Michigan MapImage Viewer

The Michigan MapImage Viewer is a GIS software program that provides geographic data and mapping capabilities in a low-cost, easy-to-use format.

The Data:

The Michigan MapImage Viewer comes with a collection of data including the Michigan Geographic Framework data, the statewide collection of MSU LandScan CD aerial images, topographic maps and other GIS data and digital imagery from the MDNR, MDEQ and federal sources. Additionally, the Viewer allows the user to customize the product by importing map files, digital imagery, and point data from coordinate files.

The Functionality:

The Michigan MapImage Viewer provides a set of mapping functions to find, display, measure, identify and query map features. A point-digitizing tool can be used to capture the geographic location (Latitude/Longitude) of selected points. The user can click on a map location to display LandScan aerial photos of the surrounding area. Image controls include a magnifying glass, image enhancement functions, zoom map to active photo and image annotation tools for drawing text, lines, symbols and other graphic objects.

MSU RS&GIS provides Michigan MapImage Viewer training and MapImage Viewer research and development projects. Current RS&GIS MapImage Viewer projects include:

• Critical Dune Management
  A GIS decision support tool is being built within the MapImage Viewer to help Michigan Department of Environmental Quality staff assess and manage critical dune areas in Michigan. For a proposed dune development site, the viewer searches data themes to collect site information and extract soils database information and topographic data (including LIDAR elevation values).
  
  
• Statewide Groundwater Mapping
  RS&GIS is developing new MapImage Viewer functions and related software to analyze the lithology information (strata formations) on water well records to assist MSU, USGS, and MDEQ scientists who are compiling a statewide groundwater inventory and constructing a groundwater aquifer map of Michigan.
  
  
• Health Impact Assessment
  New site analysis protocols and GIS tools are being developed and integrated with existing and new geospatial data to construct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tool for reviewing proposed land development site plans. The HIA tool can be used by local and regional planners to evaluate current development project plans based on their impact on community health. The HIA tool will be pilot-tested with local planning bodies in the Tri-County area of Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties.
  
  
• Source Water Protection
  MapImage Viewer Custom tools are being developed to facilitate source applications of GIS technology and water protection planning by the MDEQ, local health departments, water suppliers and the communities they serve. RS&GIS is also providing training and technical assistance to the MDEQ and several pilot County Health Departments that are using the MapImage Viewer Network Edition
  
  

More Information:

• Contact us at mapimage@rsgis.msu.edu.