Welcome to Orbis

Orbis provides digital mapping solutions for land use investigations and historical forensics. We develop high-quality, needs-focused mapping solutions that clarify, reveal, track changes, persuade, and inform based on client needs.

Orbis create enhanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps that identify and present historical, archaeological, and environmental information. We provide historical and predictive analysis for firms engaged in land use disputes, construction, development, or any ground-disturbing activities.

Our expertise provides visual data support for:

  • Environmental liability assessment
  • Land use history
  • Site planning
  • Property development
  • Cultural resource management
  • Environmental mitigation
  • City planning
  • Project mapping

This composite image combines a portion of a 1776 Debarres Chart of Portland, Maine (originally called Falmouth) with a 2001 aerial photograph. The Debarres Charts are extremely accurate nautical charts made by the British admiralty for the eastern seaboard prior to the American Revolution. Here we can see the difference between Portland's original coastline and the man-made land that is Portland's coastline today.

With enhanced GIS, we zoom in to any point on the map and get a clear idea of where specific types of historical activities and structures used to be in relation to modern day geography.

Incorporating additional layers of information ensure thoroughness when comprehensive due diligence is critical your project.

For instance, the image below shows the Portland Debarres Chart in 3D.

Orbis' historical map inventories track land use through time. The bars represent industrial activity locations from the 18th to 20th centuries based on historical maps and other sources. This information provides the knowledge of potential historical pollution locations. Enhanced GIS enables us to store and display all of the information pertaining to each site, and a 'fly through' feature allows us to see the map from all angles. With these features it is possible to predict where migration paths are likely to occur based on the original coastline and waterways of the Portland peninsula. Determining the environmental fate of chemicals is much easier and more reliable, streamlining site development planning.

Orbis' enhanced GIS solutions help clarify choices and present alternatives for problems that have anything to do with location.

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