--- title: "Get plot observations by cover method" method: GET path: "/cover-methods/{cm_code}/plot-observations" tags: ["Plot observations"] --- # Get plot observations by cover method `GET /cover-methods/{cm_code}/plot-observations` Retrieve a paginated and sorted collection of plot observations representing all plot observations using the specified cover method (using its `cm_code`), or a subset thereof based on a specified `search` query. ## Path parameters - `cm_code` string, required ## Query parameters - `search` string - `status` 'any' | 'current' - `detail` 'geo' | 'minimal' | 'full' - `with_nested` boolean - `sort` 'default' | '+default' | '-default' | 'author_obs_code' | '+author_obs_code' | '-author_obs_code' - `limit` integer - `offset` integer - `create_parquet` boolean - `bundle` string - `num_taxa` integer - `num_comms` integer ## Response `200` Matching plot observation(s), with fields based on parameters: - `detail=geo`: Name, identifier, and lat/lon fields only - `detail=minimal&with_nested=false`: Basic fields only - `detail=minimal&with_nested=true`: Basic fields + nested array fields - `detail=full&with_nested=false`: Extended fields, no nested array fields - `detail=full&with_nested=true`: Extended fields + nested array fields - `bundle=csv`: ZIP archive containing related CSV files - union - PlotObsGeo - `count` integer — Total matching record count - `data` PlotObservationBase[] — Data records - `ob_code` string — VegBank observation identifier - `author_obs_code` string — Code or name provided by the author to identify the plot observation. When a plot has only one observation, this will often equal author_plot_code. - `latitude` number, float — Latitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `longitude` number, float — Longitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - PlotObsMinimal - `count` integer — Total matching record count - `data` object[] — Data records - `ob_code` string — VegBank observation identifier - `author_obs_code` string — Code or name provided by the author to identify the plot observation. When a plot has only one observation, this will often equal author_plot_code. - `latitude` number, float — Latitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `longitude` number, float — Longitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `area` number, float — Total area of the plot in m2. If many subplots, this area includes the subplots and the interstitial space. RESERVED VALUE: -1 is used to indicate that the plot had no boundaries. - `author_plot_code` string — Author's plot number/code, or the original plot number if taken from literature. - `country` string — The name of a country in which a plot is located - `elevation` number, float — The elevation of the plot origin in meters above sea level. - `pl_code` string — VegBank plot identifier - `state_province` string — The name of a state or province in which a plot is located - `year` integer — The year of the observation, or of the first day of the observation if it spanned more than one day. - PlotObsMinimalNested - `count` integer — Total matching record count - `data` object[] — Data records - `ob_code` string — VegBank observation identifier - `author_obs_code` string — Code or name provided by the author to identify the plot observation. When a plot has only one observation, this will often equal author_plot_code. - `latitude` number, float — Latitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `longitude` number, float — Longitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `area` number, float — Total area of the plot in m2. If many subplots, this area includes the subplots and the interstitial space. RESERVED VALUE: -1 is used to indicate that the plot had no boundaries. - `author_plot_code` string — Author's plot number/code, or the original plot number if taken from literature. - `country` string — The name of a country in which a plot is located - `elevation` number, float — The elevation of the plot origin in meters above sea level. - `pl_code` string — VegBank plot identifier - `state_province` string — The name of a state or province in which a plot is located - `year` integer — The year of the observation, or of the first day of the observation if it spanned more than one day. - `taxon_count` integer — Count of taxon observations associated with this plot observation - `taxon_count_returned` integer — Count of taxon observations returned in the top_taxon_observations field - `top_taxon_observations` object[] — Taxon observations - `to_code` string — VegBank taxon observation identifier - `pc_code` string — VegBank plant concept identifier - `name` string — Name of the observed plant, using the scientific name (without authors) associated with the current taxon interpretation if available, otherwise the author-provided plant name - `max_cover` number, float — Maximum observed cover for this taxon over all recorded strata - `top_classifications` object[] — Community classifications - `cl_code` string — VegBank community classification identifier - `ci_code` string — VegBank community interpretation identifier - `cc_code` string — VegBank community concept identifier - `comm_name` string — Community name, as recorded on the community concept - `comm_code` string — Code for the community concept, derived from a comm usage record of class system 'Code' - PlotObsFull - `count` integer — Total matching record count - `data` object[] — Data records - `ob_code` string — VegBank observation identifier - `author_obs_code` string — Code or name provided by the author to identify the plot observation. When a plot has only one observation, this will often equal author_plot_code. - `latitude` number, float — Latitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `longitude` number, float — Longitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `area` number, float — Total area of the plot in m2. If many subplots, this area includes the subplots and the interstitial space. RESERVED VALUE: -1 is used to indicate that the plot had no boundaries. - `author_plot_code` string — Author's plot number/code, or the original plot number if taken from literature. - `country` string — The name of a country in which a plot is located - `elevation` number, float — The elevation of the plot origin in meters above sea level. - `pl_code` string — VegBank plot identifier - `state_province` string — The name of a state or province in which a plot is located - `year` integer — The year of the observation, or of the first day of the observation if it spanned more than one day. - `rf_code` string — VegBank reference identifier - `rf_label` string — Label for the observation reference - `parent_pl_code` string — VegBack identifier of the parent plot when a plot is nested within another plot. - `location_accuracy` number, float — Estimated accuracy of the location of the plot. Plot origin has a 95% or greater probability of being within this many meters of the reported location. - `confidentiality_status` integer — Are the data to be considered confidential? 0=no, 1= 1km radius, 2=10km radius, 3=100km radius, 4=location embargo, 5=public embargo on all plot data, 6=full embargo on all plot data. This applies also to region. - `author_e` string — Original E-W coordinate as recorded by the author - `author_n` string — Original N-S coordinate as recorded by the author - `author_zone` string — Original UTM zone reported by the author - `author_datum` string — Original datum reported by the author - `author_location` string — Original location as described by author (e.g. Town-Range-Section) - `location_narrative` string — Text description that provides information useful for plot relocation. - `azimuth` number, float — This element stores the azimuth of the x-axis used to describe the relative coordinate system for plot shape (dsgpoly) and other spatial information about the plot. Typically the azimuth is parallel to the long axis of the plot (in the case of a rectangle). - `dsgpoly` string — This field is a text string containing the points circumscribing a plot area. These points are anticipated to have been collected using tapes, GPS, or calculated from the plot shape and area. Points are X-Y coordinates in m relative to plot origin. - `shape` string — Shape of the plot area. - `stand_size` string — The extent of this community occurrence in relation to the plot size: very extensive (>1000x plot), extensive (>100x plot), large (10-100x plot), small (3-10x plot), very small (1-3x plot). - `placement_method` string — Brief description of strategy for determining plot placement within the stand. - `permanence` boolean — Is the plot monumented so as to assure permanence? If so, this should be described in the layoutNarrative - `layout_narrative` string — Text description of and the rationale for the layout of the plot. - `elevation_accuracy` number, float — The accuracy of the elevation in meters. - `elevation_range` number, float — Meters of difference in elevations of the high and low points in the plot. - `slope_aspect` number, float — Representative azimuth of slope gradient (0-360 degrees); if too flat to determine = -1; if too irregular to determine = -2. - `min_slope_aspect` number, float — Minimum azimuth of slope gradient (0-360 degrees), counterclockwise from representative azimuth. - `max_slope_aspect` number, float — Maximum azimuth of slope gradient (0-360 degrees), clockwise from representative azimuth - `slope_gradient` number, float — Representative inclination of slope in degrees; if too irregular to determine, = -1. - `min_slope_gradient` number, float — Minimum inclination of slope in degrees. - `max_slope_gradient` number, float — Maximum inclination of slope in degrees. - `topo_position` string — Position of the plot on land surface (e.g., Summit, shoulder, upper slope, middle slope, lower slope, toeslope, no slope, channel bed, dune swale, pond). - `landform` string — A recognizable physical feature on the surface of the earth, often including consideration of the natural cause of its formation. - `surficial_deposits` string — Surficial deposits represent the parent material that are the geologic or organic precursors to the soil. They may either have been deposited by geologic (wind, ice, gravity or water) or biologic (organic) activity, or formed in place more-or-less directly from rocks and minerals below. - `rock_type` string — RockType values conform to the lithic types in the FGDC Soil Geographic Data Standards, September 1997. http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/documents/standards/soils/soil997.PDF (pages 56-59). - `previous_obs_id` string — VegBank observation identifier corresponding to the previous observation of this plot. - `pj_code` string — VegBank project identifier - `project_name` string — Project name - `obs_start_date` string, date — The date