IDAHO GEOLOGIC MAP DATA IN A STATEWIDE GEODATABASE

The Idaho Geological Survey has created a statewide geodatabase for storing, managing, and distributing Idaho geologic map data. STATEMAP 2006 partially supported this ground-breaking work. The goal is a complete geologic-map data management and delivery system. In 2006 the Idaho Survey developed a relational map database, designed electronic tools, and developed map-query tools. In 2007 a prototype Internet delivery system for the geodatabase will be developed for the Idaho Survey Web site. Developing an Internet geologic-map delivery system makes the data readily accessible for user applications. Migrating completed geologic mapping data into a geodatabase facilitates the Idaho Survey's compliance with the National Geologic Mapping Database requirements.

Geologic-map data must be stored in a database guided by a geologic map data model. The new Idaho map data model takes full advantage of the ESRI GeoDatabase format. The statewide data model includes over 50 tables linked via more than 60 relationship classes. Data are divided into four groups: feature classes (spatial geologic layers), map unit descriptions, earth material descriptions, and metadata.

The Idaho statewide geodatabase allows several key capabilities: (1) manage and query map units at the statewide level or the 30' x 60' tile level; (2) link all map-unit contacts and geologic faults to their constituent polygons; (3) incorporate most of the science language terms for earth material descriptions that are in the North American Geologic Map Data Model; (4) store information sources for every geologic object; (5) save description data and the online links to the original sources; and (6) track changes to map units.

A single statewide database facilitates management of all geologic map data, metadata, and description data, and provides one place to manage software migrations and updates. Using the ESRI Geodatabase, it is relatively easy to deliver data via web mapping services while maintaining the look and cartographic symbology developed for the statewide database.