resolution and can be ordered enlarged to 1:24,000 scale from 

 USGS. Satellite images provide similar information as aerial 

 photography, although the much smaller scale makes observation 

 of detail more difficult without sophisticated equipment and 

 extensive training. Satellite images provide more recent 

 coverage than aerial photography (usually at 18-day intervals) . 

 Individual satellite images are more expensive than aerial 

 photography, but are not as expensive as having an area flown 

 and photographed at low altitudes. However, better resolution 

 imagery is now available with remote sensing equipment mounted 

 on fixed-wing aircraft. 



h. Local individuals and experts. Individuals having personal 

 knowledge of an area may sometimes provide a reliable and 

 readily available source of information about the area, partic- 

 ularly information on the wetness of the area. 



i. USGS land use and land cover maps. Maps created by USGS using 

 remotely sensed data and a geographical information system 

 provide a systematic and comprehensive collection and analysis 

 of land use and land cover on a national basis. Maps at a 

 scale of 1:250,000 are available as overlays that show land use 

 and land cover according to nine basic levels. One level is 

 wetlands (as determined by the FWS) , which is further sub- 

 divided into forested and nonforested areas. Five other sets 

 of maps show political units, hydrologic units, census sub- 

 divisions of counties. Federal land ownership, and State land 

 ownership. These maps can be obtained from any USGS mapping 

 center. 



j_. Applicant's survey plans and engineering designs. In many 



cases, the permit applicant will already have had the area sur- 

 veyed (often at 1-ft contours or less) and will also have engi- 

 neering designs for the proposed activity. 



Data synthesis 



55. When employing Section B procedures, use the above sources of 



information to complete the following steps: 



• STEP 1 - Identify the Project Area on a Map. Obtain a USGS qua- 

 drangle map (1:24,000) or other appropriate map, and locate the area 

 identified in the permit application. PROCEED TO STEP 2. 



• STEP 2 - Prepare a Base Map. Mark the project area boundaries on the 

 map. Either use the selected map as the base map or trace the area on 

 a mylar overlay, including prominent landscape features (e.g., roads, 

 buildings, drainage patterns, etc.). If possible, obtain diazo copies 

 of the resulting base map. PROCEED TO STEP 3. 



• STEP 3 - Determine Size of the Project Area. Measure the area 

 boundaries and calculate the size of the area. PROCEED TO STEP 4 OR TO 

 SECTION D OR E IF SECTION B IS NOT USED. 



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