THE NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAP DATABASE PROJECT'S ADVENTURES IN MANAGING OLD FOSSILS AND GEOLOGIC NAMES

“I want my data found, and used.” This sentiment is commonly expressed by paleontologists who anticipate that their data and interpretations can be useful for new science and mapping. Because much of this information is contained in their unpublished notes and records, it is critically important to work closely with these scientists to identify the authoritative version of each piece of information, and then to present it on the Web, clearly and in a manner that preserves the author's intent. This can be done by providing scans of the paleontologist's records, supported by simple geographic and text searches. We have begun to do this, as a component of the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB). When this information becomes available, paleontologists and geologic mappers will be able to access the original biostratigraphic data more readily than is possible today, thereby expanding its use and value for science.

GEOLEX, a standard reference for the Nation's stratigraphic nomenclature has been available online since 1998. Over the last few years we focused on redesigning this database and merging it with the NGMDB’s Geoscience Map Catalog, thereby greatly expanding its utility. During this time of apparent hiatus, data has been continuously compiled, and updates will be made later this year. With that update, we’ll begin to provide links to ~250,000 scanned images of the U.S. Geologic Names Committee notes and index card catalogs. These images are being managed as part of the NGMDB’s archive of scanned images, which also includes geologic maps and reports dating back to the 19^th century. In addition to efficiencies gained with a single data management system, this has the important benefit of linking the publication with the unpublished information behind it, thereby providing context and insight.