprehensive GIS databases. Scanning of the original maps was done at a resolution of 300-600 dots-per-inch to preserve map detail and accuracy. The scanned, raster-based copies of these maps were georeferenced to a common map coordinate system--Nevada State Plane, (Central, 2702, in feet), North American Datum 1927 (NAD27)--using 4-12 ground control points placed at known grid coordinates on each map. The raster-based maps were then resampled, pixel-by-pixel, to the Nevada State Plane coordinate system using a bilinear algorithm applied to the ground control reference points. Each new georeferenced map was produced with a pixel size of 0.5 meter for large-scale (1:6,000) maps, and 1.0 meter for small-scale (1:12,000) maps. Subsequently, the georeferenced copies of the original maps were inserted into the GIS mapping software program as raster-based map layers from which each detonation site's surface effects could be digitized. Surface effects digitizing was performed on-screen at very large scales. For most areas, a digitizing scale of 1:500 (1 inch equals 42 feet) to 1:1,200 (1 inch equals 100 feet) was used. For areas containing very complex surface effects, digitizing scales as large as 1:50 (1 inch equals 4.2 feet) were necessary. As part of the digitizing process, each map element (that is, surface effects feature) was attributed (identified) with such unique information as site number, feature type, feature length, and source map information. These data are contained in the attribute tables of each GIS surface effects map database in the archive.

    Person who carried out this activity:

    Ric Page
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
    Denver, Colorado 80225-0046
    USA

    Ric Page at (303) 236-1141 (voice)
    rpage@usgs.gov

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Grasso, 2003

  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?
  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    All attribute data were entered during the digitizing process. Each digitized map element contains a logical array of attributes. Information about these attributes is listed in this metadata file. All of the attribute data created during the preparation of the GIS Surface Effects Map Archive were verified against the original source maps, reviewed, and thoroughly tested for accuracy, naming consistency, and spelling.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    The horizontal positional accuracy of the original surface effects maps is unknown. The digitizing accuracy of the vector conversion of these maps was maintained by on-screen digitizing at very large map scales (1:500 to 1:1,200) from the scanned and georeferenced original maps. A root mean square error (RMSE) of 0-3 meters (0-10 ft), as measured on the ground, was maintained during the preparation (scanning and georeferencing) of the original maps. No formal tests were performed.

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

    NA

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    These data are considered to be complete. All available surface effects maps, which were originally prepared on a site-by-site basis for the testing area, were scanned, georeferenced, and digitally transformed into vector-base GIS databases. These maps comprise the GIS Surface Effects Map Archive. Any maps that may have been lost, misplaced, or destroyed prior to the start of this GIS archiving project in October 1997 were unavailable, and therefore not included in the archive.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    All observed and identified surface effects were documented directly on aerial photographs or topographic base maps at scales ranging from 1:1,200 to 1:2,400. Some of these surface effects maps were published in USGS Open-File Reports and Professional Papers, however, most were stored as unpublished maps, reports, and memos, and some were only stored as raw field notes. For each site, every attempt was made to find the "final" version of the map (preferably the master drawing for clarity) and to verify map scale and authenticity. These "original" maps were digitally reproduced for this data set.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints: None

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 2)

    U.S. Geological Survey
    Central Publications Group, Mail Stop 902, Box 25046, Denver Federal Center
    Lakewood, CO 80225-0046

    (303) 236-5486 (voice)

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    This Compact Disc (CD) publication was prepared by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof nor any of their employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed in this report or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference therein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. Although all data and software published on this CD have been used by the USGS, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and related materials and (or) the functioning of the software. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data, software, or related materials.

  4. How can I download or order the data?

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 2 of 2)

    U.S. Geological Survey
    USGS Information Services
    Box 25286 Denver Federal Center
    Denver, CO 80225-0046
    United States

    1-888-ASK-USGS (voice)
    1-303-202-4963 (FAX)
    ask@usgs.gov

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    This Compact Disc (CD) publication was prepared by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof nor any of their employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed in this report or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference therein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. Although all data and software published on this CD have been used by the USGS, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and related materials and (or) the functioning of the software. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data, software, or related materials.

  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?
Dates:
Last modified: 25-May-2003

Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey
c/o Ric Page
Geologist
Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225-0046
USA

Ric Page at (303) 236-1141 (voice)
rpage@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Generated by mp version 2.8.0 on Tue May 20 16:31:53 2003