- Metric Name:  Goldspotted Oak Borer

- Data Vintage:  2010 to 2021

- Unit Of Measure: specific to each attribute



Tree mortality and other forest damage is detected by annual aerial surveys over forested lands by state and federal agency staff. The primary purpose of the aerial survey is to create sketch maps of areas containing current year conifer and hardwood mortality, defoliation, and other damage. Number of trees and acres with damage are calculated for areas surveyed and reported annually using the methodology described below. Aerial surveys have been recognized for over fifty years as an efficient and economical method of detecting and monitoring forest change events over large forested areas. As with all remotely sensed data, some amount of ground-truthing is required before the data can be considered reliable. The goldspotted oak borer was identified based on field surveys starting in 2006, and coded as goldspotted oak borer during aerial detection surveys beginning in 2010.

Field definitions:

DCA_CODE = damage casual agent code

DCA = Damage casual agent

Damage_typ = damage type

Mort_TPA = mortality trees per acre, the modifier used to determine number of trees when multiplied by acres

NUM_TREES = estimated number of trees

RPT_YR = report year

HOST_ALL_C = compilation of host and HostGroup names and codes

HOST_ALL = compilation of host and HostGroup names



For more information, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/foresthealth/applied-sciences/mapping-reporting/digital-mobile-sketch-mapping.shtml

Creation Method: Recent tree mortality and currently active non-mortality damage is sketch mapped on a mobile device by an aerial observer flying in a small fixed wing aircraft at ≈1000’ above ground level (AGL) searching for visibly dried and discolored foliage, typically yellow to reddish brown. Generally, two observers are onboard the aircraft surveying on opposite sides with about a two-mile swath width for each surveyor.

Drawn polygons are then attributed with the following: a) damage type, mortality or one of several non-lethal damage types (topkill, defoliation, branch flagging, die back or discoloration) (field name: DAMAGE_TYP) b) percentage category of forest area affected, c) affected tree species and d) probable damage-causing agent (e.g., goldspotted oak borer). For more information go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/forest-grasslandhealth/?cid=fsbdev3_046707

ttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/forest-grasslandhealth/?cid=fsbdev3_046696

- Credits:  R5 Aerial Detection Monitoring

USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Monitoring (FHM), R5 Aerial Detection Monitoring: 
Data disclaimer:  
The USDA Forest Service makes no warranty, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or utility of these geospatial data, or for the improper or incorrect use of these geospatial data. These geospatial data and related maps or graphics are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The data and maps may not be used to determine title, ownership, legal descriptions or boundaries, legal jurisdiction, or restrictions that may be in place on either public or private land. Natural hazards may or may not be depicted on the data and maps, and land users should exercise due caution. The data are dynamic and may change over time. The user is responsible to verify the limitations of the geospatial data and to use the data accordingly.