Chicago Area Waterway System Habitat Study

About this Project

Urban GIS was responsible for the design and construc­tion of a GIS Database, protocols, and an ArcGIS Server application that supports riparian habitat assessment and restoration. The GIS database is used to manage existing information such as the location and results of past benthic, sediment, DO, and water quality sampling events and any new information that is collected from field surveys. The GIS database also stores geospatial data sets such as aerial photography, land use, CSO/SSO locations, permitted NPDES discharges, canopy cover, and other GIS data sets that help determine the appro­priate methods and locations for habitat restoration.

This state-of-the-art Web application allows the District to integrate a wide variety of current data into an inter­active map. The map can be customized to display what­ever type of information is needed. Using the applica­tion, water quality can be quickly assessed, allowing the District to shift policies and projects to restore a water­way’s health. Reports and maps that once took days to compile are being generated in seconds for a variety of stakeholders, including the public.

This new technology allows the District to more accurately gauge how effective their programs have been in protect­ing aquatic life. It will also help staff make ecologically sound decisions regarding future construction projects.