TEXAS STATEMAP PROGRAM

Since the early 1990s, the Texas STATEMAP program has focused on geologic mapping to support improved geologic database development for urban/transportation corridors, critical aquifers, and special areas of environmental concern. Maps have been constructed at 1:24,000 and 1:100,000. Some maps are available in a Geographic Information System (GIS) format. Examples of maps and related information for recently completed and on-going mapping will be presented. Mapping has been conducted in many different areas of the State, although much of the mapping has been within two broad corridors: a) a Central Texas urban/transportation corridor containing parts of seven aquifers, and b) the Texas Gulf Coast corridor. In the Central Texas corridor, current mapping is being done within the transportation corridor (Cretaceous aquifers) south of Fort Worth. Recently completed maps also have been done for areas southeast and north of Austin (Edwards, Carrizo-Wilcox, Queen City, and Sparta aquifers). These maps and related data provide basic geologic framework information to aid in managing water and earth resources, planning land use, identifying aquifer recharge areas, identifying sources of aggregate and other earth resources, and recognizing areas having stratigraphic units and associated soils prone to foundation problems. Other current mapping is being done along the upper Texas Gulf Coast, from Port Arthur to Bolivar. Besides providing base-line and geologic framework data for managing land use, these maps will be used for evaluating historical changes of coastal depositional environments, addressing erosion issues, permitting activities related to resource development, and educating the public.