Wetland Mapping

Mapping Work

EMMA’s GIS Specialists create digital wetland and riparian maps through photointerpretation, as well as utilizing automated methods developed by EMMA scientists. Photo Interpreters inspect infrared aerial imagery, digital elevation models and other resources when creating wetland and riparian maps, which are then classified according to National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) standards. Additionally, EMMA GIS Specialists assign hydrogeomorphic attributes (LLWW), and ecological and functional characteristics (NWI++) to our wetland and riparian mapping products.

Accurate wetland mapping is a vital tool for public land managers and others who make decisions related to management, conservation and restoration of natural resources throughout the West.

EMMA is currently mapping wetlands throughout Montana and other western states (AK, CA, CO, ID, OR, NV, UT, WA, WY), work that is funded by our at US Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, US Environmental Protection Agency, MT DEQ , MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks,and the Blackfeet Nation.  

 Grasses Map

  1. Wetland Mapping Data for the state (MSDI) – access wetland mapping data for the State of Montana and ancillary datasets. The statewide wetland layer can also be viewed in our MT Wetlands Assessment Database Map Viewer. 
  2. View our Wetland Mapping Story Map for a guide to Montana’s Statewide Wetland and Riparian Mapping Framework
  3. View our LLWW Story Map
    1. LLWW is a system of classification that merges the physical and geographic characteristics of wetlands to ascertain a wetland’s potential function. It uses physical traits such as vegetation type or water regime captured by the Cowardin code in the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapping, and incorporates four geographic traits of wetlands (Landscape Position, Landform, Waterbody Type, and Water Flow Path). The resulting LLWW code can be used to identify the functions a particular wetland is likely to perform.
  4. View our NWI++ Story Map - **link to Story Map forthcoming
    1. NWI++ is a value-added product built upon the wetland and riparian mapping dataset for the state of Montana. The queries and analyses provided allow users to quickly identify and quantify wetlands based on a suite of ecological and functional characteristics such as geographically isolated wetlands or wetlands located in highly disturbed areas. The goal of this product is to provide streamlined information to help land managers prepare management plans, mitigation proposals, or NEPA and MEPA documents.

Launch UM virtual tour.