Heritage trees in Taiyuan

This dataset provides comprehensive information on ancient trees located in Taiyuan, China, including tree identification numbers, species names, age, conservation status, geographic coordinates, diameter at breast height (DBH), height, canopy width, district, and habitat type. The data was collected through field surveys conducted over a span of two years (2023–2024) to assess the distribution, growth characteristics, and conservation status of ancient trees in Taiyuan.**Data Collection and Processing**  Field data collection was carried out using GPS devices for precise location tracking and measuring tools such as calipers for DBH, height measuring tapes, and other forestry tools for assessing tree height and canopy width. All data points were recorded in the field, and additional details, such as conservation status and habitat type, were categorized based on observed conditions and local classifications.**Temporal and Spatial Information**  The dataset covers a two-year period (2023–2024), with data points collected from various districts within Taiyuan City. The spatial coverage encompasses the entire urban area and nearby rural regions where ancient trees are present. Geographic coordinates were recorded in the WGS84 coordinate system, with the resolution being at the individual tree level. The temporal resolution reflects the snapshot of tree characteristics during the collection period.**Data Structure and Units**  The dataset consists of 4,,737 records, each representing an individual ancient tree. The table includes the following columns:  1. **ID**: Unique identifier for each tree  2. **Species Name**: Scientific name of the tree species  3. **Age**: Estimated age of the tree in years  4. **Conservation Status**: Protection level of the tree  5. **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude and longitude of the tree location  6. **DBH (cm)**: Diameter at breast height in centimeters  7. **Height (m)**: Height of the tree in meters  8. **Canopy Width (m)**: Width of the tree canopy in meters  9. **District**: The district in which the tree is located  10. **Habitat Type**: Description of the habitat type (e.g., urban, rural, forested)  The units for each measurement are as follows:  - DBH: Centimeters (cm)  - Height and Canopy Width: Meters (m)  - Age: Years (yr)  - Geographic Coordinates: Decimal degrees (°)**Data Accuracy and Potential Errors**  The dataset was carefully validated through cross-checking with local forestry experts and comparing data across multiple field visits. However, due to the reliance on field estimates, there is a potential margin of error, particularly in age estimations, which were based on tree-ring analysis or visual methods for certain species. It is important to note that tree height and canopy width may also have slight inaccuracies due to measuring limitations.**File Format and Software Compatibility**  The dataset is stored in CSV format for easy accessibility and can be opened in any standard data analysis software such as Excel, R, or Python (Pandas). The file can be downloaded from the following link [provide download link if applicable].This dataset is intended for use by researchers, urban ecologists, and conservationists interested in studying the distribution and characteristics of ancient trees in urban environments. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the ecological and cultural importance of ancient trees in Taiyuan, as well as guiding future conservation efforts.