For a full discussion of the significance, use, technical details, and information contained in TIGER/Line data, the user is encouraged to consult the 1997 TIGER/Line Files Technical Documentation manual <URL:tiger97c.pdf>. Viewing this manual requires use of the free Adobe Acrobat reader, which may be downloaded from <URL:http://www.adobe.com/>.
At best, these data meet National Map Accuracy Standards for 1:100,000 scale maps (approximately +/- 167 feet), and hence is most suitable for use with other map data at that scale.
railroads.mtd - this metadata in mp (metadata parser) compatible ASCII text form railroads.html - this metadata in HTML form railroads_faq.html - this metadata presented as Questions and Answers railroads.sgml - this metadata in SGML form railroads1.gif - thumbnail graphic of data set tiger97c.pdf - Technical Documentation manual for 1997 TIGER/Line Files
These unaltered data may not be redistributed without all of the elements of the metadata listed in the Supplemental_Information section of this metadata document. It is recommended that third parties wishing to use these data obtain them from the Distributor listed in this metadata document.
If these data are altered or incorporated into another dataset, they are not to be redistributed without also: altering the name of the dataset, including a Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998) compliant metadata file that describes the dataset and reflects the alteration steps that makes the new dataset different from this one, and citing this dataset in the metadata as a source for the altered dataset using the source citation specified below.
If these digital data are used in the production of a report or in the compilation of a standalone printed map, then this dataset is to be cited in the report or on the map using the source citation specified below.
The following source citation is to be used when citing this dataset: LOSCO Environmental Baseline Inventory Dataset 'Railroads of Louisiana from 1997 TIGER/Line source data, Geographic NAD83, LOSCO (1999) [railroads]'
Users hereby agree to abide by the use and reproduction conditions specified above. By using the data described in these metadata, the user acknowledges that the terms and conditions of use have been read and that the user is bound by these criteria.
The metadata regarding data quality aspects of these data (non-lineage parts) was extracted from a 1998 TIGER/Line metadata document produced by the Bureau of the Census in 1998.
* Complete chains must begin and end at nodes. * Complete chains must connect to each other at nodes. * Complete chains do not extend through nodes. * Left and right GT-polygons are defined for each complete chain element and are consistent throughout the extract process. * The chains representing the limits of the file are free of gaps.The Census Bureau performed automated tests to ensure logical consistency and limits of files. All polygons are tested for closure. Some polygons in the TIGER/Line files may be so small that the polygon internal point has been manually placed on a node that defines the polygon perimeter. These small polygons have been detected, and corrections will be incorporated in the Census TIGER data base in the future. The Census Bureau uses its internally developed Geographic Update System to enhance and modify spatial and attribute data in the Census TIGER data base. Standard geographic codes, such as FIPS codes for states, counties, municipalities, and places, are used when encoding spatial entities. The Census Bureau performed spatial data tests for logical consistency of the codes during the compilation of the original Census TIGER data base files. Most of the codes themselves were provided to the Census Bureau by the USGS, the agency responsible for maintaining FIPS 55. Feature attribute information has been examined but has not been fully tested for consistency.
These data have been developed from the best available sources. Although efforts have been made to ensure that the data are accurate and reliable, errors and variable conditions originating from physical sources used to develop the data may be reflected in the data supplied. Users must be aware of these conditions and bear responsibility for the appropriate use of the information with respect to possible errors, scale, resolution, rectification, positional accuracy, development methodology, time period, environmental and climatic conditions and other circumstances specific to these data. The user is responsible for understanding the accuracy limitations of the data provided herein. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. The user should refer to the accompanying metadata notes for a description of the data and data development procedures.
Although these data have been processed successfully on computers at the LOSCO, no guarantee, expressed or implied, is made by LOSCO regarding the use of these data on any other system, nor does the act of distribution constitute or imply any such warranty. Distribution of these data is intended for information purposes and should not be considered authoritative for navigational, engineering, legal and other site-specific uses.