Environmental Project Review Map Streamlines Process

CHANGE

Central GIS and Central Environmental partnered to standardize and display the extensive historical aquatics survey dataset, using it as foundational data for the larger project. From there, they standardized newly surveyed Post-War Context Subdivision data, allowing both datasets to work together as  authoritative sources. These core datasets were then integrated into the Environmental Project Review Map, an interactive web map designed to host major surveyed projects. Additional environmental reference and analysis layers were overlaid to further support the environmental review process.

Some of the added layers include,

• State of Utah Historic Preservation Office Historic Utah Buildings (SHPO HUBs) to support Cultural and Section 4(f) review,

• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects to aid in Section 6(f) review,

• National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQs) data to guide air quality analysis and UDOT Parcels for right of way information.

The map also features a tool that allows users to upload and overlay their own project data alongside historical resources.

The interactive web map was presented to the Environmental Division on January 29, 2026, during a training.

RESULT

The Environmental Project Review Map helps environmental review specialists identify potential resources and support ongoing compliance with state and federal regulations. Users can filter data, print maps, locate coordinates, draw annotations, and add notes, all within a single platform. This tool speeds up the preliminary environmental review process, making it more efficient, thorough, and easier to complete.

The tool also supports estimating environmental timelines and informs broader project planning efforts.

The interactive web map offers a far more accessible way to visualize environmental data, removing the need to train all employees on ArcGIS Pro. Software licensing and training expenses are avoided.

As one convenient source of authoritative data, it is now the primary tool for locating historic environmental data.

Next Steps: The team will continue to expand the map by standardizing and then adding historical biological survey data, including a variety of Division of Wildlife Resource datasets.