FOUR EXAMPLES OF APPLIED PRODUCTS FROM COMPILED DETAILED PUBLISHED GEOLOGIC MAPS IN KENTUCKY

Since completing the project of statewide digital geologic mapping in 2011, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) has leveraged a unique resource of statewide digital compiled geologic maps to support applications built on geologic map data. Running from 1960-1978, the initial mapping project produced a statewide set of published geologic quadrangle maps at 1:24,000 scale compiled by the USGS Geological Survey and KGS. This unprecedented effort involved over 200 map authors working out of multiple field offices over the 18-year life of the program, which resulted in numerous discontinuities of nomenclature, map-unit definition, grouping/splitting, and edge matching. The resulting statewide dataset was vector-digitized and compiled from 1996 to 2011, with roughly 50 professional and student contributors participating in the project. Efforts were made to resolve some of the discontinuities, but others remain and have been obscured by attribution or symbology to facilitate practical visualization of the data.

Despite being sourced from a single-agency program, the digital geologic map compilation of Kentucky remains with numerous topologic and attribution challenges. Working methodically and thoughtfully to navigate these issues, KGS staff have successfully utilized these data Four key examples represent contributions to geohazards, environmental management, transportation, and geohealth in Kentucky. Using seismic velocity data on file at KGS, a National Earthquake Hazards Research Program seismic soil classification map was developed to support preliminary loss estimation for Kentucky Emergency Management. A database of sinkholes and springs was used in combination with the geologic maps and other relevant variables to compile a karst potential map for the state. County-level highway repair costs were merged with the geologic maps to develop a spatial visualization of highway maintenance costs in the state. A state database of in-home radon tests was analyzed on the geologic maps to develop a radon potential map for Kentucky. Numerous KGS authors have contributed to these efforts and the results have benefited a broad spectrum of KGS stakeholders.