Users interacting with applications including the New Mexico Water Data Catalog at the annual New Mexico Water Data Initiative Workshop in October, 2025.
Explore Water Data Using the New Geospatial Search Tool in the Water Data Catalog
The New Mexico Water Data Catalog has new powerful geospatial search capabilities designed to help users find data faster and more intuitively. Visit the user guide to learn how to use the geospatial search tool and explore the videos covering the basic steps for searching the data catalog via the map.
The Water Data Catalog brings together water data from across New Mexico into a single, accessible platform for scientists, policymakers, water managers, communities, and the public.
To make the catalog even more effective, the Water Data Initiative conducted a comprehensive user research effort, including surveys, interviews, and expert reviews. One message came through loud and clear: users want to search for data by location. The research proves that the need for geographic search is significantly the most desired feature.
Water data questions are often tied to specific places, watersheds, aquifers, or communities, but until now, finding datasets geographically has been a challenge. Users said the absence of a working geographic search feature creates significant challenges for (those) who require precise location-based data, such as those focused on water availability, hydrogeology, or regional environmental concerns.
In fact, 86% of users said a geospatial search tool would significantly improve their ability to find relevant data.
We listened.
The new geospatial search tool allows users to explore datasets by location, making it easier than ever to discover and access the information they need.
Try it for yourself by visiting the New Mexico Water Data Catalog and searching for datasets by drawing a bounding box on the map. Visit the user guide if you want more details on how to use the tool.
The geospatial search tool in action.
