Emily Clarke

Benefits of Environmental Mapping

Environmental mapping is the process of creating defined ecological maps that detail the environmental features of an area. Environmental mapping software is often used to create these maps, as environmental mapping software provides cartographers and researchers with convenience and accuracy. This software also allows cartographers to make updates and changes to maps as conditions change over time or as hazards are remedied.

What Features Does Environmental Mapping Record?

When creating an environmental map, the features included will vary based on the reason for creating the map. In some cases, a commercial developer will need to understand soil conditions or air quality in a particular area before committing to a very large project. Community planners may need to know the water quality of an area before a municipality selects a site for a new water processing plant.

In general, environmental mapping concerns itself with laying out areas where environmental hazards or risks may be found. In some cases, these hazards are not apparent in the present, but the risk of a hazard forming exists. These areas can also be included on an environmental map.

Testing in Conjunction with Mapping

Before an environmental map can be finalized, testing often has to take place. For example, if uranium is believed to be in a water supply, researchers will need to extensively test the water supply to determine the amount of uranium. The results of these tests can vary in large bodies of water or along moving waterways. This is why environmental maps may contain different zones marked for different levels of environmental features and hazards.

Environmental Mapping and the GIS

The geographical information system (GIS) is a type of public environmental mapping resource that is used to aid in the creation of environmental maps by government agencies and private companies. The GIS covers the entire United States and provides important environmental information regarding things like borders and places and Earth observations. A GIS is usually maintained and operated at the county level, allowing all 50 states to have access to local information as well as information about the country.

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Emily Clarke writes about project management, tracking and environmental services. You can find her thoughts at field service management blog.