Mapping/GIS

Mapping / Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

The District's mapping program began in 1997 and has grown to include a vast amount of information that is used to provide maps and information to growers, identify critical project areas, and support most of the District's projects either with maps, spatial analysis, or images.

GIS combines spatial information with characteristic data. For example, a farm field is represented by a circle correctly geo-referenced with latitude and longitude and relative to things around it. The GIS then contains information about the field, acres, soil type, and irrigation method. Information about a well shows its location in the county, plus nitrate data collected in water quality sampling projects.

GIS Database - The District continues to update and add elements to their GIS program. The District works cooperatively with several other agencies to obtain existing data and share data including South Columbia Basin Irrigation District and Franklin County GIS Department. Other GIS data is obtained from the Internet.

Current data includes but is not limited to roads, state and county boundaries, rivers, towns, township/range/section lines, parcels, block/unit, irrigation canals, soil type, elevation, field boundaries, well locations, and 2007 aerial color images.

Mapping Products

The District produces numerous map products for individual growers, GWMA, agriculture managers and the general public. These maps may include soils within a field (or group of fields), field boundaries with acreage, aerial photos, geography and/or elevation. There is a minimal charge for these products. Field Atlases and county maps can be purchased here.