# Aggregate Resource Mapping Program - Compilation of Sand and Gravel Resource Potential

This page last updated: 03/28/2021
Metadata created using Minnesota Geographic Metadata Guidelines

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1. Overview
2. Data Quality
3. Data Organization
4. Coordinate System
5. Attributes
6. Distribution - Get Data
7. Metadata Reference

## Section 1: Overview

Originator:Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Division of Lands and Minerals, Mineral Potential Evaluation Section
Title: Aggregate Resource Mapping Program - Compilation of Sand and Gravel Resource Potential
Abstract: This spatial dataset of sand and gravel resource potential is based on a compilation of GIS aggregate resources (sand and gravel, crushed stone) reconnaissance scale data spanning twenty county projects completed over a number of years (1987-present) by the DNR's Aggregate Resource Mapping Program (ARMP). The attribute data available varies as a result of the varied years of completion and changes in databases structure and verbiage over time. The past project GIS data has been loaded into the current file geodatabase used by the Aggregate Resource Mapping Program. Therefore the data from the most recent completed counties (Kandiyohi, Aitkin, Stearns, Kanabec, Olmsted) have the most complete attribute table, while the earlier mapped counties (Sherburne, Wright, Isanti) have limited attribute data. Digital sand and gravel resource potential has been delineated for the Sherburne County Project completed in 1987 and continues today.
This spatial dataset can consist of information about the geology, geological characteristics, and sand and gravel potential for 21 counties in Minnesota. Recent completed maps include data fields related to the surficial geology of the map unit, including a major sediment, minor sediment, landform, surficial geology description, probability (unit certainty), depositional variability, and lobe provenance. Five fields relate to sand and gravel characteristics, including sand and gravel probability, quality, texture, overburden thickness, and sand and gravel thickness. These characteristics were used to calculate the aggregate potential of the map unit for sand and gravel.
Purpose: To summarize the sand and gravel resource potential digitized in Minnesota from a compilation of GIS aggregate resources (sand and gravel, crushed stone) reconnaissance scale data spanning twenty county projects completed over a number of years (1987-present).
The purpose of this project and data is to identify and classify potential construction-aggregate resources in Aitkin County, Minnesota. This mapping is being done in accordance with the 1984, Minnesota Statue 84.94, Aggregate Planning and Protection law directing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS), and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to identify and classify potential aggregate resources.
The Sand and Gravel Potential spatial database is an interpretative data product intended to be used for planning purposes. For example, a community may want to differentiate and protect resources by their quality; they may want to separate resource extraction from other uses to minimize land-use conflict; or they may want to reduce haulage cost by identifying sources in proximity to a project because aggregate is a high bulk, low price commodity and transportation costs can significantly affect price.
The most up-to-date topographic, soil, and test-hole data were used in the construction of this data at the time of its creation. New data were also gathered during the mapping effort, at a scale appropriate for the final map scale of 1:50,000.
However this is a regional reconaissance-scale map and it is still necessary to conduct a detailed investigation to verify the information before investing in a deposit or making site-specific decisions. Factors that were not included in the preparation of this map include ownership, zoning, environmental considerations and protection or easement status.
About the Aggregate Resource Mapping Program:
The Aggregate Resource Mapping Program (ARMP) began in 1984 when the Minnesota Legislature passed a law (Minnnesota Statutes, section 84.94) to: Identify and classify aggregate resources out side of the Twin Cities metropolitan area; Give aggregate resource information to local units of government and others for making comprehensive land-use and zoning plans; Introduce aggregate resource protection; and Promote orderly and environmentally sound development of the resource.
Aggregate Mapping Home Page: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/aggregate_maps/index.html
Aggregate Mapping Methodology: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/aggregate_maps/methodology.html
Time Period of Content Date: 03/28/2021
Currentness Reference: Data were digitized between 1987 and 2021.
Progress: Complete
Maintenance and Update Frequency: Continually
Spatial Extent of Data: State of Minnesota
Bounding Coordinates: -97.23
-89.53
49.37
43.5
Place Keywords:
Theme Keywords: aggregate potential, sand and gravel, surficial geology, geological characteristics, probability, quality
Theme Keyword Thesaurus:
Access Constraints: None
Use Constraints: Use Disclaimer:
Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the factual data on which this map interpretation is based. However, the Department of Natural Resources does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or any implied uses of these data. Users may wish to verify critical information; sources include both the references here and information on file in the offices of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Every effort has been made to ensure the interpretation shown conforms to sound geologic and cartographic principles. No claim is made that the interpretation shown is rigorously correct, however, and it should not be used to guide engineering-scale decisions without site-specific verification. This information should not be used to establish legal title, boundaries, or locations of improvements.
Data Disclaimer
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources makes no representation or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the reuse of data provided herewith, regardless of its format or the means of its transmission. There is no guarantee or representation to the user as to the accuracy, currency, suitability, or reliability of this data for any purpose. The user accepts the data 'as is', and assumes all risks associated with its use. By accepting this data, the user agrees not to transmit this data or provide access to it or any part of it to another party unless the user shall include with the data a copy of this disclaimer. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources assumes no responsibility for actual or consequential damage incurred as a result of any user's reliance on this data.
Contact Person Information: James Olson, GIS Analyst
Minnesota DNR - Lands and Minerals
500 Lafayette Rd
Saint Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-259-5429
Email: james.olson@state.mn.us
Browse Graphic: Click to view a data sample.
Associated Data Sets: Other Compiled Aggregate Mapping GIS Datasets:
Sand and Gravel Resource Potential; Crushed Stone Resource Potential; Geologic Field Observationsl; Test Holes; and Status Map of Completed, In-Progress, and Requested Projects
List of Completed DNR Aggregate Mapping Project's Web Pages to Download Maps and Original GIS Data and Metadata at:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/aggregate_maps/completed/index.html
Aitkin County (2014)
Stearns County (2012)
Kanabec County (2012)
Portions of Northern St. Louis and Northern Lake Counties (2010)
Olmsted County (2010)
Carlton County and Fond du Lac Reservation (2009)
Mille Lacs County (2007)
Meeker County (2006)
Renville County (2003)
Le Sueur County (2003)
Itasca County (2003) - Contracted with MGS
Benton County (2002)
Dodge County (2002)
Chisago County (2000) - Contracted with MGS
Nicollet County (1999)
Blue Earth County (1999)
Clay County (1995)
Isanti County (1991)
Wright County (1989)
Sherburne County (1987)
Completed MGS Aggregate Endowment of the 7-County Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
7-County Mapping Web page: Information and links to view and download report, maps, and original GIS data and metadata for this MGS mapping project.

