HISTORICAL NORTH ATLANTIC TROPICAL CYCLONE TRACKS, 1851-2005

Metadata:


Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center
Publication_Date: 20050401
Title:
HISTORICAL NORTH ATLANTIC TROPICAL CYCLONE TRACKS, 1851-2005
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data
Other_Citation_Details:
STATE OF FLORIDA
Online_Linkage: http://hurricane.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes/download.html
Description:
Abstract:
This Historical North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Tracks file contains the
6-hourly (0000, 0600, 1200, 1800 UTC) center locations and intensities for
all subtropical depressions and storms, extratropical storms, tropical
lows, waves, disturbances, depressions and storms, and all hurricanes,
from 1851 through 2005.
Purpose:
These data are intended for geographic display and analysis at the national level, and for large regional areas.  The data should be displayed and analyzed at scales appropriate for 1:2,000,000-scale data.No responsibility is assumed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the use of these data.
Supplemental_Information:
LINE
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 20050401
Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -87.429040
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -79.872251
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.983191
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 24.492815
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: NONE
Theme_Keyword: Hurricane
Theme_Keyword: cyclone
Theme_Keyword: storm
Theme_Keyword: Nagin
Access_Constraints: NONE
Use_Constraints:
THE DATA INCLUDED IN FGDL ARE 'AS IS' AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGALLY BINDING. THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEOPLAN CENTER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF USING, MODIFYING, CONTRIBUTING OR DISTRIBUTING THE MATERIALS

A note about data scale: 

Scale is an important factor in data usage.  Certain scale datasets are not suitable for some project, analysis, or modeling purposes. Please be sure you are using the best available data. 

1:24000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the county level. 1:24000 data should NOT be used for high accuracy base mapping such as property parcel boundaries.

1:100000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the multi-county or regional level.  1:125000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the regional or state level or larger.

Vector datasets with no defined scale or accuracy should be considered suspect.  Make sure you are familiar with your data before using it for projects or analysis.  Every effort has been made to supply the user with data documentation. For additional information, see the References section and the Data Source Contact section of this documentation. For more information regarding scale and accuracy, see our webpage at: http://geoplan.ufl.edu/education.html
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: Florida Geographic Data Library (FGDL)
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address:
431 Architecture PO Box 115706
City: Gainesville
State_or_Province: Florida
Postal_Code: 32611-5706
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: Web site: http://www.fgdl.org
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: Technical Support: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfeed.html
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: For FGDL Software: http://www.fgdl.org/software.html
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: FGDL Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfaq.html
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: FGDL Mailing Lists: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdl-l.html
Native_Data_Set_Environment:
Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.0.0.535
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Other_Citation_Details:
NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER http://hurricane.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes/download.html
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Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the attribute information within the original data.
Quantitative_Attribute_Accuracy_Assessment:
Attribute_Accuracy_Explanation:
An ASCII format version of the Historical Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Tracks
file is available at <http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastall.shtml>.

For more information on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, please see
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.shtml.

For more information on tropical cyclone advisories, please see
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/forecast/forecast_products.shtml.

General information on subtropical and tropical cyclones is available from
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic
Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Hurricane Research Division

