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Planimetrics in GIS: Mapping Critical Details with Precision

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • Oct 23
  • 3 min read

Planimetrics is an important component of the mapping process in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which is the foundation for creating accurate maps and subsequently for decision-making. Planimetrics refers to mapping the precise horizontal locations of features or items on the surface of the earth. This planimetric data is important for urban planners, environmentalists, construction, and many other professions.


Planimetrics Mapping
Planimetrics Mapping


What is Planimetrics in GIS?


Planimetrics is the graphical representation of a detailed description of surface features in a map, excluding elevation or topography. Topographic maps have information on elevation and data about the surface, while planimetric maps detail just the horizontal position of features, such as:


  • Buildings and other structures

  • Roads, bridges, and pathways

  • Water features, such as lakes and rivers

  • Utilities and conduit, such as pipelines

  • Property lines and land parcels


By documenting these features in a GIS, a GIS professional can create very detailed and accurate maps that will provide resource management, spatial analysis, and help plan and support development.


The Significance of Planimetric Mapping


  1. Accurate Urban Planning

Planimetric maps offer urban planners the exact position of buildings, roads, and utilities. This ensures that land is utilised appropriately, zoning regulations are adhered to, and infrastructure is developed efficiently.


  1. Efficient Environmental Management

Planimetric data is helpful for environmental scientists who need to assess change in land use, water, or ecosystem resources and to mitigate environmental risks and plan sustainable environmental intervention.


  1. Better Navigation and Transportation Planning

Planimetric maps providing exact locations of streets, highways, and pedestrian pathways can facilitate better traffic management and optimise routes in the transportation planning process.


  1. Disaster Management and Emergency Response

First responders can use the planimetric maps to identify critical infrastructure and route evacuations, as well as respond to natural disasters.


Methods of Planimetric Data Collection


Recent advancements in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) utilise several methods of planimetric data capture with precision:


  • Aerial Photographs and Photogrammetry – Utilising high-resolution photographs, we extract and accurately plot the horizontal position of features.

  • Satellite Imagery – Typically, older, traditional satellite imagery had large-scale coverage, providing opportunities for planimetric mapping of urban, rural, and remote location variations.

  • LiDAR and Drone Survey – cutting-edge tools have also provided a detailed mapping of structures and ground. These include research alternatives such as LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging, as well as aerial UAV drone technology with digital photogrammetry.

  • Field Surveys - the traditional "GPS" based geophysical survey with clear units remains a popular method of collecting accurate data in ground-level practical applications, still today.


Best Practices for Planimetric Mapping in GIS


  1. Ensure Accuracy - obtaining and assuring accuracy of the data we obtain and incorporate is critical; however, it is practised and measured infrequently.

  2. Data Currency - Urban landscapes' new construction or remodels change more frequently than we realise. Implementing and updating data currency for our data is key and better serves individuals if available.

  3. High Resolution Imagery - The greater the resolution, the more detail, and it sets the stage for reducing error documented in the original data.

  4. Integrating Layers - Compiling Layers of Planimetric data as a base layer, with other layers, typically topographic or thematic, further conceptualised the functional use in a spatial relationship.


Planimetrics, within the context of GIS, is critical in capturing the spatial realities of the world accurately. By concentrating on features that are evaluated horizontally, GIS professionals can develop accurate maps that assist and inform places, environment, infrastructure, and emergency management. Investing in the highest quality planimetric mapping will allow for data-driven, precise, and impactful decisions.


For more information or any questions regarding planimetrics, please don't hesitate to contact us at:



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