{ "culture": "en-US", "name": "", "guid": "", "catalogPath": "", "snippet": "The Nested Hexagon Framework is a response to the need for a spatial database to reference and summarize a wide range of datasets to help with data discovery and provide a more comprehensive (cross disciplinary) assessments of what characteristics are present at a given area. The NHFv2 will help inform preliminary site planning, environmental reviews, research endeavors, and making datasets more discoverable to all users. The comprehensive nature of the datasets to be integrated and the subsequent ability to discover and share information not typically linked together is a unique and great opportunity to contribute to information sharing. Any dataset that has a spatial location (species observations, rainfall totals, fossil collection sites, wind farms, climate change predictions, and human population/demographics) can all be summarized and referenced using the NHFv2. Even sensitive research data that can\u2019t be shared (but could contribute to knowledge-base/decisions) can be summarized and made available using the Framework while the raw data stays secure. As a spatial index, the NHFv2 can 1) provide information on what datasets are available for a given area, 2) allow users to search the database for the location/extent of certain datasets or attributes, 3) facilitate the discovery of new datasets, 4) provide a mechanism for researchers and data collectors/managers to make their data more discoverable. The NHFv2 helps make data discoverable and information available.", "description": "In an effort to integrate information from a wide range of data sets into a single spatially referenced grid that can be used as an annotated spatial index of data layers, facilitate data discovery, and enhance research, personnel at the Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas developed the Nested Hexagon Framework (NHFv2). The NHFv2 is comprised of four nested spatial scale mapping units (1 km2 Hexagons, 7 km2 Cogs, 49 km2 Wheels, and 343 km2 Rings) and currently covers all of North and Central America, with the potential to be expanded to other global extents due to its unique hierarchical number system and spatial tiling based around 5 degree by 5 degree latitude and longitude tiles. Data can be referenced to any of the spatial scales (hex, cog, wheel, ring) depending on the spatial precision and/or sensitivity of the data. The NHFv2 allows for the sharing of information without revealing the raw spatial data or precise spatial locations so that users can quickly get a summary of the features and conditions present in a given cell. The original version of the NHF had a similar nested structure, but was based around mapping cells using miles instead of kilometers. To be better suited for scientific integration and international applications, the process framework was rebuilt around a one square kilometer hexagon grid and renamed as NHFv2 to keep it distinct.", "summary": "The Nested Hexagon Framework is a response to the need for a spatial database to reference and summarize a wide range of datasets to help with data discovery and provide a more comprehensive (cross disciplinary) assessments of what characteristics are present at a given area. The NHFv2 will help inform preliminary site planning, environmental reviews, research endeavors, and making datasets more discoverable to all users. The comprehensive nature of the datasets to be integrated and the subsequent ability to discover and share information not typically linked together is a unique and great opportunity to contribute to information sharing. Any dataset that has a spatial location (species observations, rainfall totals, fossil collection sites, wind farms, climate change predictions, and human population/demographics) can all be summarized and referenced using the NHFv2. Even sensitive research data that can\u2019t be shared (but could contribute to knowledge-base/decisions) can be summarized and made available using the Framework while the raw data stays secure. As a spatial index, the NHFv2 can 1) provide information on what datasets are available for a given area, 2) allow users to search the database for the location/extent of certain datasets or attributes, 3) facilitate the discovery of new datasets, 4) provide a mechanism for researchers and data collectors/managers to make their data more discoverable. The NHFv2 helps make data discoverable and information available.", "title": "landscape_summary_database.sde.ks_nhfv2_hexagons_webmercator", "tags": [ "environment", "Framework", "biota", "NHFv2", "NHF", "inlandWaters", "Hexagons" ], "type": "", "typeKeywords": [], "thumbnail": "", "url": "", "minScale": 0, "maxScale": 0, "spatialReference": "", "accessInformation": "Kansas Applied Remote Sensing Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas Higuchi Hall 2101 Constant Avenue Lawrence, KS 66047-3759 kars.ku.edu", "licenseInfo": "" }