THE NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAP DATABASE – YOUR LINK TO GEOSCIENCE INFORMATION
Because of the mandate's broad scope, we use a phased, incremental approach to design the Database. This approach gives us the necessary time to build consensus and expertise among the Database designers in the State geological surveys and the USGS. Furthermore, it helps us to more effectively consider and respond to evolving technology and user needs.
We started by creating a Map Catalog containing bibliographic information on more than 54,000 geoscience map products and a geologic names lexicon (GEOLEX), and we are prototyping an Image Library of geologic maps in MrSID format and a National Paleontology database.
Working with other U.S. and Canadian agencies, we are developing standards for a conceptual data model, lithologic terminology, locational accuracy, and map symbology. These standards will provide the rules under which the online, vector-map database will be developed. We are designing the database through a series of prototypes, iteratively testing the standards and evolving our ideas on database design. All geological surveys in the U.S. will help build and manage this distributed database to effectively provide useful map data with common data formats and lithologic terminology.
The NGMDB also helps to advance the general state of knowledge and expertise in techniques for building digital geologic maps and databases, in part by organizing a series of annual Digital Mapping Techniques workshops. These informal meetings have significantly helped the geoscience community converge on more standardized approaches for digital mapping and GIS analysis. Information and links to the databases are available at http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/ngmdbproject/.