Cover: A portion of the geologic map of the Vidal and Parker 

SW quadrangles near the California-Arizona State border (U.S. 

Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigation Map 1-1125, by 

W.J. Carr and D. D. Dickey, 1980, scale 1 :24,000). The superimposed cross section shows the geologists' interpretation of the 

geologic formations up to 2,000 feet below the ground surface 

along the line just above the cross section. The cross section was 

drawn by using measurements made on the surface as part of the 

geologic mapping, augmented by the geologists' broad training 

and experience. 
National 

Geologic Mapping 

Program 

Goals, Obiectives, and Long-Range Plans 

By U.S. Geological Survey 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 1020 

1987 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

DONALD PAUL HODEL, Secretary 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

Dallas L. Peck, Director 

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1987 

Free on application to the Books and Open-File Reports Section, 

U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, 

Box 25425, Denver, CO 80225 

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data 

National Geologic Mapping Program. 

(U.S. Geological Survey circular; 1020) 

Bibliography: p. 

Supt. of Docs. no.: I 19.4/2:1020 

1. National Geologic Mapping Program (U.S.) 2. Geological 

mapping-United States. I. Geological Survey (U.S.) II. 

Series. 

QE36.N37 1987 912'.155'0973 87-600046 
CONTENTS 

Summary 1 

Introduction 2 

The role of geologic maps in science and society 4 

Basic earth-science research 4 

Scientific uses outside basic earth-science research 5 

Mineral and energy resource exploration 7 

Water resources 7 

Hazards investigations 7 

Land use planning 8 

Military applications 8 

Status of geologic map coverage 8 

Tabulating published geologic maps 8 

How much of the Nation has been mapped? 8 

The decline in geologic mapping 9 

Current geologic mapping 10 

Federal geologic mapping 10 

State geological surveys 13 

Joint Federal-State mapping 14 

Universities, private industry, and geologic mapping 14 

Assessment of current and future geologic map needs 14 

National Research Council survey 14 

A national perspective on the need for geologic maps 17 

Examples of areas where geologic mapping is needed 17 

Geologic hazards 17 

Mineral resources 19 

Energy resources 19 

Needs for change 20 

Application of new technology to mapping and map publication 20 

From field mapping to publication 23 

Development of digital capability 23 

Approach 23 

A long-range plan for a National Geologic Mapping Program 25 

Roles of participants in a National Geologic Mapping Program 26 

Resources for conducting a National Geologic Mapping Program 26 

Proposed National Geologic Mapping Program 27 

FIGURES 

1. Chart showing use of geologic maps 5 

2. Map showing original configuration of the western boundary of the North 

American continent 6 

3. Bar graph showing number of square miles mapped by geologists during 

each of the last five decades 9 

4. Graph showing number of maps published in U.S. Geological Survey 

Geologic Quadrangle series between 1972 and 1984 9 

Contents Ill 
5. Maps showing the evolution of bedrock geologic mapping in the Big Horn 

Mountains, west-central Arizona 11 

6, 7. Bar graphs showing: 

6. Relative need for different types of geoscience maps 15 

7. Sources of geologic maps used in the United States 15 

8-11. Maps showing: 

TABLE 

8. Physiographic provinces in the United States used in National 

Research Council questionnaire 16 

9. Regions of the United States most in need of geologic mapping for 

hazards research 18 

10. Regions of the United States most in need of geologic mapping for 

mineral resource research 21 

11. Regions of the United States most in need of geologic mapping for 

energy resource research 22 

1. Uses of geologic map information 6 

IV Contents 
National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, 

Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 

By U.S. Geological Survey 

SUMMARY 

• Geologic maps are the primary data source for nearly all pure and applied 

earth-science research. 

• For at least 40 years, the need for geologic maps has steadily increased, as 

have their uses. 

• During the second half of this 40-year period, production of geologic maps has 

steadily decreased. 

• Current geologic mapping in the United States, from all sources, is inadequate 

to meet current needs. 

• The U.S. Geological Survey plans to increase the quantity and versatility of 

geologic maps to meet national needs. The plan consists of four elements: 

1. Reorganize and expand U.S. Geological Survey geologic mapping 

efforts. 

2. Expand the State-Federal Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program 

(COGEOMAP). 

