Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

GIS & Mapping

Many government departments are using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) because it offers a way of understanding and dealing with complex spatial problems by organizing the data, viewing their spatial associations, performing multiple analyses, and synthesizing results into maps and reports. Click here to view example of GIS layered Tennessee map with water bodies, EPA ecoregions, TDEC public lands and a GIS table.

The definition of GIS varies depending on specific applications, but generally it is described as a computer-based system with the ability to store, retrieve, modify, analyze, and represent geographic data as useful information so as to facilitate management, decision making and problem solving.  GIS technology is very useful in communication, allowing the public and many different departments access to the same database. This means that each department does not have to keep separate versions
of other department's data in order to use them for their own agency's needs.

GIS Web Applications
TDEC provides GIS tools for public use to protect
land, air and water resources in Tennessee; to promote effective land conservation; and to engage various communities in the department’s work. Our department GIS Application site is maintained by the State of Tennessee’s Office of Information (OIR) GIS Services. This relationship will enable us to keep data current and to add new data layers as they become available. TDEC continues to make updates to the site and pursue new functionality and tools.

Click here for TDEC Interactive Mapping that combines different department datasets, including datasets from TDEC Lands and Water Pollution Control.

GIS Tools to Assist Stream Mitigation and Restoration
The department also partners with EME Environmental Solutions to power a Stream and Watershed Information Management GIS mapping tool to reflect previous, current and potential stream mitigation projects across the state.  This partnership also supports a TDOT Mitigation Site Management GIS mapping tool to reflect these TDOT mitigation project locations across the state.

Tennessee State Parks GIS
Click here for Tennessee State Parks GIS.

Geology Maps and Publications
The Division of Geology conducts research on the geology and mineral resources of Tennessee and makes the resulting scientific and technical information available to the public in the maps and publications listed in this pamphlet. Additional information and services are available through conferences and correspondence. Click here for Geology Maps and Publications.