DIGITAL INDEXES TO GEOLOGIC MAP SETS

One of the challenges facing users of geologic maps is in locating the correct sheet for the area of interest. Map sets exist at varying scales and it is not uncommon for one's local library to have an incomplete set of geologic maps at a particular scale. In most libraries today, the geologist must visit the library to use the index map for a particular map set in order to determine the sheet required. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the geologist to then find that the library doesn't own the sheet in question. This project describes an experiment in providing remote access to these index maps via the Internet and in enhancing the utility of the library catalog and the index maps for remote users. Digital index maps were created for various geologic map sets, featuring links from each individually represented map sheet on the index to the relevant library catalog record. Methods to represent sheets not owned were also explored. Records for the digital index maps were added to the library catalog and links to the index were added to the library catalog records of the geologic maps and sheets. This cross-linking allows users to access the index map from multiple entry points and facilitates its use. This project provides a solution for the remote user trying to identify a particular map sheet without visiting the library. It also illustrates the potential for sharing digital index maps among libraries worldwide.