Mining Claim Software?

[Rail Dawg]

We see some mining claim maps done professionally.

Is there mining claim software out there?

 

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[Clay Diggins]

There is lots of software that will do what you want. For flexibility and accuracy I use QGIS it's free, opensource, has millions of users and has pretty good documentation.

Shop around and you may find something else to suit your needs. Your best bets are mapping or CAD programs.

Heavy Pans

 

[Rail Dawg]

There is lots of software that will do what you want. For flexibility and accuracy I use QGIS it's free, opensource, has millions of users and has pretty good documentation.

Shop around and you may find something else to suit your needs. Your best bets are mapping or CAD programs.

Heavy Pans

Thanks for this.

Since you use it I will probably go this route.

Time to download it and get started. The hand-drawn maps have worked well but accuracy suffers.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Barry let me ask you this:

What coordinate system do you use with QGIS?

We’re going to be plotting lode and placer claims obviously onto a PLSS map.

I’ll try to study hard before posting questions but I can tell already the coordinate system is an important first step.

I know you’re an expert and if you don’t mind a little coaching since it’s mining claims we’re dealing with that would be appreciated.

Chuck

 

[KevinInColorado]

Thanks for this.

Since you use it I will probably go this route.

Time to download it and get started. The hand-drawn maps have worked well but accuracy suffers.

Don’t get TOO hung up on mapping accuracy. Remember the boundary markers on the ground are the rule, legally the map is just a representation.

 

[Clay Diggins]

Barry let me ask you this:

What coordinate system do you use with QGIS?

We’re going to be plotting lode and placer claims obviously onto a PLSS map.

I’ll try to study hard before posting questions but I can tell already the coordinate system is an important first step.

I know you’re an expert and if you don’t mind a little coaching since it’s mining claims we’re dealing with that would be appreciated.

Chuck

QGIS can handle any coordinate system even those for outer space. You can even make up custom projections. Mix and match different projections in the same map project and reproject all of them on the fly. This is high end professional grade software. Free doesn't mean funky.

Heavy Pans

 

[Rail Dawg]

Don’t get TOO hung up on mapping accuracy. Remember the boundary markers on the ground are the rule, legally the map is just a representation.

Agreed except when trying to squeeze a 600’ x 1500’ lode claim into a very tight area the accuracy can make or break the claim.

But then we may just be sticklers for accuracy lol.

Have gotten to the point where having a good clean map helps quite a bit.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Free doesn't mean funky.

Just like with mylandmatters.org I don’t mind donating to an outstanding free resource.

 

[Rail Dawg]

Clay Diggins I've got QGIS installed and am ready to begin.

Main question is how to get the PLSS onto the program?

Thanks.

Chuck

 

[Clay Diggins]

Here's the PLSS pile to dig through. Here's a few tips to make it easier:

1. Look just for the area you need for your most current project.
2. Look for the most recent CADNSDI PLSS version for your area. Look in the metadata for the date and version of each file.
3. You will need the "second division" as well as the standard PLSS.
4. Look for "zip" downloads - not everything there is usable data.
5 Avoid at all costs the kml, kmz or xml versions of the data.​

If you are going to be measuring and making local maps for viewing try to use a "square" projection in feet as your project standard. I would suggest epsg:3423 or another similar State Plane projection for your area. There are other choices for different areas.

Clear as mud?

Heavy Pans

 

[Rail Dawg]

Here's the PLSS pile to dig through. Here's a few tips to make it easier:

1. Look just for the area you need for your most current project.
2. Look for the most recent CADNSDI PLSS version for your area. Look in the metadata for the date and version of each file.
3. You will need the "second division" as well as the standard PLSS.
4. Look for "zip" downloads - not everything there is usable data.
5 Avoid at all costs the kml, kmz or xml versions of the data.​

If you are going to be measuring and making local maps for viewing try to use a "square" projection in feet as your project standard. I would suggest epsg:3423 or another similar State Plane projection for your area. There are other choices for different areas.

Clear as mud?

Heavy Pans

It's a great place to start!

Thanks for your time.