The NWI also developed techniques for mapping and recording the inventory findings.
The NWI relies on trained image analysts to identify and classify wetlands and deepwater habitats from aerial imagery.
Eventually, large-scale (1:24K scale) maps became the standard product delivered by NWI.
This standard applies to all federal grants involving wetland mapping to insure the data can be added to the Wetlands Layer of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
NWI also produces national wetlands status and trends reports required by the United States Congress.