3. Initiate a program of grants to universities and other external organizations or individuals. 

4. Introduce new technology into map preparation and publication. 

Summary 1 
INTRODUCTION 

Geologic maps are the primary data source for 

nearly all pure and applied earth-science research. Scientists, planners, exploration geologists, and engineers use 

not only the products of this map-dependent research but 

also the geologic maps themselves to address nearly every 

type of earth-science problem of concern to Federal, State, 

and local governments and to the private sector. 

The number of uses to which geologic maps are put 

has increased markedly during the last three or four 

decades, as the number of earth-science-related problems 

has risen. Great strides have been made toward understanding many of these problems, which include geologic 

hazards, land use issues, waste disposal, and energy and 

mineral resource assessments. However, new and more 

precise information on these issues is needed. The accuracy and speed with which this information can be furnished to users are tied directly to the accuracy and 

availability of modern geologic maps. 

... most of the country has not yet 

been mapped at ... scales required 

by most users of geologic maps ... 

The Geologic Division of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the State geological surveys conduct most 

of the geologic mapping done in the United States today; 

supplemental mapping is carried out by geologists in 

various universities across the country and by private 

industry. Although the efforts of these groups over the 

years have resulted in fairly complete coverage of the 

Nation by small-scale geologic maps (which cover large 

areas but lack detail), most of the country has not yet been 

mapped at the intermediate or large scales required by 

most users of geologic maps. 

Geologic maps have been produced at steadily 

declining rates for the past two decades, even while the 

need for them has been increasing. The chief reason for 

this decline is that mappers have deferred to the demands 

brought on by earth-science crises, such as energy shortages, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Research 

directed at these and other demands is vital to the national 

welfare but requires that money and manpower be used 

for activities other than geologic mapping. Over the past 

decade or two, these demands have increased, and the 

trend is likely to continue. In addition, over the same 

period, major scientific breakthroughs have caused geologists to shift their emphasis from field mapping research 

to theoretical and laboratory research. 

Exacerbating this shift away from geologic mapping 

is the fact that some older maps are becoming obsolete. 

New scientific concepts such as plate tectonics require 

fundamental reinterpretations of data, and computerized 

integration of geophysical, geochemical, and isotopic 

information increases the breadth of information that can 

be brought to bear on a particular area. Expanded 

geologic mapping activities and modernized procedures 

are needed to fill the widening gap between increased user 

needs and current map production. 

In 1983, the National Research Council of the 

National Academy of Sciences conducted a nationwide 

survey of earth-science information users to determine 

their present and future needs for all types of geoscience 

maps. The majority of respondents indicated that their 

greatest need was for detailed geologic maps. The National 

Academy of Sciences Committee Advisory to the USGS, 

in a 1986 report based on a detailed review of geologic 

mapping activities in the USGS, strongly recommended 

that geologic mapping within the USGS be increased and 

organized under a coordinated National Geologic Mapping Program . 

... report ... strongly recommended 

that geologic mapping within 

the USGS be increased and 

organized under a coordinated 

National Geologic Mapping 

Program. 

Large-scale geologic mapping entails meticulous exami- ~ 

nation of all rock types in the area being mapped. Measurements of geologic structures and observations of rock 

properties, both typical and unusual, are recorded in the 

field in notes and on the map itself. Samples for chemical, 

isotopic, paleontologic, or microscopic analysis are collected and their exact locations recorded on the map. 

Hundreds of geologic observations, interpretations, and 

decisions are made in a single day of field mapping. 

Because of this detail, any given area receives a more 

comprehensive geologic examination during large-scale 

geologic mapping than it does under any other type of 

geologic investigation. Typically, the field geologist compiles and reviews his or her mapping and observations 

each evening, labels and catalogues all samples collected, and plans the following day's mapping accordingly. New discoveries often necessitate remapping areas 

covered only days before. When the map is complete, it is 

compiled and redrafted in the office and, along with the 

field notes, forms the basis for reports of both the general 

geologic framework and the specific aspects of the geology of the area. Normally, each month of fieldwork results 

in about 3 months of laboratory studies, compilation, and 

report writing. 

2 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
lntroductlo · n 3 
In response to these recommendations, the USGS is 

working to establish a vigorous National Geologic Mapping Program along the lines described in this circular. 

