GIS MAPPING

Maps are the foundation of effective environmental consulting. They provide the critical spatial context that connects data to real-world locations, revealing relationships invisible in spreadsheets or reports alone. A well-crafted map instantly communicates complex information, helping stakeholders visualize environmental constraints, identify potential conflicts, and recognize opportunities. Whether you're planning development projects, conducting impact assessments, or implementing remedial strategies, VET’s custom mapping solutions ensure you see the complete environmental picture—transforming abstract data into visually compelling stories that drive better decisions and more sustainable outcomes 

Click here for an article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information on how mapping has historically been used for problem-solving. 

Leader image courtesy of National Geospatial Program / USGS topoView data. 

• Area Map

  • This Exhibit defines the surrounding area of a Site including roads, streams, rivers, wells, bodies of water, and pinpoints schools, hospitals, and emergency response services. This Exhibit gives context of the county where the Site is located and the enlarged vicinity of the Site. 

• Parcel Map

  • This Exhibit defines the boundaries of the Site, noting water resources (National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)), wetlands (National Wetland Inventory (NWI)), flood zones (Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)), and roadways. 

  • Identifying water resources helps in defining potential obstacles to on-Site development. 

• Soils Map

  • This Exhibit defines the list of soil types found on the Site. The hydric soils within this list are noted for drainage quality purposes to assess the likelihood of wetlands developing on-Site. This allows for further understanding of the infiltration, permeability, and other qualities of the soils that may affect development on the property. 

• Site Map with Adjoining Properties

  • This Exhibit outlines VET’s observations taken during the Site visit, noting the ownership of the Site itself and of the surrounding parcels. Observations consist of points of interest that may have significant environmental impacts or act as obstacles to development. These observations may include, but are not limited to, potential karst features, hydrophytic vegetation, stressed vegetation, and signs of contamination. 

• Sample Location Maps

  • This Exhibit provides a visual reference of the exact location of sampling events performed on-Site, defining the concentrations of contaminants. This map develops understanding of data trends and allows for further action such as establishing a potential remediation area. 

VET utilizes GIS software to produce industry-leading map exhibits by capturing, integrating, and analyzing detailed comprehensive data in an easy to interpret format. This is done by conducting in-depth desktop reconnaissance with data obtained from publicly available resources and from VET’s field operations.   

The main projects VET utilizes GIS for include:

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) 

• Phase II Investigations 

• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) 

• Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans 

• Jurisdictional Waters Determination (Stream and Wetland Delineations) 

• Further Site Investigations (FSIs) 

• Sinkhole Evaluations 

• Planning & Zoning Permitting 

• Lead Testing & Survey 

They say, “a picture paints a thousand words.” As technical writers, we can absolutely attest to the importance of detailed, descriptive, and compelling technical reports. But there is no question that an excellent report coupled with an informative and aesthetically pleasing map paints the picture better! 

VET uses GIS technology to communicate complicated technical concepts in a clear, concise, and easily understandable format. The message presented by this information may identify a potential environmental concern, show a trend in statistics, and/or lay forth a spatial relationship. Spatial relationships may consist of land-use patterns, such as the association between an agricultural and commercial area, or location of topographic elements, such as wetlands and streams. By visualizing spatial relationships, GIS enables VET to provide actionable recommendations, optimize project planning, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

Click here for further examples provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how GIS is applied to the real world.

Leader image courtesy of IndianaMap data. 

GIS mapping offers a powerful tool for environmental consulting, providing precise spatial analysis and data visualization to support decision-making. VET’s mapping solutions allow our clients to visualize critical environmental factors simultaneously—from topography and hydrology to habitat distributions and contamination zones—revealing patterns and relationships impossible to detect in traditional data formats. This spatial perspective enables more precise risk assessments, streamlines regulatory compliance, and supports data-driven decision-making throughout project lifecycles. By leveraging our GIS expertise, VET reduces field time, optimizes sampling strategies, minimizes unexpected site challenges, and communicates findings more effectively to stakeholders. The result: more efficient projects, reduced costs, stronger environmental outcomes, and compelling visual evidence that brings your environmental data to life. 

Click here for information published by the National Academies Press on a study of why mapping of specific hazards becomes important in protecting lives and property.

Leader image courtesy of Indiana Geological and Water Survey.

GIS enhances environmental consulting by creating clear visual representations of critical information that are directly relevant to the client, making complex data easy to understand. These visual tools provide a straightforward and intuitive platform to support informed decision-making, helping clients evaluate potential impacts and plan accordingly. Clean, clear graphics improve communication between the client and consultant, ensuring everyone is on the same page with easily digestible information. GIS also refines recordkeeping by organizing on-Site observations in a structured, accessible format, making data management more efficient. By offering geographic context, GIS helps contextualize on-Site environmental conditions. Additionally, GIS aids in identifying potential hazards or protected areas, allowing for proactive, preventative measures that mitigate risks and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

Click here to learn more from the National Academies Press about how GIS aids in decision making. 

At VET, we combine the five essential components of GIS—software, hardware, data, people, and methods—to deliver precise, actionable environmental insights that drive success for our clients. Our cutting-edge GIS software ensures advanced data analysis and seamless visualization, while our state-of-the-art hardware enables efficient data collection and processing, even in the most challenging environments. We work with comprehensive, high-quality data sourced from trusted providers and integrate it into powerful models tailored to your unique project needs. Our team of experienced professionals brings expertise in both GIS technology and environmental science, ensuring thoughtful, data-driven solutions. Lastly, we employ industry-leading methods, combining technical proficiency with innovative approaches, to deliver results that are not only accurate but also actionable for your sustainability and compliance goals. 

ESRI provides an example of these five components in conjunction in their article on a case study of managing assets and land use. 

GIS data consists of both vector and raster data, which VET expertly combines to provide comprehensive, multi-dimensional insights that enhance the effectiveness of our environmental consulting services. By integrating vector data, such as points, lines, and polygons, with raster data, which represents continuous data like elevation, temperature, or land cover, we create a more detailed and accurate representation of the environment. This combination allows us to analyze spatial patterns, assess environmental conditions, and model complex processes with greater precision. Whether it's evaluating habitat suitability, conducting flood risk assessments, or planning land-use changes, our ability to merge both data types ensures we deliver robust, data-driven solutions that offer deeper insights and more informed decision-making for our clients. 

For further information from ESRI on raster data and how it is used, click here.