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  2012 Solar Energy Development Programmatic EIS  
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Solar PEIS Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

ArcReader GIS Application

Desktop application displaying key layers used in the Solar PEIS analysis with the ability to zoom, pan, and query data, for detailed analysis.

Use the links below to download key spatial data used in the Solar PEIS analyses, for use in ArcReader, a free desktop software application that allows users to zoom, pan, and query data for detailed analysis. ArcReader software is required to use the downloads on this page. ArcReader is available on the ESRI Inc. Website at: http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcreader/index.html.

Who Should Use the ArcReader GIS Application and Why

The ArcReader GIS Application provides more specialized users with access to a wide variety of spatial data through interactive desktop mapping software that runs on their PCs, not on the Internet. After downloading, an Internet connection is not required to view and use the data; however, both the software and data downloads for the ArcReader GIS application are very large. ArcReader is a sophisticated software package that some users may find challenging. The data included may be downloaded for other uses, but only provide a "snapshot" of data used for the PEIS, and will not be updated or expanded after the PEIS is completed.

Data File Descriptions

Each download includes an ArcReader project (.pmf), an ArcMap project (.mxd), and the geospatial data (.gdb). The ArcMap project is provided for GIS professionals who already have ArcGIS software applications installed on their computer. See the Instructions for using the ArcReader project for additional guidance.

The "core" data download includes boundaries of areas of the BLM alternatives as presented in the Final Solar PEIS, boundaries of protected lands and other areas excluded from solar energy development under one or more of the alternatives, and base data such as state boundaries, towns, and roads.

The "extended" data download includes all of the “core” data as well as the Public Land Survey System (principal meridians, townships, and sections) for the six state area.

A listing of data layers included in both the “core” and “extended” data downloads is available. Two additional data layers have been made available through the GIS Shapefiles page to support the Final Solar PEIS; these are the GIS layer for FWS identified priority desert tortoise connectivity areas and the GIS layer for NPS identified high potential resource conflict areas.

NOTE: Additional SEZs and changes to exclusions made subsequent to release of the Solar PEIS Record of Decision in October 2012 are not included in these data downloads. For updated GIS data, please refer to the BLM Solar Program website ArcReader GIS Application page.

Download Data Files

The following files are compressed Zip file archives containing multiple files. PLEASE NOTE: These files are extremely large and may involve very long download times.

GIS Zip file Solar_PEIS_Core_Data_Viewer.zip (421 MB)
GIS Zip file Solar_PEIS_Extended_Data_Viewer.zip (571 MB)

PLEASE NOTE: Geodatabases are the native format used in the Solar PEIS database. Geospatial data in shapefile format is also available.

Need Help? Have Questions?

If you experience any problem downloading these files, need assistance, or have questions about the PEIS maps or mapping data, please contact the Webmaster at [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: This website does not provide technical support for ArcReader software, and questions related to installation or operation of ArcReader or other software programs will not be answered.