MAPPING PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM THE ODNR, DIVISION OF WATER

The advent of GIS mapping and web-based distribution of maps has significantly altered the “way business is done” at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Water (DOW). Traditionally, maps and reports were compiled, published, and printed by standard cartographic techniques. From 1997-2000 the DOW did statewide aquifer mapping (SAM). ESRI ArcInfo and ArcView GIS software were used to create digital coverages for both bedrock and glacial aquifers. Bedrock aquifer coverages include aquifer (stratigraphic) name, yield, and thickness. Glacial aquifer coverages included drift thickness, yield, setting, primary lithology, and aquifer name. Glacial maps and some bedrock maps are available on the DOW website in a pdf format.

With the success of SAM and escalating printing costs, GIS technology was applied to other mapping projects at the DOW. Since the mid-1980's the DOW has produced county Ground Water Pollution Potential (GWPP) maps based upon DRASTIC. Applying GIS technology both expedited the mapping process and greatly decreased costs. Map layouts and reports were created in pdf format and are on the DOW website. Older printed GWPP maps were scanned for pdf format and digitized for GIS coverages.

A new series of GIS-based potentiometric surface (Psurf) maps were developed for both bedrock and unconsolidated aquifers. County Psurf maps are available for much of northern Ohio. GIS coverages are available via the ODNR ftp site or CD. An older series of maps, the Ground Water Resource (GWR) Maps are available on the web in a pdf format. GIS data is available as a coverage or shapefile from the ODNR website, ODNR ftp site, or by CD. The DOW website can be accessed at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/water/ ODNR website is http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/gims/