LAND-USE PLANNING MAPS: SOILS AND GEOLOGY

Continued growth in suburban areas across the United States requires a better understanding of the physical environment in which we live. Taxpayers and homeowners bear the cost of poor development decisions that result from inadequate technical input. "Smart Growth" planning can identify areas of suitable geologic materials, soils, and engineering character for many kinds of land use.

Potential geologic hazards in Kentucky that impact development include sinkhole flooding, sinkhole collapse, environmental issues of karst geology, swelling clays and shales, slope stability and landslide problems, abandoned surface and underground mine areas, flooding, earthquakes, and radon.

The Kentucky Geological Survey is completing the digitization of 7.5-minute geologic quadrangle maps for the entire state. In addition, over 100,000 sinkholes in karst regions of the state have been mapped and digitized. The digital geologic data, coupled with a geographic information system and GIS software (ESRI, Inc.) provide the foundation for efficient and cost-effective development of maps and Web-based GIS applications to support local land-use planning and hazard evaluations in Kentucky counties. The maps can be used by homeowners, developers, policy makers, and planners. The maps provide information, in non-technical language, on how soils and underlying rock affect excavation and foundations, and suitable locations for on-site wastewater treatment systems, residential and industrial developments, highway and street development, and pond and reservoir construction. Photographs of potential geologic hazards in the area are used to illustrate local issues. Links to additional information for an area are given. The Internet map services are part of an online atlas of interactive maps depicting Kentucky's infrastructure, natural resources, recreational facilities, environmental hazards, and other types of information.