The Nebraska Natural Resources Data Bank is like a big library for all things related to Nebraska’s land and water. It's run by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) and has been around since 1969, established by the Nebraska Legislature. The main job of this Data Bank is to gather and organize tons of information from a variety of sources about the state's natural resources and share it with all who might need it.

Why Is the Data Bank Important?

The Data Bank helps people make smart decisions about Nebraska’s resources. Having the right information at the right time allows for better planning and management of the land and water that are so important to Nebraska’s economy and lifestyle.

What Kind of Information Does It Collect?

When the Data Bank first started in the 1970s and 1980s, the focus was water flow, groundwater levels, water quality, and who has rights to use surface water. As technology got better, other types of data were added, like what crops are grown where, how the land is used, soil types, and details about wetlands.

Tech Upgrades and Online Access

In 1989, the Data Bank took a big step by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create detailed and interactive maps. Five years later, in 1994, the first website was launched. This was a game-changer, because it meant people could access all these resources online without needing special accounts.

Turning Data into Useful Tools

The data collected isn’t just numbers; it’s tools that people in Nebraska use every day. For example, there are detailed maps that show the height of the land, which are used for planning for floods or helping farmers and ranchers. They also offer interactive maps that show changes in groundwater levels and track weather conditions and water quality.

Making Things Easier and Faster

The DWEE is always working to improve how the Data Bank operates. Everyone from government workers to researchers to everyday Nebraskans can get the maps and real-time data needed to take care of Nebraska’s land and water well into the future. 

You can find the Data Bank on our website at Data | DWEE NE