THE EVOLUTION OF GEOLOGIC MAPPING IN FLORIDA

<span">Geologic mapping is a core function of state geological surveys. The Florida Geological Survey (FGS), which was established in 1907, produced the first statewide surficial geologic map in 1909 at a scale of 1:1,000,000 (Matson et al., 1909). Since the publication of the first statewide geologic map, additional updated versions have been produced and published in 1929, 1945, 1959, 1964 and most recently in 2001. Each surficial geologic map produced between 1909 and 2001 contained additional data that were generally collected by field geologists who worked newly acquired cores and cuttings and observed the limited number of outcrops and exposures in Florida. The way geologists collect, analyze and synthesize large quantities of geologic data has drastically changed since the first geologic map was created at the FGS. With these changes come inherent challenges including storage and management of large digital datasets, identification and conversion of non-digital “legacy” data to digital form, and serving digital data to end users.STATEMAP, one component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, has provided funding, through the USGS, for surficial geologic mapping in Florida since 1994. To date, the FGS STATEMAP program has completed surficial geologic mapping for about 45% of the state. The FGS has recently focused more staff and resources on both surficial and three-dimensional geologic mapping with the goal of updating the statewide surficial geologic map of Florida by 2029. The newly created Florida Geologic Mapping Program (FLAGMAP) and the FGS STATEMAP program will work together in innovative and strategic ways to maximize surficial geologic mapping efforts. New techniques and focus will be added to ensure data are accessible in all formats for end users by collecting and consolidating geologic data from previous STATEMAP projects, converting those data and other legacy geologic data to more usable digital formats, and mapping more area than can be funded by STATEMAP alone.