FAQ page at http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/tcfaqHED.html, and from
the National Hurricane Center Hurricane Basics page at
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics.shtml.
Logical_Consistency_Report:
This data is provided 'as is'. GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the original data layer's topology
Completeness_Report:
This data is provided 'as is' by GeoPlan and is complete to our knowledge.
Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
This data is provided 'as is' and its horizontal positional accuracy has not been verified by GeoPlan
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
This data is provided 'as is' and its vertical positional accuracy has not been verified by GeoPlan
Lineage:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: NOAA, TPC/NHC
Title:
Historical North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Tracks, 1851-2004
Source_Scale_Denominator: N/A
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
NOAA
Source_Contribution:
Spatial and Attribute Information
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Historical track information was downloaded from the National Hurricane
Center's Web site.  The textual information was formatted using a PERL
script written by the NOAA Coastal Services Center.  The file was then
brought into ArcGIS as a table and converted to a shapefile with
attributes using a custom Visual Basic extension.
Process_Date: 20040419
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
GeoPlan downloaded this dataset from the site 
"http://hurricane.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes/download.html"
and performed the following:
-Projected to FGDL Albers HPGN.
-Clipped to the State of Florida.
-UPCASED attribute table.
-Added fields 'DESCRIPT' and 'FGDLAQDATE'.
Process_Date: 20060501
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Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector
Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:
SDTS_Terms_Description:
SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: String
Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 4205
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Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Planar:
Map_Projection:
Map_Projection_Name: Albers Conical Equal Area
Albers_Conical_Equal_Area:
Standard_Parallel: 24.000000
Standard_Parallel: 31.500000
Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -84.000000
Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 24.000000
False_Easting: 400000.000000
False_Northing: 0.000000
Planar_Coordinate_Information:
Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair
Coordinate_Representation:
Abscissa_Resolution: 0.002048
Ordinate_Resolution: 0.002048
Planar_Distance_Units: meters
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: D_North_American_1983_HARN
Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222
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Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: TROPC_MAY06
Entity_Type_Definition:
TROPC_MAY06.DBF
Entity_Type_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: FID
Attribute_Definition:
Internal feature number.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Shape
Attribute_Definition:
Feature geometry.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: YEAR
Attribute_Definition:
The year of the storm advisory, in the format yyyy.  Advisories are issued for storms that have attained at least tropical depression status, and are issued every 6 hours, at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800  hours.  Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center advisories are discontinued once a storm makes landfall and all storm warnings are dropped, or when the wind speed drops below 30 knots or 35 mph.  The records for each date are listed in order.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: MONTH
Attribute_Definition:
The month of the storm advisory.  Advisories are issued for storms that  have attained at least tropical depression status, and are issued every 6 hours, at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 hours.  Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center advisories are discontinued once a  storm makes landfall and all storm warnings are dropped, or when the wind speed drops below 30 knots or 35 mph.  The records for each date are listed in order.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DAY
Attribute_Definition:
The day of the storm advisory.  Advisories are issued for storms that  have attained at least tropical depression status, and are issued every  6 hours, at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 hours.  Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center advisories are discontinued once a  storm makes landfall and all storm warnings are dropped, or when the wind speed drops below 30 knots or 35 mph.  The records for each date are listed in order.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: AD_TIME
Attribute_Definition:
The storm advisory time.  Times are in Zulu (a.k.a., Universal Time-UTC, Greenwich Mean Time-GMT) starting with 0000Z and ending with 1800Z.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: BTID
Attribute_Definition:
The unique event identifier.  Identifiers are sequential, starting with 1 in June, 1851 and ending with 1320 in December, 2004.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: NAME
Attribute_Definition:
The given name of a storm.  Storms are named if they are true tropical storms and attain a sustained wind speed of at least 39 mph.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: NOT NAMED
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
There is no given name for the storm.  Prior to 1950 storms were not named.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SUBTROP
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
There is no given name for the storm because it was classified as a subtropical depression or subtropical storm.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SUBTROP1
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
There is no given name for the storm because it was classified as a subtropical depression or subtropical storm.  Subtrop1 is the first  subtropical cyclone for a given year.  A storm may initially be identified as Subtrop1 but then be given a name if it develops into a tropical storm; in this case there will be no storm identified as Subtrop1 for the year even though there may be a storm identified as Subtrop2.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SUBTROP2
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
There is no given name for the storm because it was classified as a subtropical depression or subtropical storm.  Subtrop2 is the second subtropical cyclone for a given year.  A storm may initially be identified as Subtrop2 but then be given a name if it develops into a tropical storm; in this case there will be no storm identified as Subtrop2 for the year even though there may be a storm identified as Subtrop3.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SUBTROP3
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
There is no given name for the storm because it was classified as a subtropical depression or subtropical storm.  Subtrop3 is the third subtropical cyclone for a given year.  A storm may initially be identified as Subtrop3 but then be given a name if it develops into a tropical storm; in this case there will be no storm identified as Subtrop3 for the year even though there may be a storm identified as Subtrop4.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SUBTROP4
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
There is no given name for the storm because it was classified as a subtropical depression or subtropical storm.  Subtrop4 is the fourth subtropical cyclone for a given year.  A storm may initially be identified as Subtrop4 but then be given a name if it develops into a tropical storm; in this case there will be no storm identified as Subtrop4 for the year.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: UNNAMED
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
Storms from 1950 or later may be unnamed if they were not recognized  as tropical storms or hurricanes at the time of their occurrence.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LAT
Attribute_Definition:
The latitude measurement of the storm's center, in tenths of decimal degrees.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LONG
Attribute_Definition:
The longitude measurement of the storm's center, in tenths of decimal degrees.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: WIND_KTS
Attribute_Definition:
The measured or estimated windspeed at the time of the advisory, in whole knots.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: PRESSURE
Attribute_Definition:
