209708ebfc0c45baa21a70b503d6fb7f utf8 dataset dataset pointOfContact 2019-10-17 ISO 19139 Geographic Information - Metadata - Implementation Specification 2007 originator Note: To download this raster dataset, go to ArcGIS Open Data Set and click the download button, and under additional resources select raster download option; the data can also be downloaded directly from the FSGeodata Clearinghouse. To summarize this dataset by U.S. Forest Service Lands, see the Drought Summary Tool. You can also explore cumulative drought and moisture changes from this StoryMap; additional drought products from the Office of Sustainability and Climate are available in our Climate Gallery and the OSC Drought page.The Moisture Deficit and Surplus map uses moisture difference z-score datasets developed by scientists Frank Koch, John Coulston, and William Smith of the Forest Service Southern Research Station. A z-score is a statistical method for assessing how different a value is from the mean (average). Mean moisture values were derived from historical data on precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, from 1900 to 2023. The greater the z-value, the larger the departure from average conditions, indicating larger moisture deficits or surpluses. Thus, the dark red areas on this map indicate a one-year period with extremely dry conditions, relative to the average conditions over the past century. For further reading on the methodology used to build these maps, see the publication here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/43361 Drought and Moisture Surplus for the Conterminous United States, Annual Data Z-Score, 1-Year Windows (1900-2023) (Reclassified). Time enabled image service. Koch, F. H., Coulston, J. W., & Smith, W. D. (2012). Mapping drought conditions using multi-year windows. In: Potter, Kevin M.; Conkling, Barbara L., eds. 2012. Forest health monitoring: 2009 national technical report. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-167. Asheville, NC: US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 163-179., 167, 163-179. geospatial theme This dataset was developed to support broad- and mid-level information needs (i.e., for forest planning and monitoring purposes) (Spencer et al. 2015).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.As a work of the United States Government, these data are within the public domain of the United States. Additionally, The U.S. Forest Service waives copyright and related rights in the work worldwide through the CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication (which can be found at https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). otherRestrictions Other Constraints otherRestrictions Other Constraints utf8 https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/rastergateway/OSC/MoistureDiffZscore1Year.zip Raster Download Raster Download download