How to use the Arc IMS website

Accessing the IMS website

You can access the IMS website for any of the layers shown below. These links will open an IMS map in a new window so you can view these instructions at the same time as a map. Please note that you can only view each of the following layers at a time. You can not combine these layers through the IMS website. If you would like to combine these layers, please follow the instructions for downloading the data layers from our FTP website.

• Alpine Glaciers
• Bouguer Gravity
• Continental Glaciers
• Montana Faults
• Free Air Gravity Anomaly
• Inner Terrain Correction Zone
• Observed Gravity for Montana
• Outer Terrain Correction Zone
• Phanerozoic Eon rocks of Montana
• Pre-Cambrian Basement rocks
• Pre-Cambrian Belt Supergroup and Igneous rocks of Montana
• Tectonic Features of Montana

When viewing the geophysical data maps, use the toggle between legend and maps tool to view the values for the anomalies.

Related On-Line Geoscience Databases

• EarthChem, through the NAVDAT project, provides a comprehensive geochemical database for Cenozoic magmatism in the western United States.


• The Headwaters Province - Idaho and Montana (more info) website developed by the USGS provides GIS-based Earth science studies in support of public policy.


• The The Yellowstone-Teton Epicenter (more info) from the University of Utah provides GIS-based geologic and geophysical data for these near-by national parks.


• The Montana-Yellowstone Geologic Field Guide Database has cataloged over 50 field guides and road logs in this area. Please visit this sister site.

How do you use the IMS website?

Once you have opened the appropriate IMS window for the data that you want to view, how do you use it?

• Here are two views of what the IMS window looks like.

Example 1: Pre-Cambrian Belt Supergroup and Igneous rocks.

Example 2: Continental Glaciers of Montana.

• The following image will help you to become familiar with the tools that are available.

This figure shows you what each of the identification tools are.

These tools are located on the left side of each IMS website. These tools you will allow you to use the IMS website to its full extent. In order for the identification tool to work you need to have the appropriate layer activated. To determine which layer you want to activate, use the Toggle between legend and layer tool. Once you have determined the correct layer, activate that layer by selecting the layer on the right side of the screen. Once the layer is activated the identification tool can be used to bring up the desired attributes. These will appear at the bottom of the screen.