of the observation, or the first day if the observation spanned more than one day. - `obs_end_date` string, date — If the observation event spanned more than a single day, this is the last day on which observations were made. - `date_accuracy` string — Estimated accuracy of the observation date. - `date_entered` string, date — Date that the observation was added to VegBank - `cm_code` string — VegBank cover method code referring to the scale used to estimate taxon cover. The database stores estimated cover to the nearest percent, but the conversion details are recovered by reference to the specific scale employed. - `cover_method_name` string — Cover method name - `cover_dispersion` string — Were cover values for the total taxon list collected from one contiguous area or dispersed subplots? - `auto_taxon_cover` boolean — True indicates that cover value of taxon observations was automatically calculated from the values of stratum_cover in linked strata records - `method_narrative` string — Additional metadata helpful for understanding how the data were collected during the observation event. - `taxon_observation_area` number, float — the total surface area (in m^2) used for cover estimates and for which a complete species list is provided. If subplots were used, this would be the total area of the subplots without interstitial space. RESERVED VALUE: -1 is used to indicate the complete list of species had no known boundaries. - `stem_size_limit` number, float — Lower diameter limit in centimeters for inclusion of a tree in the stem count - `stem_observation_area` number, float — the total surface area (in m^2) observed for recording woody stem data. RESERVED VALUE: -1 means no known area. - `stem_sample_method` string — The method used to obtain basal area or tree stem data (e.g., full census, point quarter, random pairs, Bitterlich, other). - `original_data` string — Location where the hard data reside and any access instructions. - `effort_level` string — This is the effort spent making the observations as estimated by the party that submitted the data (e.g., Very thorough, Average, Hurried description). - `plot_validation_level` integer — Quality of plot as determined by an automated filter system, including values such as (1) sufficient for determining type occurrence, (2) sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision, and (3) fully compliant with recommendations. - `floristic_quality` string — Subjective assessment of floristic quality by the party that submitted the plot (e.g., Highest, High, High but incomplete, Moderate, Moderate and incomplete, Low). - `bryophyte_quality` string — Subjective assessment of the taxonomic quality of the bryophyte data by the party that submitted the plot (e.g., Highest, High, High but incomplete, Moderate, Moderate and incomplete, Low, Very incomplete, absent). - `lichen_quality` string — Subjective assessment of the taxonomic quality of the lichen data by the party that submitted the plot (e.g., Highest, High, High but incomplete, Moderate, Moderate and incomplete, Low, Very incomplete, absent). - `observation_narrative` string — Additional unstructured observations useful for understanding the ecological attributes and significance of the plot observations. - `landscape_narrative` string — Unstructured observations on the landscape context of the observed plot. - `homogeneity` string — How homogeneous was the community (e.g., homogeneous, compositional trend across plot, conspicuous inclusions, irregular mosaic or pattern). - `phenologic_aspect` string — Season expression of the community (e.g., typical growing season, vernal, aestival, wet, autumnal, winter, dry, irregular ephemerals present). - `representativeness` string — How representative was the plot of the stand? - `stand_maturity` string — How mature is the stand. Could be young, mature but even-aged, old-growth, etc. - `successional_status` string — Description of the assumed successional status of the plot. This description is of necessity highly subjective. - `basal_area` number, float — Total basal area of woody stems (in m²/ha). 0 should be used to indicate that plots have no stems. - `hydrologic_regime` string — What is the hydrologic regime, which is a reflection of frequency and duration of flooding? List is taken from Cowardin et al. 1979, 1985. - `soil_moisture_regime` string — How moist was the soil at the sampling event? - `soil_drainage` string — Identifies the natural drainage conditions of the soil and refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods. The soil drainage classes are defined in terms of (1) actual moisture content (in excess of field moisture capacity) and (2) the extent of the period during which excess water is present in the plant-root zone. Soil drainage class categories conform to the FGDC Soil Geographic Data Standards, September 1997. (http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/documents/standards/soils/soil997.PDF.) Definitions are derived from Grossman et al. (1998) and Sims et al. (1997). - `water_salinity` string — How saline is the water, if a flooded community? - `water_depth` number, float — For aquatic or marine vegetation, what was the water depth in m. - `shore_distance` number, float — For aquatic or marine vegetation, what was the closest distance to shore in m. - `soil_depth` number, float — Median depth to bedrock or permafrost in m (usually from averaging multiple probe