Intended to revitalize the primary geologic map data base 

and to supply mission-related research with basic data, the 

proposed national program will (1) increase new geologic 

mapping, (2) coordinate increased Federal, State, and 

university mapping activities, and (3) augment development of new mapping and publication technologies. 

THE ROLE OF GEOLOGIC MAPS IN 

SCIENCE AND SOCIETY 

Most of the easily found mineral and energy 

resources in the United States have been depleted, and 

much of the accessible land near major cities has been 

developed. Increasingly, we must turn to science and 

technology to find subtle, often hidden mineral and energy 

deposits as well as to safely utilize land that has some type 

of geologic hazard associated with it. 

... Geologic maps are the starting 

point and primary data source for 

most earth-science projects ... 

As societal needs for earth-science data change (for 

instance, needs are currently changing in response to an 

increasingly service-based economy), a large and multifaceted data base provides the best means for fast and 

informed responses to that change. General-purpose geologic maps and geophysical studies are among the most 

broadly based data forms in the earth sciences and can 

provide the data base needed for intelligent response to 

rapidly shifting societal needs. 

Mineral and energy resources fluctuate in value on 

a short cycle (such as a decade) but, over the long term, 

become increasingly expensive as they become scarcer and 

harder to find. Land values and the cost and sophistication 

of new facilities have risen to levels never dreamed possible 

even 30 years ago. Many facilities, such as powerplants, 

hospitals, large office buildings, schools, scientific installations, waste repositories, military installations, and 

major pipelines are so expensive to build and so sensitive 

to any type of land movement or disturbance that intensive 

geologic studies before construction are mandatory to 

ensure their safe usage. 

Because of these natural and societal factors, earth 

sciences now play a more important role in our lives than 

ever before. Correspondingly, the demand for basic, 

detailed, and often site-specific geologic information has 

increased. The primary source of this information is 

geologic maps. 

... probably in excess of five 

million geoscience maps are 

used annually in the United 

States. 

The expanded usage of geologic data was underscored by the results of the 1983 National Research 

Council survey. The geoscience map users sampled estimated that they used more than 150,000 maps annually. 

Extrapolating that number of maps to the estimated total 

number of map users indicates that probably in excess of 

five million geoscience maps are used annually in the 

United States. 

Geologic maps and associated subsurface and geochemical studies are the starting point and primary data 

source for most earth-science projects, whether they are 

pure research or the application of established principles 

to a practical problem (fig. 1, table 1). Watet; mineral, and 

energy resource exploration and assessment are particularly dependent on geologic maps. Earthquake, volcanic, 

and landslide hazard studies also use such maps extensively, as do land use planning studies. Large-scale 

(detailed) geologic maps are the chief information source 

for compiling smaller scale regional, county, and State 

geologic maps. They are also the primary data source for 

regional framework compilations and syntheses and show 

where to find specific rock types, minerals, or fossils for 

topical research studies. 

The roles that geologic maps play in several different 

categories of basic and applied research include but are 

not limited to the examples given in the following sections. 

Basic Earth-Science Research 

Geologic mapping and subsurface information provide fundamental geologic information for nearly all fields 

of basic earth-science research. 

Geologic terranes.- Geologic mapping revealed that 

the geology of large regions in western North America was 

totally unrelated to the geology found in adjacent regions. 

This mapping formed the basis for the paleontologic and 

paleomagnetic studies that, supported by further geologic 

mapping, determined that the rocks in many of these 

adjacent but geologically dissimilar regions (subsequently 

called terranes) originated at widely separated places on 

4 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
Nonmetallic 

construction materials 

Resource exploration 

and assessment Energy 

resources 

Volcanic hazards 

research and mitigation 

Figura 1. Use of geologic maps. Geologic maps are the basic data source for almost every type of study involving the earth 

sciences. Many of these studies provide data that eventually lead to improved or revised geologic maps and thereby upgrade 

the original data base. 

the Earth. The revolutionary concept developed from these 

findings explained how continents grow by adding fragments of preexisting terranes (fig. 2). 

Active faults. -Basic research on active faults uses 

geologic maps to (1) locate the faults best suited for study, 

(2) establish the relative ages of faults, and, most important, (3) facilitate interpretation of the faulting process in a 

regional geologic framework. 

