Research Opportunities in Geography at the U.S. Geological Survey (2002) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-12
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From page 1... ...
The Survey then mapped the distribution of likely casualties by splicing social science data with hydrologic data. Using the virtually real-time National Map, the USGS specified efficient mass evacuation routes and provided city maps so complete that they included rivers and streams, as well as water mains and pipes.
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USGS VISION AND MISSION Such a role for the USGS would be a reality if the Survey capitalized on its opportunities. The Survey is undergoing reform, by redefining itself as an organization capable of supplying natural science products that are globally recognized as credible, objective, and relevant to society's needs.
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The USGS's scientific composition geography, geology, hydrology, and biology—is comprised of personnel who operate within a distinctly regional framework in Reston, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; and Menlo Park, California. Yet, with 1,274 government employees, more than 369 contract employees, and an annual budget of about $133 million the Geography Discipline continues primarily as an organization devoted to mapping and imagery
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From page 4... ...
In the Geology Discipline personnel and their clients expect not only outstanding geologic maps but also scientific analysis and explanations of geologic processes. In the Water Discipline members and clients expect accurate data regarding water resources, as well as insightful analysis of surface water and groundwater processes.
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From page 5... ...
The Survey is uniquely suited to provide leadership in GIScience (i.e., the research necessary to develop and sustain investigations into spatial phenomena, including the computer science behind geographic information systems, the physical science behind remote sensing, and the spatial statistics behind geographic analysis. It can also contribute in other primary areas by development of a suite of general geographic applications that focus on naturesociety interactions.
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Even though the fact that the academic field of geography is a significant contributor to the understanding of environmental processes and natural hazards, the Survey does not contribute greatly to the understanding of the vital connection between nature and society through scientific research focused on hazards. Recommendation: The USGS should continue to exercise national leadership in applied hazards research (including natural, technical, and security hazards)
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From page 7... ...
Historic data allow the interpretation of present data, but use of the historic information is restricted by several unsolved problems related to access, processing, and analysis. Recommendation: The USGS should develop projects focused on historic data to address basic geographic research questions related to the accuracy, availability, quality, and scale issues for historical spatial data.
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Without question the digital era has made the paper topographic map series obsolete for many applications, but The National Map will not become a reality with our present level of knowledge about the tools and methods needed to create the product. Recommendation: Given the importance of The National Map to the information economy of the future, and the need for further supportive research to accomplish The National Map, the Geography Discipline's programs~ooperative Topographic Mapping, Land Remote Sensing, and Geographic Analysis and Monitoring—should receive a level of funding commensurate with the task.
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To improve the nation's abilities to deliver a high quality of life and wise decision making, the committee urges the USGS to conduct supporting geographic research at the nature-society interface, in the Critical Zone. The Survey already provides valuable services to its partners and clients by supplying the spatial data they commonly use, but the appropriate role of the Survey in general and the Geography Discipline in particular includes fundamental research.
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From page 10... ...
Recommendation: The USGS should assign high priority and substantial resources to fundamental research directed toward: · improving citizen involvement in decision making for issues related to natural sciences by creating citizen-friendly geographic interfaces with all the Survey's primary spatial datasets; · expanding the utility and application of place-based science by conducting integrative place-specific research in addition to topical research in individual disciplines; and · enhancing the effectiveness of decision-support systems with increased geographic input and more effective map-like products as output. SUMMARY The USGS is reforming and incorporating missions that emphasize its role as one of the nation's most important natural science research agencies.
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From page 11... ...
The investment in such research will change the Geography Discipline, but it will pay enormous dividends for the nation by improving the science done in other disciplines, integrating new knowledge and data generated by the USGS and others, reducing losses from hazards, improving management of natural resources, enhancing the quality of life, and aiding in wise development. A strong Geography Discipline with a productive research component will ensure recognition of the USGS as scientifically credible, objective, and relevant to society's needs.
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