readings). - `organic_depth` number, float — Depth of the surficial organic layer, where present, in centimeters. - `st_code` string — VegBank soil taxon identifier referencing a table of soil taxa within the USDA classification hierarchy, including Order, Suborder, Greatgroup, Subgroup, Family and Series. - `soil_taxon_src` string — How was the soil taxon determined (e.g., field observation, map, other sources)? - `percent_bed_rock` number, float — Percent of surface that is exposed bedrock. - `percent_rock_gravel` number, float — Percent of surface that is exposed rock and gravel. - `percent_wood` number, float — Percent of surface that is wood. - `percent_litter` number, float — Percent of surface that is litter. - `percent_bare_soil` number, float — Percent of surface that is bare soil. - `percent_water` number, float — Percent of surface that is water. - `percent_other` number, float — Percent of surface that belong to an additional itemized category - `name_other` string — Name of additional itemized ground cover category (e.g., beer cans). - `tree_ht` number, float — Height of the tree layer in m. - `shrub_ht` number, float — Height of the shrub layer in m. - `field_ht` number, float — Height of the field layer in m. - `nonvascular_ht` number, float — Height of the nonvascular layer in m. - `submerged_ht` number, float — Height of the submerged layer in m. - `tree_cover` number, float — Total cover of the tree layer in percent. Includes tall trees (single-stemmed woody plants, generally more than 5 m in height or greater at maturity under optimal growing conditions). Very tall shrubs with tree-like form may also be included here, as may other life forms, such as lianas and epiphytes. - `shrub_cover` number, float — Total cover of the shrub layer in percent. Includes shrubs (multiple-stemmed woody plants, generally less than 5 m in height at maturity under optimal growing conditions) and shorter trees (saplings). As with the tree stratum, other life forms present in this stratum may also be included (however, herbaceous life forms should be excluded, as their stems often die back annually and do not have as consistent a height as woody life forms). Where dwarf-shrubs (i.e. shrubs shorter than 0.5 m) form a distinct stratum (either as part of a series of strata, as in a forest, or as the top stratum of more open vegetation, such as tundra or xeric shrublands), they should be treated as a low version of the shrub stratum (or short shrub substratum). In many vegetation types, dwarf-shrubs may simply occur as one life form component of the herb stratum. - `field_cover` number, float — Total cover of the field layer in percent. Also referred to as Herb stratum. Includes herbs (plants without woody stems and often dying back annually), often in association with low creeping semi-shrubs, dwarf-shrubs, vines, and non-woody brambles (such as raspberries), as well as tree or shrub seedlings. - `nonvascular_cover` number, float — Total cover of the nonvascular layer in percent. Also referred to as moss, bryoid, or ground stratum. Defined entirely by mosses, lichens, liverworts, and alga. Ground-creeping vines, prostrate shrubs and herbs should be treated in the herb stratum. Where herbs are entirely absent, it is still possible to recognize this stratum if other very low woody or semi-woody life forms are present. - `floating_cover` number, float — Total cover of the floating layer in percent. Includes rooted or drifting plants that float on the water surface (e.g., duckweed, water-lily). - `submerged_cover` number, float — Total cover of the submerged layer in percent. Includes rooted or drifting plants that by-and-large remain submerged in the water column or on the aquatic bottom (e.g., pondweed). The focus is on the overall strata arrangement of these aquatic plants. Note that emergent plants life forms in a wetland should be placed in above water strata (e.g., cattail or sedges would be placed in the herb stratum, whereas the duckweed would be in the floating aquatic stratum). - `dominant_stratum` string — Which of the six standard strata is dominant? - `growthform_1_type` string — The predominant growth form? - `growthform_2_type` string — The second-most predominant growthform? - `growthform_3_type` string — The third-most predominant growthform - `growthform_1_cover` number, float — Total cover of the predominant growthform? - `growthform_2_cover` number, float — Total cover of the second-most predominant growthform? - `growthform_3_cover` number, float — Total cover of the third-most predominant growthform? - `total_cover` number, float — The total cover, in percent, of all vegetation on the plot. - `has_observation_synonym` boolean — Does this observation have an observation synonym record? - `replaced_by_ob_code` string — VegBank identifier of the current plot observation superseding this plot observation, if this observation has been replaced by a newer record - `sm_code` string — VegBank stratum method identifier - `stratum_method_name` string — Name of the stratum method (e.g., Braun-Blanquet, TNC-ABI, NC Vegetation Survey #1, NC Vegetation Survey #2, etc.) - `stratum_method_description` string — Describes the general methods used for strata. For example, this field should distinguish as to whether strata are defined as including all foliage on plants that predominantly occupy the stratum regardless of the height of that foliage, or only the foliage