Corridor Mapping
Preliminary Planning
When a new corridor is planned, planners examine the preferred route, as well as one or two alternates. In order to keep costs low during this exploratory corridor evaluation stage, planners use small scale geospatial products. These may include low resolution satellite data, existing topographic maps, any available orthophotography, or quadrangle maps.
A host of steps need to be taken at this preliminary stage, including environmental impact studies, feasibility assessments, cost studies and public hearings. Experienced planners, environmental scientists, and engineers know that free imagery and maps off the internet are not always the best tools to use—and that custom tailored geospatial products are often far more reliable in selecting, permitting and developing a route.
Detailed Studies and Design
Once a corridor has been selected, large scale mapping, aerial photography, and higher resolution orthophotography can be especially valuable to support activities such as:
- Land acquisition
- Property (Title) surveys
- Locating and documenting areas where environmental mitigation activities may be required
- Enterprise GIS thematic mapping, incorporating multiple data sets
- Public Meetings and Hearings
- Permitting
- Design engineering
