DEVELOPMENT OF GEOLOGIC MAP DATABASES AT THE KANSAS GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Since passage of the National Geologic Mapping Act in 1992, the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) project has provided strong impetus for development of digital geologic map data by the Kansas Geological Survey. Activities have focused on four major areas: 1) entries in the online geologic map catalog, 2) development of a lexicon of geologic names in Kansas, 3) data compilation from new field mapping, and 4) data compilation through interpretation of previously published maps. Geologic Map Catalog of the NGMDB now contains 988 citations of maps related to the geology, geologic resources and geologic hazards in Kansas. Of these, there are 240 citations for maps of bedrock or surficial geology. A digital lexicon of geologic names has been developed for Kansas and is currently under review by the Kansas Stratigraphic Nomenclature Committee. Upon completion of the review, the Kansas Lexicon will be integrated with "GEOLEX," the Geologic Names Lexicon of the NGMDB . Production of new geologic maps and associated databases has been completed in ten Kansas counties and is underway in four additional counties with funding through the STATEMAP cooperative program with the USGS. Additional county geologic maps have been developed by the Kansas Geological Survey through its mapping program. Assistance for development of geologic map databases through interpretation of previously published maps has been obtained for three counties through STATEMAP Significant additional support has come from the Kansas Geographic Information Systems Policy Board, a multi-agency board implementing the GIS Initiative of the Kansas Legislature. Demonstration of successful database development in coordination with the NGMDB project was an important step in obtaining funding through this initiative for geologic map database development in 13 counties. The data model for geologic map database development in Kansas has been strongly influenced by the work of the North American Data Model Steering Committee and the NGMDB Project.