Mineral-forming processes. -Studies of mineralforming processes use geologic maps to (1) locate areas 

containing rocks associated with a specific type of mineral, 

(2) determine the extent and age of the rocks associated 

with the mineral-forming processes, (3) determine the 

extent of associated rock alteration typically found with 

concentrations of some types of minerals, and ( 4) place the 

study in a regional geologic framework. 

Seaimentary basins.-Basic studies of sediments and 

the basins in which they form, which bear heavily on oil 

and gas exploration, use geologic maps to (1) define the 

extent of sedimentary formations or basins, (2) determine 

the location, distribution, and thickness of formations, (3) 

determine changes in sediment composition in the basin, 

( 4) determine the structure and distortion of the basin to 

find its original shape and extent, and (5) place the 

formation or basin in a regional geologic framework to 

interpret its history and origin. 

Scientific Uses Outside Basic Earth-Science 

Research 

The areal distribution, composition, and age relationships of rock and sediment shown on geologic maps 

and their subsurface distribution provide information fundamental to a wide range of research related only peripherally to the earth sciences. This research addresses a 

variety of problems such as those discussed below. 

Acid min.-The character and composition of bedrock and surficial materials are basic factors to be monitored in assessing the effect of acid rain on the purity of 

ground and surface waters within any drainage basin. 

Geochemical balances cannot be determined without 

detailed knowledge of the types and distribution of rocks 

shown on a geologic map. 

Climate change.-The distribution of young coastal 

deposits is the primary evidence that climatic changes have 

altered shoreline positions during the last few million 

years. These deposits and the patterns of shoreline change 

The Role of Geologic Maps in Science and Society 5 
Table 1. Uses of geologic map information 

[- -, minor importance; --, major importance] 

Application 1900 1940 1980 

Resource exploration and assessment 

Metallic ores: Precious metals 

Base metals 

Strategic minerals 

Uranium 

Nonmetallics: Construction material 

Phosphate and potash 

fertilizers. Energy resources: Oil and gas 

Coal 

Nuclear reactor siting 

Geothermal 

Oil shale 

Peat 

----- - ---

Land use and planning 

Subsurface repositories, excavations: 

Gas storage 

Oil storage 

Underground quarries, 

warehouses. 

Pumped hydroelectric 

peak storage. 

Thermal energy storage 

Large-diameter accelerators. Waste disposal: 

Deep well injection - - --- Locating landfills - - -- Nuclear waste 

Toxic waste 

Water resources: Aquifer systems - - - - - - --- Modeling ground water - - ---

Contaminated ground 

water. Military applications: Nuclear weapons testing - ---

Underw.ound command 

facilities. 

Missile silos 

Natural hazards 

Seismic hazards: 

Active faults 

Seismic ground response 

Volcanic hazards: 

Eruptive histories 

Ash fall patterns and 

thickness. 

Mudflow potential 

Ground failure, construction: 

Dams, highways, tunnels 

Sinkholes and karst 

Subsidence areas, swelling 

clays. 

Landslide potential 

Future 

Figure 2. Original configuration of the western boundary of 

the North American continent (edge of the patterned area) 

illustrating how much land area has been gained by accreted 

terranes. The five dark-gray areas indicate the locations of 

several terranes that once formed a single microcontinent but 

were fragmented during the process that attracted them to 

North America. The white area is made up of many larger and 

smaller accreted terranes. 

are tools for predicting future changes associated with a 

continuing sea-level rise through the end of this century. 

Desertification.- The growing Earthwide problem of 

desertification could be better understood and mitigated, 

in places, by more complete geologic analysis, beginning 

6 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
with surficial geologic mapping. The size, composition, 

and stability of materials at the Earth's surface, in combination with topography and weather, influence the fertility 

and productivity of the land; the geology and water 

resources of an area are major factors in making agricultural land use decisions. 

Mineral and Energy Resource Exploration 

Geologic maps are used in a variety of ways by the 

mineral and energy exploration industries, depending on 

the commodity sought and the stage at which maps are 

needed in a particular exploration program. 

An exploration team seeking a metal or mineral will 

first locate large areas of rock normally associated with 

the commodity sought by studying published small-scale 

geologic maps covering large regions. After selecting a 

target area, exploration geologists turn to medium- and 

large-scale geologic maps to identify specific areas where 

the rock types that they seek coincide with other features 

that may control ore localization. The larger scale maps 

provide details of these features, including distribution of 

the rock types, ages of the rocks, and descriptions of 

faults, folds, and other structures. The relationship of a 

discovered ore deposit to the local and regional geologic 

framework provided by geologic maps affords a basis for 

predictive models for future exploration programs. 