that actually occurs within a specified vertical slice of the community. - `stratum_assignment` string — The way that an individual's cover is assigned to the different stratum. Some methodologies allow an individul to span multiple strata and have stratum cover values in each stratum. Other methodologies require that all cover from an individual be assigned to the upper-most stratum. Further information about the specifics of stratum methodologies that deviate from the standard practice of the stratum method should be described in the plot observation method narrative. - PlotObsFullNested - `count` integer — Total matching record count - `data` object[] — Data records - `ob_code` string — VegBank observation identifier - `author_obs_code` string — Code or name provided by the author to identify the plot observation. When a plot has only one observation, this will often equal author_plot_code. - `latitude` number, float — Latitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `longitude` number, float — Longitude of the plot origin in degrees and decimals (datum WGS84), fuzzing applied - `area` number, float — Total area of the plot in m2. If many subplots, this area includes the subplots and the interstitial space. RESERVED VALUE: -1 is used to indicate that the plot had no boundaries. - `author_plot_code` string — Author's plot number/code, or the original plot number if taken from literature. - `country` string — The name of a country in which a plot is located - `elevation` number, float — The elevation of the plot origin in meters above sea level. - `pl_code` string — VegBank plot identifier - `state_province` string — The name of a state or province in which a plot is located - `year` integer — The year of the observation, or of the first day of the observation if it spanned more than one day. - `rf_code` string — VegBank reference identifier - `rf_label` string — Label for the observation reference - `parent_pl_code` string — VegBack identifier of the parent plot when a plot is nested within another plot. - `location_accuracy` number, float — Estimated accuracy of the location of the plot. Plot origin has a 95% or greater probability of being within this many meters of the reported location. - `confidentiality_status` integer — Are the data to be considered confidential? 0=no, 1= 1km radius, 2=10km radius, 3=100km radius, 4=location embargo, 5=public embargo on all plot data, 6=full embargo on all plot data. This applies also to region. - `author_e` string — Original E-W coordinate as recorded by the author - `author_n` string — Original N-S coordinate as recorded by the author - `author_zone` string — Original UTM zone reported by the author - `author_datum` string — Original datum reported by the author - `author_location` string — Original location as described by author (e.g. Town-Range-Section) - `location_narrative` string — Text description that provides information useful for plot relocation. - `azimuth` number, float — This element stores the azimuth of the x-axis used to describe the relative coordinate system for plot shape (dsgpoly) and other spatial information about the plot. Typically the azimuth is parallel to the long axis of the plot (in the case of a rectangle). - `dsgpoly` string — This field is a text string containing the points circumscribing a plot area. These points are anticipated to have been collected using tapes, GPS, or calculated from the plot shape and area. Points are X-Y coordinates in m relative to plot origin. - `shape` string — Shape of the plot area. - `stand_size` string — The extent of this community occurrence in relation to the plot size: very extensive (>1000x plot), extensive (>100x plot), large (10-100x plot), small (3-10x plot), very small (1-3x plot). - `placement_method` string — Brief description of strategy for determining plot placement within the stand. - `permanence` boolean — Is the plot monumented so as to assure permanence? If so, this should be described in the layoutNarrative - `layout_narrative` string — Text description of and the rationale for the layout of the plot. - `elevation_accuracy` number, float — The accuracy of the elevation in meters. - `elevation_range` number, float — Meters of difference in elevations of the high and low points in the plot. - `slope_aspect` number, float — Representative azimuth of slope gradient (0-360 degrees); if too flat to determine = -1; if too irregular to determine = -2. - `min_slope_aspect` number, float — Minimum azimuth of slope gradient (0-360 degrees), counterclockwise from representative azimuth. - `max_slope_aspect` number, float — Maximum azimuth of slope gradient (0-360 degrees), clockwise from representative azimuth - `slope_gradient` number, float — Representative inclination of slope in degrees; if too irregular to determine, = -1. - `min_slope_gradient` number, float — Minimum inclination of slope in degrees. - `max_slope_gradient` number, float — Maximum inclination of slope in degrees. - `topo_position` string — Position of the plot on land surface (e.g., Summit, shoulder, upper slope, middle slope, lower slope, toeslope, no slope, channel bed, dune swale, pond). - `landform` string — A recognizable physical feature on the surface of the earth, often including consideration of the natural cause of its formation. - `surficial_deposits` string — Surficial deposits represent the parent material that are the geologic or organic precursors to