Department of Fish and Game

About IMAPS

Internet Mapping Application Products and Solutions (IMAPS)

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IMAPS is a multi-branch/regional group within the Department of Fish and Game responsible for the development and maintenance of innovative tools designed for the management and display of geospatial data on the Internet.

The products and solutions developed by the IMAPS group (which use ESRI’s ArcIMS technology) benefit many department programs. These programs include BIOS, CalFish, the Lands Program, the Fisheries Branch and the Northern Region's Information Services Branch.

The IMAPS Viewer was developed to accomplish several things:
  • provide an enterprise solution to disseminate GIS maps, spatial data, metadata, information, and images
  • permit DFG staff to easily view GIS data in a web browser
  • provide secure access to DFGs GIS data to outside users
Occasionally, we have granted use rights to other Agencies and Organizations to implement our IMAPS Viewer software on their own systems: The California Department of Fish and Game IMAPS staff offers extranet project support for web based GIS projects, database management, web based maps, application development, and training services to department staff using Internet Map Server technology and local (stand-alone or Intranet) network solutions.

Awards:

IMAPS Viewer Sample

What is an Internet Map Server?

ESRI's Internet Map Server (ArcIMS) is a program which enables spatial data be to actively displayed on a web browser. ArcIMS distributes GIS data and allows users to create queries and requests through a browser without having GIS software installed on the user's local computer.

Why is this significant?

ArcIMS allows staff, biologists, students, community members, businesses, non-profit organizations, government, and any interested persons to view and query maps of on data without having a GIS application on their personal computer. Distributing geographic information over the Internet allows for real-time integration of data and provides a solution that permits a common platform for this exchange.   This technology also lets you exchange, integrate, and analyze data in new ways.   Users can combine data and information accessed over the Internet with local data for display, query, and analysis.

Tips for using the IMAPS Viewer:
  • Let it finish loading before you click on anything.
  • Use a 56k or better internet connection for best results.
  • You can resize the map area by zooming in (+) or out (-) using the magnifier icons.
  • Use the scroll bar on the left to be able to view all the layers in the legend.   If a layer has a check next to it, it is turned on.   If there is no check in the box next to the layer, that layer will not be displayed on the map.
  • If you have a large screen, the viewer speed may be reduced. Shrinking your browser window will increase the Viewer speed.
  • Supported browsers include Internet Explorer 5.0 and Netscape 6.0 or newer.
  • A quick overview of toolbar functions can be viewed by clicking the "question mark" button on the right end of the toolbar. Detailed viewer instructions can then be accessed by selecting the "More Help..." tab.
If you should have any questions or comments concerning this site, please contact IMAPS imaps@dfg.ca.gov.
IMAPS Viewers
Listed below are many of the IMAPS Viewer products that have been produced for a variety of projects:

Biogeographic Data Branch
Biogeographical Information Observation System (BIOS)  Public BIOS Viewer 
Restricted Viewer Restricted BIOS Viewer 
BIOS is a system designed to enable the management, visualization, and analysis of biogeographic data collected by the Department of Fish and Game and its Partner Organizations. In addition, BIOS facilitates the sharing of those data within the BIOS community. BIOS integrates GIS, relational database management, and ESRI's ArcIMS technology to create a statewide, integrated information management tool that can be used on any computer with access to the Internet.

California Natural Diversity Database Quick Viewer  CNDDB Quick Viewer 
The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) is a program that inventories the status and locations of rare plants and animals in California . CNDDB staff work with partners to maintain current lists of rare species as well as maintain an ever-growing database of GIS-mapped locations for these species of concern.

The CNDDB Quick Viewer provides information only to the 7.5' quadrangle or county level. The Quick Viewer will generate a list of taxa for a given area, but no details. Access to the detailed information is by subscription only.

Spatial Locator  Spatial Locator 
An easy-to-use application designed to provide the user with simple locational information anywhere in California.

CalFish
The internet map component of a program designed to gather, maintain, and disseminate fish and aquatic habitat data and data standards for California. The link to open the map viewer is found on the CalFish website.

Fisheries Branch
Fishing Guide   Fishing Guide 
To help you plan your fishing day, the California Department of Fish and Game has developed the Fishing Guide. It's an exciting dynamic viewer which allows you to see many of California's excellent fishing spots and learn about the services and facilities they have to offer. The FishingGuide contains locations which Fish and Game has determined will offer excellent opportunities for recreational fishing. These locations were derived in part from the DFG's trout planting data, as well as from input by DFG regional and headquarters staff.

Wildlife Branch, Lands Program
DFG Wildlife Areas and Ecological Reserves  DFG Properties 
Some of the state's most important sites for wildlife and coincidentally, some of its most scenic, are designated Wildlife Areas and Ecological Reserves, as well as Public and Fishing Access areas. If you are looking for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, fishing and hunting areas, or wild places for hiking, camping, boating or nature study, a trip to a DFG property will leave you with a lasting impression of California's natural resources. This application features an interactive map of DFG properties around California as well as Counties, highways, cities, and other geographic features.

Resource Assessment Program
Sierra Nevada Montane Meadow & Quaking Aspen Communities  Sierra Meadows 
Recognizing Montane Meadows and Quaking Aspen communities are a rare and valuable resource to plant and animal species in the Sierra Nevada, this project represents the beginning of a monitoring strategy for the conservation management of these ecosystems.   The projects goals and objectives are to develop an accurate inventory of these systems, including high-resolution mapping and classification of community types, and comprehensive surveys of selected terrestrial and aquatic animal species which depend on them.

North Coast Watershed Assessment Program
A multi-agency program that provides consistent, scientifically credible information to guide landowners, agencies, watershed groups, and other stakeholders in their efforts to improve watershed and fisheries conditions within the northwest section of California.   Data Acknowledgements
Gualala River Watershed  NCWAP Gualala 
Mattole River Watershed  NCWAP Mattole 
Redwood Creek Watershed  NCWAP Redwood