Weaving a National Map A Review of the U.S. Geological Survey Concept of 'The National Map' (2003) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Pages 7-18
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From page 7... ...
As the second director, John Wesley Powell, acting on advice from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS, 1884) , consolidated national mapping efforts and started work on a 20year mapping program as a "sound framework for scientific study and national resource development." This initially consisted of maps at 1 :250,000 and 1: 125,000 scale, but by 1894 two-thirds of the nation was covered at the more detailed scale of 1:62,500.
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From page 8... ...
At the same time, events such as the September 1l, 2001, terrorist attacks and recent natural disasters have shown that current information in the public domain can save lives and protect public and private property. The demand is great for up-to-date information for public welfare and safety.
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From page 9... ...
The USGS began a digital conversion effort in the ~ 970s, and digital mapping of America is taking place at the local level as literally thousands of separate private, nonprofit, academic, tribal, state, and local organizations build and now maintain their own detailed maps and databases to suit their own needs, often independent of federal mapping efforts. Recognizing this transition, the USGS envisions its role as the national spatial data coordinator, rather than as the central map creator for the next level of the mapping of the nation (USGS, 2001~.
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From page 10... ...
Indeed, it could be said that the USGS National Mapping program's Tong-term survival depends on the success of this potentially invaluable resource, which will enhance the NSDT. The USGS initiative is not alone on the federal side in seeking to build the NSDI.
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From page 11... ...
Data Characteristics National Map layers wall include high-resolution digital orthoimagery; high-resolution elevation and bathymetry; · vector data themes (hydrography, transportation, structures, boundaries of government features and publicly owned lands) ; · geographic names (e.g., physical and cultural features)
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From page 14... ...
Roles of the USGS and Partners In the vision document USGS roles are · guarantor of completeness, consistency, and accuracy; · responsible party for awareness, availability, and utility of the map database; . catalyst and collaborator for creating and stimulating partnerships; · integrator and certifier of data from contributors; · owner and producer of content when no other suitable and verifyiable source exists; · leader in the development and implementation of national spatial data standards (additionally, the USGS will ensure data quality through standards development, by devising and implementing quality assurance procedures, and by promoting process certification criteria for content providers)
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From page 15... ...
will advise on evolving requirements, approaches to maintenance and processing, systems and technology development and implementation, and skill enhancements; federal partners will collaborate with the USGS in data development and maintenance (e.g., Bureau of the Census for roads and boundaries; Department of Agnculture for imagery; Environmental Protection Agency for hydrography and land cover; Federal Emergency Management Agency for elevation; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for bathymetry and geodetic control; National Imagery and Mapping Agency for data needed for national defense) ; · state, tnbal, regional, and local partnerships will be strengthened to bring high-resolution data into The National Map (cooperative agreements will support activities that are mutually beneficial to state or local partners and the USGS)
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From page 16... ...
the proposed data characteristics and recommended methods for providing consistent data for these characteristics over areas of arbitrary geographic size or shape from multiple data holdings whose characteristics will vary among sources; (2) the means described in USGS documents to encourage widespread use of The National Map through low-cost data in the public domain, and still encourage participation in data maintenance by public, private, and nonprofit organizations; and (3)
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From page 17... ...
INTRODUCTION 17 these comments are quoted and attributed accordingly. These statements have been chosen to illustrate particular points or to reflect the consensus of the committee.
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From page 18... ...
20011 but also the concent and ~ _ _ ~ r implications of a national Remaps independently of the US(~S's document. The USGS Vision document has undergone extensive review and public comment, and the committee began its assigned task by reviewing these earlier inputs.
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