Alaska NWI import
Alaska NWI import is an import of the National Wetlands Inventory dataset which is of type landuse covering The United States. The import is currently at the planning stage.
Goals
To import all NWI mapped wetlands into OpenStreetMAp
Schedule
Idk tbh just until its done but I've never imported so I wouldn't know how long it takes
Import Data
Background
- Data source site: FWS
- Data license: https://www.fws.gov/apps/program/fws-freedom-information-act-foia
- ODbL Compliance verified: yes
OSM Data Files
https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wetlands-inventory/download-state-wetlands-data
Import Type
I will first import all data, then import new data bi-annually when it is updated
It will be imported using JOSM
Data Preparation
Tagging Plans
The following table shows the generalized Cowardin wetland types and their OSM equivalent.
Borrowed from Maryland/Wetlands Import
| Wetland Type | MapCode | cowardin:description | wetland:description | OSM Natural | OSM Detail 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estuarine Deepwater | E1 | Estuarine subtidal water and wetland | Open water estuary, bay, sound, open ocean | natural=water
|
tidal=yes
|
| Marine Deepwater | M1 | Marine subtidal water and wetland | Open water estuary, bay, sound, open ocean | natural=water
|
tidal=yes
|
| Estuarine wetland | E2 | Estuarine intertidal wetland | Vegetated and non-vegetated brackish and saltwater marsh, shrubs, beach, bar, shoal or flat | natural=wetland
|
wetland=saltmarsh
|
| Marine wetland | M2 | Marine intertidal wetland | Vegetated and non-vegetated brackish and saltwater marsh, shrubs, beach, bar, shoal or flat | natural=wetland
|
wetland=saltmarsh
|
| Lakes | L | Lacustrine wetland and deepwater | Lake or reservoir basin | natural=water
|
water=lake
|
| Freshwater Emergent wetland | PEM | Palustrine emergent | Herbaceous march, fen, swale and wet meadow | natural=wetland
|
wetland=marsh
|
| Freshwater Shrub wetland | PSS | Palustrine shrub | Forested swamp or wetland shrub bog or wetland | natural=wetland
|
wetland=bog
|
| Freshwater Forested wetland | PFO | Palustrine forested | Forested swamp or wetland shrub bog or wetland | natural=wetland
|
wetland=swamp
|
| Freshwater pond | PUB | Palustrine unconsolidated bottom | Pond | natural=water
|
water=pond
|
| Freshwater pond | PAB | Palustrine aquatic bed | Pond | natural=water
|
water=pond
|
| Riverine | R | Riverine wetland and deepwater | River or stream channel | natural=water
|
water=pond
|
This might change slightly
Changeset Tags
Fill in the values your changesets will use.
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| comment | Alaska NWI Import |
| import | yes |
| source | National Wetlands Inventory |
| source:url | https://fwsprimary.wim.usgs.gov/wetlands/apps/wetlands-mapper/ |
| source:date | 1978-2025 |
| import:page | Alaska NWI import |
| source:license | license of source dataset, using this format. |
Data Transformation
Describe the transformations you'll need to conduct, the tools you're using, and any specific configurations or code that will be used in the transformation.
Data Transformation Results
Post a link to your OSM XML files.
Data Merge Workflow
Team Approach
I'll add this solo unless someone else has interest in joining.
Workflow
Detail the steps you'll take during the actual import.
Information to include:
- Step by step instructions
- Changeset size policy
- Revert plans
Conflation
Data from Gates Of the Arctic National Park will have their geometries replaced as these were manually added with NWI data. Already existing wetlands will all be checked to see if it's possible to replace geometries, or they have to be deleted. Inside populated areas, everything will also be checked to see if it's even possible to add data there, and if it is that it will not overlap landuse.
QA
Add your QA plan here.
Discussion
The post to the community forum was sent on 2026-4-22 and can be found here