FACILITATING DATA EXCHANGE THROUGH THE NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAP DATABASE

The USGS and the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) are mandated by Congress to provide a National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) of standardized geoscience information that can be used to address societal issues and improve our base of scientific knowledge. This partnership serves to advance both the goal of building the NGMDB and the need for each geological survey to improve their ability to deliver map information to their users. This collaborative activity also involves the Geological Survey of Canada, universities, and the private sector.

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.

Working with other U.S. and Canadian agencies, we are developing standards for a conceptual data model, lithologic terminology, locational accuracy, map symbology, and data exchange. Without standards such as these, map data cannot readily be shared among agencies, nor can it easily be integrated and analyzed by users. These standards will support a new effort within the NGMDB project, to develop a system for Web access, query, and delivery of vector-based geologic maps created and served by the numerous project partners. As this work develops, it will be described at http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/.