Oil and gas are generated from and commonly 

accumulated in sedimentary rocks; thus, successful exploration requires knowledge of geologic structures, distributions of specific types and ages of sedimentary rock, and 

lateral variations in such rocks. Geologic maps and the 

explanation accompanying them contain all or most of this 

information. Used in combination with geophysical subsurface information, geologic maps have provided the 

basis for discovery of many oil fields throughout the world. 

In southwestern Wyoming and adjacent Utah and Idaho, 

for example, geologic mapping by the USGS established a 

regional stratigraphic and structural framework, including 

faults and folds that formed potential traps for oil and gas. 

Geologic conditions were specifically recommended as 

drilling targets in USGS publications as early as 1975. This 

geologic framework, augmented by advanced seismic profiling and computerized data processing for studying the 

subsurface, formed the basis for exploration that, in the 

past 8 years, has located 26 new oil and (or) gas fields that 

will ultimately produce an estimated 3.2 billion barrels of 

oil and 16.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. 

Water Resources 

Many of the same techniques used in oil and gas 

exploration are used in water resource studies. These 

studies make extensive use of geologic maps and subsurface studies to (1) locate and delineate the extent and 

depth of aquifers, (2) identify areas of natural recharge for 

protection against contamination, (3) locate sites for the 

most effective artificial recharge, and ( 4) provide the 

framework to develop models for ground-water flow under 

natural and pumped conditions. 

The three-dimensional configuration of rock units is 

one of the features that make geologic maps extremely 

useful in water resource studies. In turn, as the subsurface characteristics of an area become better known 

through the drilling of water wells and geophysical studies, 

three-dimensional aspects of the geologic map can be 

refined. 

Many parts of the Northern United States, particularly the populous Northeast, obtain much of their water 

from young unconsolidated sediments. In these regions, 

hydrologists make extensive use of geologic maps showing 

surficial materials as well as of general-purpose geologic 

maps; both map types depict these deposits in detail. 

Hazards Investigations 

Geologic mapping provides basic information to 

hazards investigations in a number of specific ways. 

Potentially active faults.- Identifying potentially active 

faults is essential for land use planning and for understanding the causes of earthquakes. The fault on which the 

disastrous 1971 San Fernando, Calif., earthquake occurred 

could have been identified before the earthquake if modern large-scale geologic mapping had been available for 

that area. The worst damage and loss of life occurred 

along this previously unidentified fault. Once faults are 

identified by geologic mapping, such high-risk areas can 

be zoned by local governments to mitigate earthquake 

risks. 

Earthquake prediction and investigation. -Geologic 

maps contain information used in the development of 

earthquake prediction systems, which depend on understanding the causes of earthquakes. For example, the maps 

are needed to select optimum sites for deploying instruments that gather information required for predicting 

earthquakes. Geologic mapping is also providing a foundation for multidisciplinary earthquake investigations in 

many areas, including the New Madrid seismic zone in the 

Central Mississippi Valley, the site of three extremely 

powerful earthquakes in 1811 and 1812. Although not the 

severest with respect to the amount of energy released, 

these earthquakes were the most widely felt in the history 

of the United States. 

Volcanic eruptions. -Studies directed at understanding the causes, mechanisms, and frequency of volcanic 

eruptions are most effectively interpreted within the context of the regional geologic framework as derived from 

geologic maps. Studies on Mount St. Helens and of the 

The Role of Geologic Maps in Science and Society 7 
potentially catastrophic Long Valley caldera in California, 

for example, can be applied to other areas in relation to 

the local geologic framework. Geologic mapping also is 

used to identify areas most susceptible to mudflows, lava, 

and pyroclastic flows related to volcanic processes. Basaltic 

lava flows from the East Rift of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii 

and pyroclastic flows from Augustine Volcano in Alaska, 

for instance, were monitored in 1986. Careful geologic 

mapping of these areas might have led to more accurate 

predictions of the times and places of their eruptions. 

Landslides and sinkholes.-Landslides and sinkholes, although not always as newsworthy as earthquakes, 

are as destructive of life and property and affect many 

parts of the Nation. These hazards result from various 

combinations of geologic factors, many of which can be 

identified from large-scale geologic maps. 