the soil. They may either have been deposited by geologic (wind, ice, gravity or water) or biologic (organic) activity, or formed in place more-or-less directly from rocks and minerals below. - `rock_type` string — RockType values conform to the lithic types in the FGDC Soil Geographic Data Standards, September 1997. http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/documents/standards/soils/soil997.PDF (pages 56-59). - `previous_obs_id` string — VegBank observation identifier corresponding to the previous observation of this plot. - `pj_code` string — VegBank project identifier - `project_name` string — Project name - `obs_start_date` string, date — The date of the observation, or the first day if the observation spanned more than one day. - `obs_end_date` string, date — If the observation event spanned more than a single day, this is the last day on which observations were made. - `date_accuracy` string — Estimated accuracy of the observation date. - `date_entered` string, date — Date that the observation was added to VegBank - `cm_code` string — VegBank cover method code referring to the scale used to estimate taxon cover. The database stores estimated cover to the nearest percent, but the conversion details are recovered by reference to the specific scale employed. - `cover_method_name` string — Cover method name - `cover_dispersion` string — Were cover values for the total taxon list collected from one contiguous area or dispersed subplots? - `auto_taxon_cover` boolean — True indicates that cover value of taxon observations was automatically calculated from the values of stratum_cover in linked strata records - `method_narrative` string — Additional metadata helpful for understanding how the data were collected during the observation event. - `taxon_observation_area` number, float — the total surface area (in m^2) used for cover estimates and for which a complete species list is provided. If subplots were used, this would be the total area of the subplots without interstitial space. RESERVED VALUE: -1 is used to indicate the complete list of species had no known boundaries. - `stem_size_limit` number, float — Lower diameter limit in centimeters for inclusion of a tree in the stem count - `stem_observation_area` number, float — the total surface area (in m^2) observed for recording woody stem data. RESERVED VALUE: -1 means no known area. - `stem_sample_method` string — The method used to obtain basal area or tree stem data (e.g., full census, point quarter, random pairs, Bitterlich, other). - `original_data` string — Location where the hard data reside and any access instructions. - `effort_level` string — This is the effort spent making the observations as estimated by the party that submitted the data (e.g., Very thorough, Average, Hurried description). - `plot_validation_level` integer — Quality of plot as determined by an automated filter system, including values such as (1) sufficient for determining type occurrence, (2) sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision, and (3) fully compliant with recommendations. - `floristic_quality` string — Subjective assessment of floristic quality by the party that submitted the plot (e.g., Highest, High, High but incomplete, Moderate, Moderate and incomplete, Low). - `bryophyte_quality` string — Subjective assessment of the taxonomic quality of the bryophyte data by the party that submitted the plot (e.g., Highest, High, High but incomplete, Moderate, Moderate and incomplete, Low, Very incomplete, absent). - `lichen_quality` string — Subjective assessment of the taxonomic quality of the lichen data by the party that submitted the plot (e.g., Highest, High, High but incomplete, Moderate, Moderate and incomplete, Low, Very incomplete, absent). - `observation_narrative` string — Additional unstructured observations useful for understanding the ecological attributes and significance of the plot observations. - `landscape_narrative` string — Unstructured observations on the landscape context of the observed plot. - `homogeneity` string — How homogeneous was the community (e.g., homogeneous, compositional trend across plot, conspicuous inclusions, irregular mosaic or pattern). - `phenologic_aspect` string — Season expression of the community (e.g., typical growing season, vernal, aestival, wet, autumnal, winter, dry, irregular ephemerals present). - `representativeness` string — How representative was the plot of the stand? - `stand_maturity` string — How mature is the stand. Could be young, mature but even-aged, old-growth, etc. - `successional_status` string — Description of the assumed successional status of the plot. This description is of necessity highly subjective. - `basal_area` number, float — Total basal area of woody stems (in m²/ha). 