53 public environmental GIS base layers for Alaska (Alaska GAP project; ancillary data)

• Main Author: Alaska GAP Analysis Project
• Format: Dataset
• Language: unknown
• Published: International Arctic Research Center (IARC) Data Archive
• Subjects: Environmental GIS layers; Gap Analysis Project; GAP; Alaska Gap Analysis Project; State of Alaska; Alaska; North America; United States of America; USA; Yearround; Monthly; Long-term mean; Ice; permafrost; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://search.dataone.org/view/dcx_58b490f4-5703-4f1f-92a0-79c4e62ce1e1_1

This public GIS dataset comes from the Alaska GAP project, and it is part of the final project report (Gotthard, Pyare, Huettmann et al. 2013). Here we present a copy of the original data set as a value-added product for basic use and training purposes. It consists of 53 environmental layers for all of Alaska in an ArcGIS 10 format and usually with a pixel size of 60m. These layers were compiled from various sources, and authorships should be fully honoured as stated in the details of this metadata. Output maps were clipped using a state of Alaska coastline in the Alaska Albers NAD83 projection; very small islands are excluded.The data layers were initially compiled for ecological niche models of Alaska's terrestrial biodiversity using Maxent and other Machine Learning algorithms. However, they can also be used for many other purposes, e.g. strategic conservation planning and individual information and assessments. The datasets are a snapshot in space and time (2012) but likely remain valid for years to come. It is appreciated that these data layers are 'living products', and it is hoped that this public data publication here will progress and trigger many updates and data quality improvements for Alaska and its public high-quality data over time. The following variables are included in this dataset: Boundaries Coastline, Climate Precipitation January til December Average monthly precipitation (mm), Climate Precipitation Average annual precipitation (mm), Climate Temperature January til December Average monthly temperature (deg C), Climate Temperature annual temperature (dec C), Climate First day of thaw (Julian date), Climate First day of freeze (Julian date), Climate Length of growing season Number of days, Disturbance Insect history (Year), Distance to Disturbance Insect location (m), Disturbance Fire history Year of fire (1942 til 2007), distance to Disturbance Fire location (m), Soils Grid (category), Surfacial Geology Grid values, Glacial Distance (m), Distance(m) to lotic water, Distance (m) to permafrost boundary, Distance(m) to lentic water, Saltwater Presence, Distance (m) to Sea Ice Extent 2003-2007 December, Distance (m) to Sea Ice Extent 2003-2007 July, Distance to Development Infrastructure, Landcover Vegetation (Landfire), Landcover nlcd60, Elevation (m), Slope (%), Aspect (Degrees from due south), Terrain Ruggedness index, Extent nullgrid 9999, Coast raster.