NCC_Aerial_GIS_intertidal_attributes NCC_project_short_code NCC project short code The unique code for each baseline program project funded through the NCC MPA Baseline Program. This ID is referenced by the observation tables. Any text GRIDCODE GRIDCODE The numeric code in the attribute table associated with a specific vegetation or substrate class Any integer 1 to N Class Feature class Feature classes are homogeneous collections of common features, each having the same spatial representation, such as points, lines, or polygons, and a common set of attribute columns. For example, a feature class representing kelp is a polygon or set of polygons defining areas covered in the thematic map which are kelp. More about feature classes can be found here: http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisserver/9.3/java/index.htm#geodatabases/feature_class_basics.htm Whitewash This is any water seen in the imagery exhibiting a bright white spectral reflectance most likely due to wind-created white caps on the ocean surface, breaking waves, foam and ocean turbulence on a beach or rocky shoreline, but in some cases can also be sun glint on the ocean surface. Water Any water not exhibiting whitewash spectral characteristics which is either too deep or turbid to allow classification of the substrate and/or vegetation below the surface Sandy Beach The referenced area(s) were classified as sandy beach Mixed Red/Brown Algae This is mixed red algae and brown algae covered rocky shoreline typically, but not always excluding larger brown algae kelp species such as feather boa kelp (Egregia menziesii), winged kelp (Pterygophora californica) and/or Setchell's kelp (Laminaria setchellii), giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) or bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) Tidepool/Shadow Tide pool or shadow is any area with too dark of a reflectance for the classification algorithms and/or analysts to positively identify the substrate. Terrestrial Vegetation The referenced area(s) were classified as terrestrial vegetation (above high tide line). Unvegetated Rock The referenced area(s) were classified as unvegetated rock. This can either be terrestrial (above high tide line) or in the intertidal zone. Wrack The referenced area(s) were classified as beach wrack. Kelp/Brown Algae This class includes any large brown algae falling into the 'kelp' category, most often in the intertidal zone and including more shallow water/rocky intertidal species such as feather boa kelp (Egregia menziesii), winged kelp (Pterygophora californica) and/or Setchell's kelp (Laminaria setchellii), but could also include Macrosystis and Nereocystis. Blue-Green Algae This is the black tar-like splotches called Calothrix - usually in the upper intertidal zone. Cobble The referenced area(s) were classified as cobble beach Man-Made This includes anything man made within the area covered by the classification, such as Rip-rap, docks, piers, moored buoys, etc. Driftwood The referenced area(s) were classified as driftwood. Surf Grass The referenced area(s) were classified as surfgrass (Phyllospadix spp.) Unknown Aquatic Vegetation The referenced area(s) were classified as unknown aquatic vegitation that was exposed (above water). Eel Grass The referenced area(s) were classified as eelgrass. Salt Marsh Vegetation The referenced area(s) were classified as salt marsh vegetation. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation The referenced area(s) were classified as submerged aquatic vegetation Mud Flat The referenced area(s) were classified as mud flats. Green Algae The referenced area(s) were classified as green algae, such as Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha flexuosa and Codium.