The goal of this project was to use a  Geographic Information System  (GIS) to digitally compile and map the landscape observations contained in the historical land survey and develop methods to effectively share this information with the local community. This story map was produced as part of this effort and reviews the process used to create a historical land cover map of the Winona area using the land survey field notes. Scroll through the story map to learn more and explore the ecological history of Winona!

The spy glass web mapping application below compares the original plat map from the survey to current aerial imagery. Notice that the dam located at prairie island has submerged many of the Mississippi River islands that were present in 1855. Also many of the streams have been modified and straightened due to urban development. The most noticeable difference is the large amount of urban growth that has occurred in Winona since the survey was completed. Move the spy glass around on the map to explore or click on the numbered bookmarks in the application to move the map to specific areas which highlight examples of these land changes.