TWENTY YEARS OF STATEMAP IN UTAH – ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CHANGES

Few federal programs have been more successful than the STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act (NCGMA). Since 1993, the Utah Geological Survey (UGS), under a cumulative STATEMAP budget of just over $7 million (combined federal/state match), has produced 23 new geologic maps of 30’x60’ quadrangles, GIS databases of 32 quadrangles, and geologic maps of 86 standard 7.5’ quadrangles (including some partial quadrangles). Overall, about 75% of the state has been the focus of new or revised geologic mapping.

In the 1980s geologic mapping was on a decline in most parts of the country. The UGS soon recognized this trend and started its own mapping program, which, with a few strong programs in other state surveys, helped sell the concept of the NCGMA, signed into law in 1992. Many states focus entirely on detailed 1:24,000-scale 7.5’ quadrangle mapping. The Utah Advisory Committee recognized that if we followed this path much of Utah’s vast rural lands, which are rich in energy and mineral resources, high in recreational use, and have many geologic hazards and others concerns, would not have improved mapping for many decades. They established a three-part program of: 1- detailed 7.5’ quadrangle mapping of urban and developing areas with high geologic hazard and engineering concerns, 2- intermediate-detail mapping to cover large tracts of land quickly (30’x60’ quadrangles), and 3- GIS compilation of existing and new maps. Today, their wisdom is recognized. The detailed maps now provide the foundation of derivative 13-element urban geologic hazard portfolios. The intermediate-scale maps and GIS data form the key geologic data resource of land management agencies for over 75% of the state and the foundation of our popular online interactive geologic map. Changes over the two decades include shifting from paper to digital and plot-on-demand maps, adoption of digital field methods and cartography, development of a leading digital photogrammetry system, and development of many online products to distribute these maps. We anticipate continued significant benefits including completion of preliminary statewide intermediate-scale GIS coverage in five years, detailed coverage of most high-concern urban areas in ten years, and development of more online tools to display and distribute map products.