0 should be used to indicate that plots have no stems. - `hydrologic_regime` string — What is the hydrologic regime, which is a reflection of frequency and duration of flooding? List is taken from Cowardin et al. 1979, 1985. - `soil_moisture_regime` string — How moist was the soil at the sampling event? - `soil_drainage` string — Identifies the natural drainage conditions of the soil and refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods. The soil drainage classes are defined in terms of (1) actual moisture content (in excess of field moisture capacity) and (2) the extent of the period during which excess water is present in the plant-root zone. Soil drainage class categories conform to the FGDC Soil Geographic Data Standards, September 1997. (http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/documents/standards/soils/soil997.PDF.) Definitions are derived from Grossman et al. (1998) and Sims et al. (1997). - `water_salinity` string — How saline is the water, if a flooded community? - `water_depth` number, float — For aquatic or marine vegetation, what was the water depth in m. - `shore_distance` number, float — For aquatic or marine vegetation, what was the closest distance to shore in m. - `soil_depth` number, float — Median depth to bedrock or permafrost in m (usually from averaging multiple probe readings). - `organic_depth` number, float — Depth of the surficial organic layer, where present, in centimeters. - `st_code` string — VegBank soil taxon identifier referencing a table of soil taxa within the USDA classification hierarchy, including Order, Suborder, Greatgroup, Subgroup, Family and Series. - `soil_taxon_src` string — How was the soil taxon determined (e.g., field observation, map, other sources)? - `percent_bed_rock` number, float — Percent of surface that is exposed bedrock. - `percent_rock_gravel` number, float — Percent of surface that is exposed rock and gravel. - `percent_wood` number, float — Percent of surface that is wood. - `percent_litter` number, float — Percent of surface that is litter. - `percent_bare_soil` number, float — Percent of surface that is bare soil. - `percent_water` number, float — Percent of surface that is water. - `percent_other` number, float — Percent of surface that belong to an additional itemized category - `name_other` string — Name of additional itemized ground cover category (e.g., beer cans). - `tree_ht` number, float — Height of the tree layer in m. - `shrub_ht` number, float — Height of the shrub layer in m. - `field_ht` number, float — Height of the field layer in m. - `nonvascular_ht` number, float — Height of the nonvascular layer in m. - `submerged_ht` number, float — Height of the submerged layer in m. - `tree_cover` number, float — Total cover of the tree layer in percent. Includes tall trees (single-stemmed woody plants, generally more than 5 m in height or greater at maturity under optimal growing conditions). Very tall shrubs with tree-like form may also be included here, as may other life forms, such as lianas and epiphytes. - `shrub_cover` number, float — Total cover of the shrub layer in percent. Includes shrubs (multiple-stemmed woody plants, generally less than 5 m in height at maturity under optimal growing conditions) and shorter trees (saplings). As with the tree stratum, other life forms present in this stratum may also be included (however, herbaceous life forms should be excluded, as their stems often die back annually and do not have as consistent a height as woody life forms). Where dwarf-shrubs (i.e. shrubs shorter than 0.5 m) form a distinct stratum (either as part of a series of strata, as in a forest, or as the top stratum of more open vegetation, such as tundra or xeric shrublands), they should be treated as a low version of the shrub stratum (or short shrub substratum). In many vegetation types, dwarf-shrubs may simply occur as one life form component of the herb stratum. - `field_cover` number, float — Total cover of the field layer in percent. Also referred to as Herb stratum. Includes herbs (plants without woody stems and often dying back annually), often in association with low creeping semi-shrubs, dwarf-shrubs, vines, and non-woody brambles (such as raspberries), as well as tree or shrub seedlings. - `nonvascular_cover` number, float — Total cover of the nonvascular layer in percent. Also referred to as moss, bryoid, or ground stratum. Defined entirely by mosses, lichens, liverworts, and alga. Ground-creeping vines, prostrate shrubs and herbs should be treated in the herb stratum. Where herbs are entirely absent, it is still possible to recognize this stratum if other very low woody or semi-woody life forms are present. - `floating_cover` number, float — Total cover of the floating layer in percent. Includes rooted or drifting plants that float on the water surface (e.g., duckweed, water-lily). - `submerged_cover` number, float — Total cover of the submerged layer in percent. Includes rooted or drifting plants that by-and-large remain submerged in the water column or on the aquatic bottom (e.g., pondweed). The focus is on the overall strata arrangement of these aquatic plants. Note that emergent plants life forms in a wetland should be placed in above water strata (e.g., cattail or sedges would be placed in the herb stratum, whereas the duckweed would be in the floating aquatic stratum). - `dominant_stratum` string — Which of the six standard strata is dominant? - `growthform_1_type` string — The predominant growth form? - `growthform_2_type` string — The second-most predominant growthform? - `growthform_3_type` string — The third-most predominant growthform - `growthform_1_cover` number, float — Total cover of the predominant growthform? - `growthform_2_cover` number, float — Total cover of the second-most predominant growthform? - `growthform_3_cover` number, float — Total cover of the third-most predominant growthform? - `total_cover` number, float — The total cover, in percent, of all vegetation on the plot. - `has_observation_synonym` boolean — Does this observation have an observation synonym