Mapping Gateway
Conserving, improving, and protecting New York's natural resources and environment are inherently geographic endeavors. Whether it's studying the habitat of the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly or supporting the cleanup of a brownfield site, every program managed by the Department deals in some way with the space we live in.
The DEC relies on geographic data or 'geodata' to enhance decision making and strengthen the public services we offer. We have an extensive collection of maps and geodata sets that the public can access on this page.
Google Earth Data
A virtual globe is a 3D software model of the Earth. To enhance the public's access to and use of our geodata, some data can be viewed in Google Earth or other free virtual globe programs like ESRI's ArcGIS Explorer. These freely available programs provide a rich environment for exploring the DEC's data with tools and useful information from other organizations.
Map Collection
The Department has produced a number of printable maps that depict a variety of subjects, including hunting, fishing and recreation areas, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats.
Interactive Online Mapping
DEC's interactive online maps allow users to work interactively with the DEC's geodata. The maps include data developed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS software overlays geographic information about any number of specific layers (e.g. roads, streams, population, habitat) and allows the user to examine how the layers interrelate. Permitted facilities, recreation areas, and environmental resources can be located on these maps.
Geodata Inventory
The Geodata Inventory is a catalog that provides descriptive information about how, when and by whom a specific set of data was collected and how the data is formatted and accessed.
Browse Geodata Inventory - The inventory is organized by subject area and can be browsed to find a specific topic. In some cases, geodata listed in the inventory may be viewable from one of our web mapping applications. In other cases, it may be downloadable from the New York State GIS Clearinghouse or other sources.
Search Geodata Inventory - The inventory can be searched using a variety of tools based on specific criteria. Visitors can select location, keywords, categories, or time periods to base their search on.