## Section 2: Data Quality

Attribute Accuracy:
Logical Consistency:
Completeness: The data is as complete as when the county project was completed.
Horizontal Positional Accuracy: see lineage
Vertical Positional Accuracy: None
Lineage: This varies since the data is a compilation sand and gravel resource potential data digitized between 1987-2021. Please consult the original project metadata found at the Aggregate Mapping Program's completed project page at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/aggregate_maps/completed/index.html
Generally speaking, the sand and gravel resource potential data was compiled digitally using GIS software available at the time of map completion (ex. ArcInfo Workstation, ArcView, ArcGIS) between 1987 to present. Sand and gravel resource potential data was digitized based on the most current GIS data sources available at the time. These can include, but are not limited to: digital elevation models (DEM); field observations; gravel pit data; test holes; sample test data; air-photo interpretations; U.S.G.S. 1:24,000 topographic maps; other geologic maps; and digital soil information from National Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey (SSURGO).

## Section 3: Spatial Data Organization (not used in this metadata)

## Section 4: Coordinate System

Horizontal Coordinate Scheme: Universal Transverse Mercator
UTM Zone Number: 15
Horizontal Datum: NAD83
Horizontal Units: meters
Vertical Datum:
Vertical Units:
Depth Datum:
Depth Units:

## Section 5: Attributes

Overview: This dataset consists of polygons delineated to represent geological features, geological characteristics, and aggregate potential for sand and gravel. Much of this information is not available for Counties completed prior to 2000. After 2005 the attribute data stays pretty consistent.
An example attribute table with descriptions for sand and gravel resource potential is provided here from the Kanabec County Aggregate Map:
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/aggregate/aggregate_sandandgravel_attribute_example_kanabeccounty.pdf
If you need more information please consult the original project data and metadata found at the Aggregate Mapping Program's completed project page at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/aggregate_maps/completed/index.html
Detailed Citation:
Table Detail:

