how do i enter usgs lidar data citation in zotero

Lussy04

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24-01-2025

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This guide provides a step-by-step approach to citing United States Geological Survey (USGS) LiDAR data within Zotero, a popular citation management tool. LiDAR data citations differ slightly from traditional journal articles or books, so understanding the specifics is crucial for accurate referencing.

Understanding USGS LiDAR Data Citations

Before diving into Zotero, let's clarify what constitutes a proper USGS LiDAR data citation. These citations typically include:

• The USGS data provider or project name: This often identifies the specific source of the LiDAR data.
• The geographic area covered: The location of the data acquisition is crucial. This usually includes state, county, or specific geographic coordinates.
• The acquisition date: When was the LiDAR data collected?
• Data access URL or identifier: A link or unique identifier allows others to locate the data.
• Version number (if applicable): Some LiDAR datasets have updates or revisions.

Entering USGS LiDAR Data into Zotero: A Step-by-Step Guide

Zotero doesn't have a pre-built "LiDAR data" item type. However, we can utilize the "Dataset" item type, which offers the most suitable fields for capturing the necessary information.

Step 1: Create a New Item

1. Open Zotero and click the "Create New Item" button (usually a plus icon).
2. Select "Dataset" from the item type options.

Step 2: Populate the Fields

The key is to accurately fill in the relevant fields within the Dataset item:

• Title: Use a descriptive title reflecting the dataset. Example: "USGS 3DEP LiDAR Data for [County], [State] – [Acquisition Date]" Remember to replace the bracketed information with the specifics of your dataset.
• Creator: Enter "United States Geological Survey (USGS)" or the specific project or team responsible.
• Date: Enter the date the LiDAR data was acquired.
• URL: Paste the direct URL link to the dataset download or access page.
• Publisher: Enter "United States Geological Survey (USGS)".
• Publication Date: Enter the date the data was made publicly available, if known. This might differ from the acquisition date.
• Other fields: Add any additional relevant information like the version number, geographic coordinates (in the "Extra" field or notes), or the project identifier, which might be a unique USGS reference number. Be thorough here!

Step 3: Refine and Verify

Once the details are entered, review the entire entry to ensure accuracy. Inconsistencies or missing information can make your citation less reliable.

Step 4: Cite in Your Work

After saving the item, you can seamlessly cite the USGS LiDAR data in your document using Zotero's citation features. Zotero will format the citation according to the chosen style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Example Citation (APA Style - the exact format will vary based on the specifics of your dataset and the citation style):

United States Geological Survey. (Year). [Dataset Title] [Version Number]. Retrieved from [URL]

Important Note: The precise format of your citation will vary slightly depending on the specific data you used and the citation style selected in Zotero. Always double-check the generated citation for accuracy and consistency.

Additional Tips and Resources

• Use Consistent Naming: Maintain consistent naming conventions for your files and Zotero entries to avoid confusion.
• Download Metadata: Some USGS datasets offer downloadable metadata files. This information can assist in filling out the Zotero fields accurately.
• Consult USGS Documentation: Refer to the USGS website for specific guidelines on citing their data products.
• Check Zotero's Support: Zotero provides extensive documentation and support resources on their website.

By following these steps, you can accurately and efficiently cite USGS LiDAR data in your projects, ensuring proper attribution and adherence to academic standards. Remember, thoroughness and attention to detail are vital for reliable referencing.