Land Use Planning 

Information derived from geologic maps is used by 

land use planners and civil engineers in Federal, State, and 

local government agencies and in the private sector. Land 

use decisions, which include locating highways, dams, 

quarries, water-supply wells, electric utilities, sanitary landfills, toxic waste dumps, shopping centers, industrial sites, 

and vacation and residential developments, need to be 

made with an understanding of the natural geologic setting, the hazards and (or) resource tradeoffs, and the 

possible benefits or problems that will result from such 

developments. 

Industrial and constrnction resources. -Land use 

planners use geologic map information to locate industrial 

and construction resources such as sand, gravel, crushed 

rock, and cement, all of which are large-volume materials 

involving major transportation costs. Accurately locating 

these construction materials can save industry and governments hundreds of millions of dollars a year as well as 

stimulate industrial development in areas for which adequate geologic information is available. 

Mineral resources.-Mineral resource assessments 

of public lands begin with preparing or compiling a 

geologic map. Millions of dollars have been spent on 

mineral resource assessments of proposed wilderness 

areas over the past two decades, much of it for preparing 

geologic maps, because none existed for these areas. 

Environmental impact.-Much of the earth-science 

information needed for environmental impact statements 

is taken directly from geologic maps, whether assessments 

are required for the proposed subdivision of an area for 

residential purposes or for the construction of a gas 

pipeline across thousands of miles of geologically diverse 

terrane. 

Waste disposal.-Identifying sites for safe disposal 

of urban wastes and refuse, industrial and toxic wastes, 

and low- and high-level nuclear wastes requires careful 

examination of geologic maps and integration of the 

information that they contain. The recent Department of 

Energy study of all crystalline rock bodies in the Eastern 

United States as potential high-level nuclear waste repository sites revealed major gaps and inconsistencies in the 

existing geologic map data base. 

Military Applications 

Geologic maps have important applications to military needs. Locating missile guidance systems requires 

exact knowledge of geologic and geophysical characteristics, especially near the launch site. Planning underground 

installations and testing facilities requires detailed geologic 

data. A recent example of geologic map use in a defenserelated project is the weapons testing program at the 

Nevada Test Site, where accurate geologic maps were 

essential to ensure containment against venting to the 

atmosphere during underground tests of nuclear weapons. 

STATUS OF GEOLOGIC MAP COVERAGE 

Tabulating Published Geologic Maps 

Accurate knowledge of where geologic mapping has 

been done is necessary to evaluate map needs and to 

effectively plan short- and long-term geologic mapping 

efforts. The USGS maintains a State-by-State index to 

geologic mapping, which in the past has been updated and 

published on about a 5- to 10-year cycle. This index is 

currently being converted to a system that can be maintained on microcomputers. The conversion will allow all 

new geologic mapping to be entered into the records 

annually, and the indexes will be made available to users in 

digital format. Input will be requested from State and 

university sources and will include solicitations in geologic 

news publications. 

How Much of the Nation Has Been Mapped? 

How much of the Nation has been mapped depends 

on the mapping scale. Much of the United States has been 

covered at small scales, but mapping at the more detailed 

intermediate to large scales required by most geologic 

map users still is largely incomplete for most of the 

country. The present geologic map coverage of the United 

States varies from 100 percent for the smallest scale 

(1:2,500,000) to about 11 percent for the largest scale 

(1:24,000 or larger). Combining all the areas shown in 

8 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
400,000 

0 

w 

300,000 = :e 

w 

~ 

200,000 cC 

::::) 

0 

0 

100,000 

1940's 1950's 1980's 1970's 1980's 

1980's projected based on 1981-1985 

Figure 3. Number of square miles mapped by geologists 

during each of the last five decades. Only maps at scales of 

~ mile to the inch or larger, by far the most widely used, are 

mcluded. Although map production increased from the 

1940's to the 1960's, the decline since then has resulted in a 

production rate that is now lower than it was in the 1940's. 

The 1980's bar is a projection based on data for 1980 through 

1985. 

figure 3 indicates that, since 1940, approximately onethird of the Nation has been covered at scales of 1 mile to 

the inch (1:62,500) and larger. The bar graphs, which 

represent mapping by the USGS, State geological surveys, 

and university geologists, indicate the progress made by 

the geologic community in the last 45 years. fur comparison, many of the "developed" countries are far more 

advanced in their national mapping programs; Great Britain, for example, has 100 percent coverage at 1:25,000 

scale, and the Soviet Union is projected to have 100 

percent coverage at 1:50,000 scale by the mid-1990's. 

