description:
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Fifteen distinct and non-overlapping geomorphological structure types were mapped by interpreting aerial photos and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) imagery using manual and semi-automated methods. Geomorphological structure refers to a feature’s dominant physical composition and does not address geographic location (e.g., in a Lagoon). Structure types are defined in a collapsible hierarchy ranging from three major classes (Coral Reef and Hardbottom, Unconsolidated Sediment, and Other Delineations), to fifteen detailed classes (Aggregate Reef, Aggregated Patch Reefs, Individual Patch Reef, Pavement, Pavement with Sand Channels, Reef Rubble, Rock/ Boulder, Spur and Groove, Mud, Rhodoliths, Rhodoliths with Scattered Coral and Rock, Sand, Sand with Scattered Coral and Rock, Artificial, and Land). Habitats or features with areas smaller than the MMU or minimum mapping unit (100 m2) were not considered. "Unknown" indicates that the structure type was indistinguishable in the aerial orthophotos or LiDAR imagery due interference with the signature of the seafloor. |