record? - `replaced_by_ob_code` string — VegBank identifier of the current plot observation superseding this plot observation, if this observation has been replaced by a newer record - `sm_code` string — VegBank stratum method identifier - `stratum_method_name` string — Name of the stratum method (e.g., Braun-Blanquet, TNC-ABI, NC Vegetation Survey #1, NC Vegetation Survey #2, etc.) - `stratum_method_description` string — Describes the general methods used for strata. For example, this field should distinguish as to whether strata are defined as including all foliage on plants that predominantly occupy the stratum regardless of the height of that foliage, or only the foliage that actually occurs within a specified vertical slice of the community. - `stratum_assignment` string — The way that an individual's cover is assigned to the different stratum. Some methodologies allow an individul to span multiple strata and have stratum cover values in each stratum. Other methodologies require that all cover from an individual be assigned to the upper-most stratum. Further information about the specifics of stratum methodologies that deviate from the standard practice of the stratum method should be described in the plot observation method narrative. - `disturbances` object[] — Observer estimation of the disturbance history of the plot - `type` string — Type of disturbance being reported - `comment` string — Description of details of the disturbance and its impact on the vegetation - `intensity` string — Intensity or degree of the disturbance - `age` number, float — Estimated time in years since the disturbance event - `extent` number, float — Percent of the plot that experienced the event - `soils` object[] — Observations on soil horizons made during the plot observation event - `horizon` string — The horizon to which this soil observation applies - `depth_top` number, float — The depth at which the horizon observation starts - `depth_bottom` number, float — The depth at which the horizon observation ends - `color` string — Soil color (USDA guidelines recommended) - `organic` number, float — Percent organic content of the soil; for methods, see the plot observation methods_narrative - `texture` string — Soil texture class. The texture classes sands, loamy sands, and sandy loams (plural terms) correspond to sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam (singular terms) in the textural triangle. - `sand` number, float — Percent sand in the soil horizon - `silt` number, float — Percent silt in the soil horizon - `clay` number, float — Percent clay in the soil horizon - `coarse` number, float — Percent coarse fragments in the soil, prior to removal for textural analysis - `ph` number, float — pH of the soil; for methods, see the plot observation methods_narrative - `exchange_capacity` number, float — Cation exchange capacity; for methods, see the plot observation methods_narrative - `base_saturation` number, float — Percent base saturation; for methods, see the plot observation methods_narrative - `description` string — Text description of the soil - `named_places` object[] — Named places that a plot may have been located in - `np_code` string — VegBank named place identifier - `system` string — Name of the system of names. The system 'Geographic Name' is an open list, whereas the other systems are generally closed lists defined by a known system with an external authority (e.g., USGSQuad, Continent, Country, State, County, HUC, and Ecoregion) - `name` string — The name of a place in or at which a plot is located. - `description` string — Description of a named place. For US county names, this field identifies the containing state. - `code` string — Optional code for location identification - `taxon_count` integer — Count of taxon observations associated with this plot observation - `taxon_importance_count` integer — Count of taxon importance records associated with this plot observation - `taxon_importance_count_returned` integer — Count of taxon importance records returned in the top_taxon_observations field - `top_taxon_observations` object[] — Taxon observations - `to_code` string — VegBank taxon observation identifier - `tm_code` string — VegBank taxon importance identifier - `pc_code` string — VegBank plant concept identifier - `plant_name` string — Name of the observed plant, using the scientific name (without authors) associated with the current taxon interpretation if available, otherwise the author-provided plant name - `sr_code` string — VegBank stratum identifier - `stratum_name` string — Stratum name, or '' if sr_code is null - `cover` number, float — Observed cover for this taxon in the referenced stratum (or overall, if no stratum provided) - `top_classifications` object[] — Community classifications - `cl_code` string — VegBank community classification identifier - `ci_code` string — VegBank community interpretation identifier - `cc_code` string — VegBank community concept identifier - `comm_name` string — Community name, as recorded on the community concept - `comm_code` string — Code for the community concept, derived from a comm usage record of class system 'Code' ## Other responses - `400` — Invalid Parameters --- [API](https://skmtc.net/nceas/apis/vegbankapi.md) · [All operations](https://skmtc.net/nceas/apis/vegbankapi/llms.txt) · [OpenAPI document](https://skmtc-service-staging.skmtc.workers.dev/v1/apis/nceas/vegbankapi/revisions/852fd165e202/schema)