Description: The USDA Forest Service (USFS) builds two versions of percent tree canopy cover data, in order to serve needs of multiple user communities. These datasets encompass conterminous United States (CONUS), Coastal Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands (PRUSVI). The two versions of data within the v2021-4 TCC product suite include: The initial model outputs referred to as the Science data; And a modified version built for the National Land Cover Database and referred to as NLCD data. The Science data - the focus of this metadata - are the initial annual model outputs that consist of two images: percent tree canopy cover (TCC) and standard error. These data are best suited for users who will carry out their own detailed statistical and uncertainty analyses on the dataset, and place lower priority on the visual appearance of the dataset for cartographic purposes. Datasets for the nominal years of 2008 through 2021 are available. The Science data were produced using a random forests regression algorithm. TCC pixel values range from 0 to 100 percent. The value 254 represents the non-processing area mask where no cloud or cloud shadow-free data are available to produce an output, and 255 represents the background value. The Science data are accessible for multiple user communities, through multiple channels and platforms. For information on the NLCD TCC data and processing steps see the NLCD metadata. Information on the Science data and processing steps are included here.
Service Item Id: e9943b2d485e44ee82fa7888cfe0305a
Copyright Text: Funding for this project was provided by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). RedCastle Resources produced the dataset under contract to the USFS Geospatial Technology and Applications Center.