Fields and Attributes
Field Name | Valid Values | Definition | Definition Source
--- | --- | --- | ---
PitComp_ID | - | A Unique ID for each record (ex. AM-xxxx) |
Source | enumerated | Construction aggregate pit data source compiled from or observed (ex: topographic map- found on the topographic map). Where multiple records existed for a single gravel pit, data points were removed based on a constructed hierarchy of source information. The following sources of information are listed according to rank. |
|  | Minnesota Department of Transportation database called Aggregate Source Information Systems. If the location did intersect a gravel pit, the locations were interpreted off of existing gravel pit sheets to relocate the mines to as specified on the sheet. This was ranked highest because of associated quality and texture data. Some locations were modified to better correlate to present gravel pit boundaries and on top of USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Map symbols. |
| Topographic Map | These gravel pits are located from USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles. This was ranked second highest because of the widespread use of the maps. Where field checked, some of these pit types were changed from gravel to borrow or sand pits to reflect the material excavated. |
| Field Work | These pits were located while in the field. These pits were ranked third highest due to the fact they were directly observed for quality, texture, and spatial accuracy. |
| Soil Survey | The records for these pits are from the Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) Aitkin County. The dataset was downloaded in June 2010. These pits were ranked fourth highest. |
| Air Photo | Gravel mines were also located and some attributes were interpreted with air photography. These pits were ranked last because they were remotely interpreted. |
| LiDAR | LiDAR is giving an opportunity to see disturbed surfaces like never before. This is a new source. |
Type | - | The type of pit, quarry, or prospect observed |
FieldCheck | enumerated | A new field asking the question was the pit or quarry field checked. If so, how? |
| Observed on Site |  |
| Observed from Road |  |
| Observed from Air Photo |  |
ASIS_numbr | - | Aggregate Source Information System Number (MN/DOT Database). An empty field means that it does not have an ASIS number. |
Material_1 | - | Primary material observed in the gravel pit. |
Material_2 | - | Secondary material observed in the gravel pit. |
Size | enumerated | Refers to the relative size of the pit. |
| Small | Small pits are between 1 and 5 acres. These pits are usually used by private landowners or for small jobs. |
| Medium | Between 5 and 15 acres in size. These pits are used by landowners and for small construction jobs. |
| Large | These pits are generally greater than 15 acres and are typically used by commercial aggregate operators. |
| Very Small | These pits are below 1 acre. |
Thickness | - | The thickness of the deposit expressed in combination with a modifier. Not Available indicates that the measurement does not apply or was not observed. |
Overburden | - | Expresses overburden thickness in the pit by using a value in combination with a modifier if appropriate. Not Available indicates that the measurement does not apply or was not observed. |
Watertable | - | The depth of the water table expressed in combination with a modifier. Not Available indicates that the measurement does not apply or was not observed. |
Status_1 | - | Refers to the status of the pit at the time of mapping. |
Status_2 | - | Associated with the field 'Status_1'. This field further explains the condition of a partially or fully reclaimed gravel pit. The status could be a combination of more than one use. |
Dom_litho | - | Dominant lithology of the pit. |
Dom_text | - | The dominant texture of the pit. |
Comments | - | Geologist comments related to the pit. |
County | - | The county or project area that the data was collected for. |
Year Current | - | The year the aggregate data was published. |

## Section 6: Distribution

Publisher: Minnesota DNR - Lands and Minerals
Publication Date: 03/28/2021
Contact Person Information: Zeb Thomas, GIS Data Systems Coordinator
Minnesota DNR - GIS
500 Lafayette Rd
Saint Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-259-5637
Email: zeb.thomas@state.mn.us
Distributor's Data Set Identifier:
Distribution Liability: Please read accompanying document: Minnesota DNR Data and Software License Agreement.pdf
Ordering Instructions: Visit the web site noted in the online linkage section, or send an email to the Distribution Contact listed in this metadata record
Online Linkage: I AGREE to the notice in "Distribution Liability" above. Clicking to agree will either begin the download process, link to a service, or provide more instructions. See "Ordering Instructions" above for details.

## Section 7: Metadata Reference

Metadata Date: 03/28/2021
Contact Person Information: James Olson, GIS Analyst
Minnesota DNR - Lands and Minerals
500 Lafayette Rd
Saint Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-259-5429
Email: james.olson@state.mn.us
Metadata Standard Name: Minnesota Geographic Metadata Guidelines
Metadata Standard Version: 1.2
Metadata Standard Online Linkage: http://www.mngeo.state.mn.us/committee/standards/mgmg/metadata.htm

This page last updated: 03/28/2021
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