1. How can I view National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps?
2. How do I find available NWI digital map data?
3. How can I purchase paper maps and NWI data in other formats?
4. How can I find out what an NWI map code means?
5. Where can I find metadata for NWI quads?
6. How do I cite NWI digital data or hard-copy maps in publications?
7. How far do I have to zoom in to be able to see the wetlands polygons on the Wetlands Mapper?
8. How large an area of wetlands data can I download from the Wetlands Mapper? What do I do if I want data for a larger area?
9. How recent are the maps?
10. When will the maps be updated?
11. Whom do I contact when I have a question?

Visit our wetlands mapper. The mapper hosts the most current digital data and metadata available. For questions on the Mapper, contact the Wetlands Team at Wetlands_Team@fws.gov.

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2. How do I know what NWI GIS data is available for an area?

Visit our wetlands mapper. The mapper hosts the most current digital data and metadata available.

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3. How can I purchase paper maps?

Our paper maps can be purchased through a Cooperator-Run Distribution Center in most States. Each Center establishes its own pricing structure and ordering procedures. The Distribution Centers offer paper composites (NWI wetland polygons on USGS topographic base) of the NWI maps.

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4. How can I find out what an NWI map code means?

Visit the NWI Map Codes Query Form and type in the case-sensitive code. For example, if you're wondering what a PUBHh is, just type it into the NWI Map Codes Query Form, it will give you an explanation. (It's a Palustrine, Unconsolidated Bottom, Permanently Flooded, Diked/Impounded wetland.) You can also determine the codes by using the NWI Map Code Legend diagram that lays out the classification system by system, subsystem, class, subclass, plus modifiers (2 pages in PDF format). The NWI wetland codes, as modified, are based on the National Wetlands Classification Standards from Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F. Golet, and E. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Cowardin).

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5. Where can I find metadata for NWI digital data?

Visit our wetlands mapper. The mapper hosts the most current digital data and metadata available.

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6. How do I cite NWI digital data or hard-copy maps in publications?

For NWI digital data downloaded from our website: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. publication date. National Wetlands Inventory website. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. http://www.fws.gov/nwi/. For NWI hard-copy maps: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. publication date. National Wetlands Inventory map: Map name, State (scale 1:XX,XXX). U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.

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7. How far do I have to zoom in to be able to see the wetlands polygons?

Wetlands display at a scale of 1:100,000 for the lower 48 states.

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8. How large an area of wetlands data can I download from the Wetlands Mapper?

What do I do if I want data for a larger area? You can download data from the Mapper for an area once the wetland polygons are visible. For data for larger areas, please contact the Regional Wetlands Coordinator for your area by visiting: http://www.fws.gov/nwi/Regionofc/Rwc.htm or contact the Wetlands Team.

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9. How recent are the maps?

Most NWI maps were produced using photography from the 1980's. Maps for less than 5% of the nation were made using 1990's or more recent photography. View the metadata to see the year of the photography for specific map, areas or quads.

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10. When will the maps be updated?

We are currently updating about 1% of the maps of the U.S. on average each year, with the highest priority areas being updated. Agencies and organizations interested in becoming partners should contact the appropriate Regional Wetlands Coordinator.

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• For general questions about wetland maps: Wetlands_Team@fws.gov
• For help with or comments on the Wetlands Mapper: Wetlands_Team@fws.gov
  
• For watershed or state-level data contact the Regional Wetlands Coordinator: http://www.fws.gov/nwi/organization/rwc.htm
• For information about partnering/cooperating with the Service to develop or update wetland maps contact the Regional Wetlands Coordinator for your area: http://www.fws.gov/nwi/organization/rwc.htm
  
• For questions, input or comments about updating the National Plant List: bill_wilen@fws.gov
  
• For wetland GIS support: Wetlands_Team@fws.gov
  
• For national wetlands status and trends: tom_dahl@fws.gov
  
• For comments about the website: Wetlands_Team@fws.gov
  
• For regional mapping issues or information: http://www.fws.gov/nwi/organization/rwc.htm
  
• About mailing addresses and phone numbers, consult office directory: http://www.fws.gov/nwi/ofcdirectory.htm
  
• About other Service wetlands programs: http://www.fws.gov/duspit/contactus.htm
  
• About general wetlands information, visit: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/
  
• About wetland regulations that may affect wetlands on your property or other wetlands that may be developed, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office nearest you: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/contact.htm
  
• Staff Directory: http://www.fws.gov/nwi/ofdirectory.htm
  

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