GIS Visualizations

Fly-over of Kankakee River Computer animations are a powerful way to visualize complex scientific processes. The GIS scientists at the Illinois State Water Survey are creating animations to answer specific "what if" questions related to the Illinois River Basin. By combining existing GIS data and models with 3-D animation software, scientists can better visualize what is happening in the watershed.

Note: To view these animations, you will need software capable of playing WMV files, such as Windows Media Player.

Download instructions: For Windows PCs, right-click on "View Animation", select “Save Target As”, and save the file to your local machine. For Macintosh, CTRL-click the mouse button to open the contextual dialog and select "Save Target As."

Emiquon Series

This series features a 6-mile portion of the Illinois River beginning south of Havana, IL (Mile 119) and traveling up river to the south end of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (mile 125). It is focused on the west side of the river, an area called Emiquon. Historically the area was occupied by Thompson and Flag Lakes, but those lakes were drained and the area is now cultivated.

Emiquon Area (Thompson Lake) along the Illinois River
Emiquon Area (Thompson Lake) along the Illinois River
Split-screen animation of historic and present-day conditions of the Emiquon Area (Thompson Lake) along the Illinois River. 56k modem download
View Animation    Resolution: 160x120    Format: WMV    File Size: 56k modem
View Animation    Resolution: 320x240    Format: WMV    File Size: Broadband

Lower Peoria Lake Series

This series was created to visualize potential constructed islands created from dredged material of Lower Peoria Lake just east of Peoria, IL.

Low altitude fly-by of the Peoria Lake area
Low altitude fly-by of the Peoria Lake area
GIS Visualization of a low altitude fly-by of the Peoria Lake area. 56k modem download.
View Animation    Resolution: 160x120    Format: WMV    File Size: 56k modem
View Animation    Resolution: 320x240    Format: WMV    File Size: Broadband
Lower Peoria Lake with a proposed constructed island
Lower Peoria Lake with a proposed constructed island
GIS Visualization of Lower Peoria Lake with a proposed constructed island. 56k modem download.
View Animation    Resolution: 160x120    Format: WMV    File Size: 56k modem
View Animation    Resolution: 320x240    Format: WMV    File Size: Broadband
Time-lapse animation of Lower Peoria Lake development, 1900 to present day
Time-lapse animation of Lower Peoria Lake development, 1900 to present day
GIS Visualization of a time-lapse animation of Lower Peoria Lake development, 1900 to present day. 56k modem download.
View Animation    Resolution: 160x120    Format: WMV    File Size: 56k modem
View Animation    Resolution: 320x240    Format: WMV    File Size: Broadband

Kankakee River Series

This series features a virtual fly-over of the Kankakee River beginning southwest of Kankakee, and heading north along the river into Indiana.

Kankakee River - Traveling up river into Indiana
Kankakee River - Traveling up river into Indiana
GIS Visualization of traveling along the Kankakee River up river into Indiana. 56k modem download
View Animation    Resolution: 160x240    Format: WMV    File Size: 56k modem
View Animation    Resolution: 320x240    Format: WMV    File Size: Broadband

Illinois River Basin Series

This series features fly-over tours of the entire Illinois River Basin.

Illinois River Basin - Narrated fly-over
Illinois River Basin - Narrated fly-over
GIS Visualization of a narrated fly-over of the Illinois River Basin. 56k modem download.
View Animation    Resolution: 160x120    Format: WMV    File Size: 56k modem
View Animation    Resolution: 320x240    Format: WMV    File Size: Broadband