FAQs - DWR Map Viewer and GIS Data
Last updated on January 25, 2022
Contact the GIS Team: chris.k.brown@state.co.us or alison.keener@state.co.us
Q: Which internet browser works best with Map Viewer?
A: We have found that people have the best experience using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox Do not use Internet Explorer.
Q: Can I use Map Viewer on my mobile device?
A: Yes, Map Viewer is HTML 5 compatible, so it works on cell phones and tablets.
Q: Where can I find a list of the dataset layers that are in each of the Map Viewers?
A: There is a Google Sheets link on the CDSS page. It will take you here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v-k-rq7k5IdE6nva4dKRKvNGlafDfPF-0TNvL8e09DI/edit#gid=2004193601.
Q: How often do the Map Viewer datasets get updated?
A: It depends on the dataset, but most of our Hydrobase point data is updated nightly.
Q: I turned a layer on, why isn’t it appearing in the Map Viewer?
A: Some data layers are so big that we set a scale limit for them. In other words, you must zoom in closer for the dataset to render. In general, it’s a good idea to zoom in first before turning on a layer. This will help Map Viewer run faster because it only has to load a limited amount of data.
Q: How do I search for an address in the Map Viewer?
A: Simply type the address into the Search Bar located in the type right corner of the page. It will search for addresses throughout the whole country and the results will be returned in order of accuracy.
Q: What else can I search for using the Search Bar?
A: The Search Bar is useful when you need to locate a specific item. For example, owner names, well names, WDIDs, permit numbers, receipt numbers, water court case numbers, and even coordinates are all searchable.
Q: How do I view more information about something on the map?
A: First, turn on the dataset of interest. Then using the “Identify” tool under the Home tab, draw a box around the item(s) you want details for. This will return a list of results for all the layers that were selected.
Q: How do I zoom to a specific item from the results list or table?
A: Click on the row and Map Viewer will jump to that location.
Q: How do I search for things within a certain distance of a feature in the Map Viewer?
A: Use the buffer tool to search within a defined radius of a point, line, or polygon. Access this tool through the Find tab. Click on “Find D…” to buffer around a point, polygon, etc... Then click on “enable buffering”. You will then be prompted to enter a distance. Do this, and then click on the map where you’d like to buffer. Results will appear in a list on your screen. You can export these results of your search into a shapefile, or just view the results on the map and related attribute table.
Q: To what other formats can I export my data?
A: The options for data export are CSV, XLSx, and shapefile.
Q: Can I upload my own data into the Map Viewer?
A: Yes, you can load in data formatted as a .csv, .xlsx, .kml, .shp, .gpx, or a .zip containing a FileGDB or shapefiles by clicking Upload Data from the Home tab.
Q: Can I save a map image from the Map Viewer?
A: Yes, you can save the map image as a jpeg, pdf, tiff, or geotiff. Click on the Home tab → Export button to do so.
Q: What is the difference between a Query and a Filter?
A: Both allow you to set conditions on the data you want to see, but a query is more powerful because it will actually return an attribute table of data for you to look at the details of features. If you simply want to view the features on the map, a filter will work just fine! Find tab → Query / Filter. Tip: You can set multiple search parameters.
Q: How do I clear a query or a filter?
A: If you have multiple conditions to your query or filter, a black ‘x’ will appear to the right of the conditions. Click it to clear that condition. If you only have one, the ‘x’ next to the condition will appear grey. In this case, simply close out of the query or filter box entirely by clicking the ‘x’ in the upper right corner of the Query/Filter box .
Q: Can I save my project and return to it after exiting Map Viewer?
A: Only internal users (DWR staff) have access to saved projects.
Q: Can I add labels to my map?
A: Yes, you can add labels by clicking the arrow > next to the dataset and click on “Customize Labels”
Q: How do I delete a measurement line?
A: Draw tab → Edit Drawings → Erase → click on the line. Tip: Clicking “Clear” will erase ALL drawings and measurements.
Q: Can I view county parcel data in the Map Viewer?
A: Only internal users (DWR staff) can access this data.
Q: (DWR staff only) Can I use the Map Viewer to draw parcels based on Metes and Bounds?
A: Not directly. For those of you that edit DWR parcels, we have an external tool available that builds a shapefile based on aMetes and Bounds description. The shapefile then gets loaded into the Map Viewer
Q: How can I tell what year the imagery in the Map Viewer was flown?
A: The layer Index Map -->Photo Index is a grid containing the dates all available imagery was flown for a clicked location.
Q: Can I create an account in the Map Viewer?
A: Signing in and creating an account is for DWR staff only. If you are a DWR staff in need of an account to edit parcels or projects, email Chris Brown chris.k.brown@state.co.us.
Q: (DWR staff only) What other datasets are available to me if I am signed in to my account ?
A: Here’s a list:
- County Parcel Data
- Dam Safety- EAP Inundation Areas
- Well Applications- Owner Address
Q: Is there metadata available for DWR GIS data?
A: In the Map Viewer, metadata for most layers can be found by clicking on the arrow > next to the dataset in the Table of Contents. GIS data downloaded as a zipped shapefile or geodatabase will contain an html metadata document.
Q: How do I export shapefiles (for use in other GIS software)?
A: Select the features to export by using the Identify tool. Then, you can select “Export to Shapefile” from the drop down list button within the Results window pane. To download the full dataset as a shapefile or a geodatabase, please visit the CDSS GIS Download page.
Q: What is the Source Water Route Framework layer?
A: This shows every stream in the state with a water right associated with it. We have assigned each stream reach a unique ID and have calculated its length (you can see all this in the attribute table or by using the info tool). The unique ID allows us to differentiate between streams throughout the state that have the same name.
Q: What map projection does DWR use?
A: DWR uses the following projection for all of its data: UTM, NAD 83, UTM Zone 13, Meters
Q: Can I still purchase printed maps from your office?
A: Printed maps can be purchased for a nominal fee in our office at 1313 Sherman Street. Please call 303-866-3581 (M-F 9am-4pm) for more information
Q: I have a question about the NHD dataset, who should I contact?
A: For questions concerning use and content of the NHD in Colorado, contact Chris Brown at CDWR at chris.k.brown@state.co.us. For more information on the National Hydrography Dataset go to: http://nhd.usgs.gov/
More Map Viewer Tips:
Right click on any point, line, or polygon in a data layer to get more information.
Use Quick Tools on map to quickly zoom to specific features.
Explore the Quick Tools button to zoom to a specific location on the map.
Use the Find Me tool to center on your exact location.
Switch between UTM and LAT/LON by clicking this button on the bottom of the screen.
