Forest Inventory Viewer help

Forest Inventory Viewer mapping application

The Forest Inventory Viewer mapping application displays information on state-administered lands. The Forest Inventory Viewer interactive maps are based on DNR core GIS (Geographic Information System) data holdings. This help document explains the tools and search methods to view forest inventory information on state-administered lands.

Overview

Initially when you open Forest Inventory Viewer, the viewer is always zoomed out to the statewide extent. Notice that the only features that is visible on the map at the statewide extent is Background Layers—Forest Inventory Index. This layer shows where the Forestry Inventory data exists in beige-color. You will use this layer as a guide where you can zoom in to view the Forestry Inventory data.

As you zoom in further, layer names become darker and features on the map are visible. You will eventually see features on the map, and layer names in the TOC are no longer grayed out.

If you want more detailed information, you can switch to one of the layers: Hardwood Forest Types, Conifer Forest Types, Size Class, or Age Class.  Click on Refresh button if the map doesn’t refresh or background layers look weird.  Notice you can only view one layer under Forest Inventory layer category.

Available tools

Toolbar

viewers tool bar

tool bar icon the shape of Minnesota Use this tool to resets the map to show the entire state.

icons for zoom in, recenter, zoom out

These tools allow you to zoom in/out or set no zoom at all. Click on the icon and then click in the map on the point that you'd like to recenter on. The icon highlighted in white shows which tool you are using.

refresh icon Use this tool to refresh the map after making changes in the legend interface.

icon to get information Use this tool to get information. When selected you can click on a stand "polygon" in the map to retrieve detailed information for that stand. The information is presented in a new browser window.

icon for help Use this tool for help

Overview map

Shows you where you are zoomed in.

screen grab of a zommed in section with overview mp circled

Search function

Step 1: Enter the location you are looking for

Step 2: Select the type

Step 3: Click go button

screen grab from viewer shoing where to enter infomation and type

List of types

screen grad shoing drop down for type

Any - any text including forest stand ID and a pair of coordinates

  • forest stand ID:  ID assigned to each forest stand
    • syntax: txxxxxwxxxxxxx or txxxxxexxxxxxx
      • Examples: t15628w1200235 and t06305e1180040
  • Coordinate: a pair of coordinate separated by a space; either in UTM (Zone 15N with NAD83 datum) or latitude/longitude in decimal degree separated by a space
    • Syntax:  <6-digit UTM X coordinate> < a space>  <7-digit UTM Y coordinate>
      • Example: 404207 5285024
    • Syntax: <Latitude in decimal degree> <a space> <Longitude in decimal degree> **
      • Example: 47.905355 -93.333520

USGS map name - USGS topographic map name

  • Syntax; <name of quad in lower case>
    • Examples: Deer River

    screen drab showing what usgs topgraphic map choose can be

Public land - public land survey (PLS) number:  township, range and (optionally) the section

  • Syntax: TxxxRxxSxx
    • Examples: T106R16S5 and t44r16s5.
List of sub-layers under each category

There are three group layers/categories in the TOC: Forest inventory, Foreground layers, and Background layers. Each layer/category contain sub-layers when a “plus” sign

Forest Inventory layer/category

screen grab showing forest inventory layers

Foreground layers/category

screen grab showing foreground layers

Background layers/category

screen grab showing background layers

Important!  Use Refresh button refresh iconif your map is skewed or not reflecting the change that you made

Credits

Forest Inventory Viewer was developed by the DNR using the University of Minnesota MapServer software. Questions and comments are welcomed.

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