GENERALIZED GEOLOGIC MAPS FOR LAND-USE PLANNING

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.

The Kentucky Geological Survey is completing the digitization of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale geologic maps for the entire state. The digital geologic data, coupled with a geographic information system, provide the foundation for efficient and cost-effective development of maps and Web-based GIS applications to support local land-use planning in Kentucky counties. Generalized geologic maps for land-use planning at scales of 1:48,000 or 1:63,360 are being prepared for each of Kentucky's 120 counties. Fifty-five maps have been completed and 18 maps are in production. The maps can be used by homeowners, developers, policy-makers, and planners. The maps provide information, in nontechnical language, on how underlying rocks affect excavation and foundations; and suitable locations for on-site wastewater treatment systems; solid-waste disposal areas; residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational developments; highway and street development; and pond and reservoir construction. Photographs of sites in the county are used to illustrate local issues. Links to additional information for each county are given. An Internet map land-use planning service at kgsweb.uky.edu/download/geology/landuse/lumaps.htm is part of an online atlas of maps depicting Kentucky's infrastructure, natural resources, recreational facilities, environmental hazards, and other types of information.