Weaving a National Map : A Review of the U.S. Geological Survey Concept of 'The National Map'

Weaving a National Map draws on contributions to a September 2002 workshop and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) "vision" document for The National Map , envisioned by the USGS as a database providing "public domain core geographic data about the United States and its territories that other agencies can extend, enhance, and reference as they concentrate on maintaining other data that are unique to their needs." The demand for up-to-date information in real time for public welfare and safety informs this need to update an aging paper map series that is, on average, 23 years old. The NRC report describes how The National Map initiative would gain from improved definition so that the unprecedented number of partners needed for success will become energized to participate. The challenges faced by USGS in implementing The National Map are more organizational than technical. To succeed, the USGS will need to continue to learn from challenges encountered in its ongoing pilot studies as well as from other federal-led programs that have partnered with multiple sectors. This report responds to a request by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that the National Research Council (NRC) review its concept of The National Map. The National Map is envisioned by USGS as a database providing "public domain core geographic data about the United States and its territories that other agencies can extend, enhance, and reference as they concentrate on maintaining other data that are unique to their needs" (USGS, 2001). A motivation behind The National Map is the need to update aging national paper map coverage Committee To Review The U.s. Geological Survey Concept Of The National Map, Mapping Science Committee, Board On Earth Sciences And Resources, Division On Earth And Life Studies, National Research Council Of The National Academies. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 81-85). National Academy Of Sciences And The U.s. Geological Survey. 02hqgr0114.