Instructions for using Google Earth to measure the distance between a potential Development of Regional Importance (DRI) and IDNR-designated critical streams and natural areas.

Projects within 100 yards of critical streams and natural areas as identified in the accompanying map may proceed with a DRI review by applying standard thresholds reduced by 50%.

You may estimate this distance using Google Earth and files we provide you on the condition you do not redistribute them or use them for purposes other than completing your DRI application form.   

To expedite your application submittal, you may skip this task.  Simply indicate on your application that you would like CMAP to take this measurement for you and we will include the mapped materials with your submitted application.

Step 1: Download and install Google Earth on your personal computer

Google Earth is a free on-line computer mapping application that provides aerial photos and mapped features in an easy-to-use format.  Google Earth also permits users to load their own mapped features and take simple measurements from the resulting images.

http://earth.google.com/

Step 2: Submit the following request to CMAP.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has provided CMAP with mapped classifications of the critical streams and natural areas that are part of determining the thresholds in the CMAP DRI review application.    CMAP has converted these into Google Earth compatible ".KMZ" files.

IDNR requires users of these data files to abide by a "non-redistribution" agreement.  CMAP may not provide the .KMZ files to you without IDNR's consent.

To request use of these files, copy the following text into the body of an e-mail message and complete the specifics that relate to you and the potential DRI.

 

<applicant's name>wishes to use Google Earth compatible .KMZ files of critical streams and natural areas to measure the distance between the boundaries of a potential Development of Regional Importance located generally as follows: <describe location> and designated critical streams and natural areas.  The requestor hereby agrees to use the .KMZ files provided by CMAP for this purpose only and further agrees to refrain from redistributing the files to anyone for any purpose.

e-mail the request to DRI@cmap.illinois.gov

CMAP will forward this request to staff at IDNR.  Upon receiving their consent, CMAP will forward the .KMZ files to you.

Step 3: Load the feature files onto Google Earth

Once you have received the .KMZ files, you may load them into Google Earth by choosing File, Open from the menu and selecting the appropriate feature file.  Once you do this, Google should automatically zoom to the extent of the CMAP region permitting you to view the locations of various loaded map features.

Step 4: Use the measuring tool to calculate the distance from the feature

Zoom to a scale that permits you to clearly see both the nearest boundaries of the potential DRI and the critical stream or natural area of interest.

Choose Tools, Ruler to display the measurement tool.

Select the Line tab.

Set Length to Yards in the dropdown menu.

Be sure that the Mouse Navigation is unchecked.

Center the cursor (now a hachured-box) on one boundary and while holding down the left mouse button, drag the cursor to the other boundary. Release the left mouse button. You should choose locations on the boundaries of both features that appear to have a minimum distance between them.

Record the resulting distance, in yards, on your application.