An integral step in constructing geospatial data coverages is the creation of a digital boundary layer.   As various data are combined and analyzed to reveal spatial relationships, boundary data are often used as a "base layer" .

For example, by combining Digital Raster Graphic (DRG) files (i.e. scanned USGS topographic maps) with a digital boundary file we can produce a portion of the map used for refuge boundary review by the Region 3 Division of Realty and Refuge.   To download a PDF version of this map for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, click on this link:   MN VALLEY NWR BOUNDARY REVIEW MAP

Another example is a map showing burn units identified with tract ownership boundaries overlaid onto a USGS Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle (DOQ) map (i.e. a georeferenced, scanned aerial photograph).   To download a PDF version of this map for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, click on this link:   MN VALLEY NWR BURN UNIT MAP

To obtain Adobe Acrobat Reader software (required for downloading PDF files), click on this LINK:

Multiple types of boundary data have been collected for Region 3 refuges and waterfowl production areas.   As an example, our standardized data set list includes the following boundary data types:

• Political Boundaries (Cities, Municipalities, Civil Townships, Congressional Districts, County, State, Zoning)

• Internal Tract Boundaries

• Refuge Boundaries (Authorized, Expansion)

• WPA / Easement Boundaries

Refuge boundaries adhere to specifications of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands Boundary Data Standard Operating Procedures (SOP Number 97-01).

Please Note: All of the GIS data layers created for the USFWS Region 3 are intended to be operationally useful.   However, data sets specific to the refuge require field verification by refuge staff familiar with the refuge lands.

The intended application of boundary data is to serve as a spatial reference for other data layers in GIS and mapping applications.   They are not intended to be used as a land survey or representation of land for conveyance or tax purposes.   The data are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such.   It is the responsibility of the user to use the data appropriately and consistently, recognizing its limitations.

Final boundary data sets are provided on CD-ROM to the USFWS Region 3 office.   Copies of the data sets are available to the public.   For more information, please contact:

Mary Mitchell, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-5486
Phone: 612-713-5443
Email: mary_s_mitchell@fws.gov

To view a PDF version of the final University of Minnesota Staff Paper dealing with the Boundaries project, click on this link: Boundaries Staff Paper.

Related Sites

To view additional web sites related to boundary data, please click on this link: RELATED SITES