At ELOS, we produce detailed property maps to serve our clients’ varied needs.
MAPS YOU NEED for endeavors such as:
MAPS YOU WANT for detailed information on:
Our maps can include the following features and more:
ELOS uses existing data sources from various government agencies and private entities, as well as information we gather from our in-house surveys of your land. Here is some of the publicly available data we use.
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
LIDAR uses laser pulses from satellites or aircraft to determine elevations of the Earth’s surface. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and the private insurance industry were among the early users of the technology in an effort to combat high per capita and repetitive flood losses.
ELOS uses this information to map general elevations, to look for anomalies, and to evaluate drainage patterns. Our investigators examine the various elevations found on site to determine if there are areas that would hold or impound water runoff, or are adjacent to drainage features (as these may indicate areas of permanent or intermittent wetlands).
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
In some cases, ELOS uses Digital Elevation Models to determine the elevation layout of a property. DEMs show a digital representation of “bare earth” topography (i.e., without additional features such as vegetation).
Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs)
DRGs are digitally scanned images of U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle maps. As their data is not as precise as LIDAR data, ELOS will use these topographic maps to determine elevations when LIDAR information is unavailable.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Data
The NRCS, a division of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, provides soil extents and online soil surveys to determine the types of soils most likely to be found on site. ELOS investigators use this data to determine if there is a likely presence of hydric soils on your property.
National Wetlands Inventory
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has created and maintains this inventory to provide geospatially referenced information that helps us determine whether there is a potential for wetlands to be located on the site. ELOS uses NWI data as a preliminary tool for indicating the possible presence of wetlands, but not as a determining factor in the delineation of wetlands.
Infrared and natural color aerial photographs are a great way to determine the conditions of a site and the near vicinity prior to an actual site reconnaissance. We utilize aerials from numerous dates in each of our projects, using the most current imagery available. The years of the aerials reviewed depend in part on availability of the photos and the type of project.