The measured or estimated barometric pressure at the time of the advisory, in millibars.  A value of 0 indicates the barometric pressure is unknown.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: CAT
Attribute_Definition:
The intensity classification of the storm.  Hurricanes are classified according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: D
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a tropical disturbance at the time of the advisory.  A tropical disturbance is a discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity), which is generally 100 to 300 nautical miles in diameter. It originates in the tropics or subtropics, has a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.  It does not necessarily exhibit circulation, but may develop into a tropical cyclone.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: E
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as Extratropical at the time of the advisory.  Extratropical is a term used in advisories and tropical summaries to indicate that a cyclone has lost its tropical characteristics.  The term implies both that the cyclone has moved out of the tropics and that the energy source driving the storm has changed.  While tropical cyclones derive their energy from the convection of warm, moist air, extratropical storms derive their energy from the temperature contrast between warm and cold air masses.  It is important to note that cyclones can become extratropical and still retain winds of hurricane or tropical storm force.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: H1
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a Category 1 hurricane at the time of the advisory.  A Category 1 hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of 64 knots/74 mph to 82 knots/95 mph, inclusive.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: H2
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a Category 2 hurricane at the time of the advisory .  A Category 2 hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of 83 knots/96 mph to 95  knots/110 mph, inclusive.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: H3
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a Category 3 hurricane at the time of the advisory.  A Category 3 hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of 96 knots/111 mph to 113 knots/130 mph, inclusive.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: H4
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a Category 4 hurricane at the time of the advisory.  A Category 4 hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of 114 knots/131 mph to 135 knots/155 mph, inclusive.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: H5
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a Category 5 hurricane at the time of the advisory.  A Category 5 hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds greater than 135 knots/ 155 mph.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: L
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a tropical low at the time of the advisory.  A tropical low indicates low pressure at the surface, but no other characteristics of a tropical cyclone are present.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SD
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a subtropical depression at the time of the advisory.  A subtropical depression is a subtropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of less than 34 knots/39 mph.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: SS
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a subtropical storm at the time of the advisory.  A subtropical storm is a subtropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of 34 knots/39 mph or greater.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: TD
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a tropical depression at the time of the advisory.  A tropical depression is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of less than 34 knots/ 39 mph.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: TS
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a tropical storm at the time of the advisory.  A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface (10 meter) winds of 34 knots/39 mph to 64 knots/73 mph, inclusive.
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: W
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
The storm was classified as a tropical wave at the time of the advisory.  Tropical waves occur in the trade-wind easterlies, moving to the west with a wave-like motion.  They show a detectable shift in wind direction, which  may not be detectable at the surface but may be seen in the middle atmosphere.  A tropical wave may develop into a tropical cyclone.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: BASIN
Attribute_Definition:
Oceanic basin where the storm occurred.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
NOAA
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: IN_ATL
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: IN_CARIB
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: IN_GULF
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: IN_EPAC
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: IN_CPAC
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DESCRIPT
Attribute_Definition:
Based on 'NAME' field.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
GeoPlan
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: FGDLAQDATE
Attribute_Definition:
Date FGDL aquired the data from source.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
GeoPlan
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Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: Florida Geographic Data Library (FGDL)
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address:
431 Architecture PO Box 115706
City: Gainesville
State_or_Province: Florida
Postal_Code: 32611-5706
Country: United States
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: Web site: http://www.fgdl.org
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: Technical Support: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfeed.html
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: For FGDL Software: http://www.fgdl.org/software.html
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: FGDL Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfaq.html
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: Mailing list for FGDL: http://www.fgdl.org/fgdl-l.html
Resource_Description: DOWNLOADABLE DATA
Distribution_Liability:
THE FGDL DATA AS PROVIDED BY CONTRIBUTING ORGANIZATIONS AND ANY PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE CREATED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEOPLAN CENTER (COLLECTIVELY THE 'MATERIALS') ARE COPYRIGHTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEOPLAN CENTER FOR THE FGDL CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS (THE 'DATA PROVIDERS'). DO NOT REPRODUCE, REDISTRIBUTE OR RESELL THE MATERIALS, OR PROVIDE THE MATERIALS FOR FREE TO CUSTOMERS OR CLIENTS, OR PLACE THE MATERIALS FOR DOWNLOAD ON A WEBSITE. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN USING FGDL DATA OR SOFTWARE IN PROJECTS, MAPS, ETC.; YOU AGREE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FGDL AS A DATA SOURCE. THE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED 'AS IS'. THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEOPLAN CENTER MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES ABOUT THE QUALITY OR SUITABILITY OF THE MATERIALS, EITHER EXPRESSLY OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEOPLAN CENTER MAKES NO WARRANTIES, GUARANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE TRUTH, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE DATA PROVIDED BY THE FGDL CONTRIBUTING ORGANIZATIONS. THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEOPLAN CENTER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF USING, MODIFYING, CONTRIBUTING OR DISTRIBUTING THE MATERIALS.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Transfer_Size: 1.619
Technical_Prerequisites:
This data is intended for use with a Geographic Information Systems or Remote Sensing software package.
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Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20060525
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: NOAA Coastal Services Center
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address:
2234 South Hobson Avenue
City: Charleston
State_or_Province: SC
Postal_Code: 29405-2413
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 843-740-1200
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 843-740-1315
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: clearinghouse@csc.noaa.gov
Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Metadata_Time_Convention: local time
Metadata_Extensions:
Online_Linkage: http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html
Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile
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