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DEM uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to create, manipulate and analyze spatial data that help us achieve our mission of preserving the quality of Rhode Island's environment.
Over the last 20 years, as a partner in the RI Geographic Information System (RIGIS), DEM has participated in the creation of a library of environmental resource mapping layers. These include protected openspace lands, coastal and freshwater wetlands, ground and surface water protection areas, wildlife habitat, nesting sites, and many others. Using GIS these layers have been combined with additional map layers created by RIGIS participants (roads, political boundaries, aerial photography, geologic maps) to create numerous maps and applications for DEM staff, planners, consultants and the public.
Please follow the links below to access our maps, web-browser applications, RIGIS Data and other GIS Sites.
Geographic Data Viewer · "Paper" Maps · GIS Resources · Contact Us
Create a customized map with the Geographic Data Viewer and then print out the result or incorporate it into your document or website. There is no software to download; your web-browser is all you need to get started. If you've never worked with GIS before; we suggest beginning with the tutorial. However, if you prefer to dive right in, select from the links below and get started.
This application works best on fast connection, but if you're patient you can get by with a 56k modem! Your web-browser may need to be updated to the latest version and javascript support should not be disabled.
| Environmental Resource Map | |
| This interactive map contains a wide variety of GIS data layers of interest to local planning or zoning board members, consultants or anyone else needing a general mapping of soils, wetlands, landuse patterns, regulatory overlay districts and other environmental information. These map layers can be combined with roads, water bodies, topographic maps and aerial photography to create a very effective custom map. |  |
| Oil Spill Planning & Response | |
| Intended as a resource for Oil Spill Responders, this interactive map contains data on sensitive environmental resources in RI estuarine and marine waters, NOAA's Environmental Sensitivity Index indicating susceptibility of the shoreline to oiling damage and information on spill containment strategies for 53 RI tidal inlets. |  |
| DEM Guide to Outdoor Recreation | |
| This updated guide to State Management Areas, inludes information on Public Hunting Land & Management Areas, Fishing & Boating Access and new information on the state's extensive network of multi-use trails. Please keep in mind that the boundaries of hunting lands are not 100% accurate; they are provided here only as general reference. Contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife if you have any question about the suitability or legality of hunting a particular location. |
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| Topo Map & Aerial Photo Viewer | |
| Back by popular demand, this interactive map is primarily for those users needing quick access to USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Maps and RIGIS 1997 Aerial Photography. Additional layers detailing Roads, Political Boundaries and Place Names are included for reference. |  |
| Reinvesting in Our Industrial Heritage / Brownfields | |
| Although still under development, this map and related website preview an effort by the State to promote the redevelopment of under utilized or abandoned industrial properties. |  |
Select a link below to view or download maps.
CRMC/DEM Wetland Regulatory Jurisdiction
DEM Groundwater Classification and Wellhead Protection Area Maps
Shellfish Grounds, Closures and Approved Areas
Shellfish Tagging: Narragansett Bay
Shellfish Tagging: Block Island and South Shore Ponds
DEM Wildlife Management Areas
Marine Sanitation Device: No Discharge Zone for RI Waters
Marine Sanitation Device: Pumpout Facilities
RI Critical Resource Atlas 
RIPDES Phase II Stormwater Requirement Areas
RI Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps
RI Marine Resource Uses
RI Resource Protection Project
South County Greenspace Project Maps
United States Library of Congress Map Collection
RI Watersheds with HUC12 Sub-Watersheds
Data Sources
RIGIS Rhode Island Geographic Information System
URI Digital Imagery Server RI Aerial Photography and Topographic Maps
MassGIS Massachusetts Geographic Information System
MAGIC Connecticut Map and Geographic Information Center
Geodata.Gov National Geospatial Information Clearinghouse
Global Positioning System Base Stations
URI GPS Base Station
RIDOT GPS Base Station
Learning GIS
GIS Training at URI Cooperative Extension
USGS GIS Tutorial
GIS.COM
Questions or Comments regarding GIS data and maps found on this page may be directed to:
Paul Jordan
Supervising GIS Specialist
Rhode Island Dept of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street
Providence, Rhode Island
02908
(401) 222-2776 x4315
e-mail: paul.jordan@dem.ri.gov