What we do:
The GIS section is responsible for the development, management, and distribution of the Department's Natural Resource Geographic Information System (NRGIS). This includes data collection and analysis that may be required for various resource investigations and in support of making natural resource management decisions. We deliver data in various formats to decision makers and the public. We also provide GIS support and training to other sections of the DNR.
Data Collection and Production - Making good natural resource management decisions first requires good data. The DNR has undertaken many GIS projects focused on collecting and producing basic data on Iowa's natural resources. Examples include the Two-dimensional Base-level Engineering Project (2D BLE update to flood hazard modeling), participation in 2020 LiDAR acquisition for portions of the state, DNR infrastructure and assets collection, Historic Aerial Photography Project (1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s), and the State-wide Floodplain Mapping Project.
Data Analysis - Good decisions require analysis of available data. Examples include our High Resolution Land Cover project, Nutrient Reduction Strategy modeling and support, National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) conflation effort, Restorable Wetland Analysis project, etc.
Data Distribution - GIS data is primarily delivered to natural resource managers and the public through the States' Iowa Geodata GIS Clearinghouse, DNR GIS Web Services, and Web Mapping Applications.
Iowa Geodata - https://geodata.iowa.gov/ - A wide variety of data available for download or streaming. The NRGIS Library data lives here.
Web Services - http://programs.iowadnr.gov/geospatial/rest/services/ - Live data as Web Mapping Services for use in applications.