The Decline in Geologic Mapping 

In addition to showing the total amount of maps 

published in the last 45 years, figure 3 also indicates a 

pronounced decline in geologic mapping over the past 20 

years. Within the USGS, this decline is reflected to varying 

degrees in all types of map publications. The USGS issues 

geologic maps in several publication series, from the 

highest quality color maps in the Geologic Quadrangle 

(GQ) and Miscellaneous Investigation series to handdrafted black-and-white maps in the least formal type of 

release, the Open-File Report. In addition, geologic maps 

are published in the Miscellaneous Field Studies series 

and as plates accompanying Professional Paper and Bulletin book reports. Geologic maps at all scales and specialpurpose geologic maps are published in all but the GO 

series, which includes only standard USGS topographic 

scales. 

G) 

-

C')"'C 

c cu ~.c "'00 

ca:: 

::l.C 0;::, c. 

(.) 

·-me. 0 

oca oE 

4) 

(!) 

'to 

'-

G) 

.c 

E 

::J 

z 

110 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

,, •

I \ 

I \ 

I \ 

I \ I(' #'Oo I \ / 

\ / Numb-:r of .,., GQ maps 

Last year 

of the 

Kentucky 

project 

exclusive of 

Kentucky 

o--..___..__...__L-----J~---J 

1972 74 76 78 80 82 84 

Year of publication 

Figure 4. Number of maps published in the U.S. Geological Survey's Geologic Quadrangle series between 1972 and 

1984. Geologic maps are also shown exclusive of those 

produced under the USGS-Kentucky cooperative project, 

because the Kentucky project was of finite length, separate 

from all other USGS mapping efforts, and represents a 

period of anomalously high map production. 

The decline in geologic maps published annually in 

the GO series during the past decade is dramatic and well 

documented (fig. 4). With slight variations, this trend is 

also apparent in other USGS map series. The decline 

appears to have occurred not only within the USGS but 

also in every segment of the geologic community that 

produces geologic maps. 

The reasons for the decline are complex and vary 

from organization to organization, but most have similar 

underlying causes. Probably most important, the obligation of the earth-science community to respond to societal 

problems has far outstripped its ability to do so. In 

response to these problems, research activities within the 

USGS changed markedly in the last two decades. Two 

programs based on using large-scale geologic mapping to 

Status of Geologic Map Coverage 9 
develop a comprehensive geologic data base splintered to 

the present 20 programs as a result of the increasing cost 

of scientific investigations in fields dependent on rapidly 

developing instrumentation, plus a series of earth-sciencerelated concerns and crises. The Alaska and San Fernando earthquakes, the oil embargo of 1973, concern over 

nuclear powerplant siting, the need to assess proposed 

wilderness areas, the eruption of Mount St. Helens, and 

land use problems associated with a technologically and 

numerically expanding population all drew heavily on the 

manpower and research dollars available to the earthscience community. All of these problems emphasized the 

importance of the earth sciences in maintaining an adequate level of energy and mineral resources and avoiding 

natural hazards. New programs established to address 

these high-priority issues changed the focus of research to 

those aspects of the earth sciences that related directly to 

the goals of specific programs. The previous goaldevelopment of a comprehensive geologic data basediminished in importance in the face of the need to 

directly apply studies to specific national earth-science 

problems. Ironically, it was the foundation of the previously 

developed general geologic map data base that allowed 

rapid response to these problems through special-purpose 

mapping. Howevet; the decline in the amount of new basic 

information being added to that data base is impairing our 

current ability to respond to new problems. 

In addition to the decline in geologic mapping, the 

obsolescence of many older maps or of maps done at 

small scales has exacerbated the erosion of the geologic 

map data base. The usefulness and longevity of a geologic 

map are greatly influenced by the state of geologic knowledge at the time when that map is made, the scale at which 

mapping is done, and the time available to do the mapping. Three geologic maps of an area in west -central 

Arizona, made over a period of 62 years, illustrate this 

point (fig. 5). The 1924 map was made in a relatively short 

time and published at a scale of 1:500,000. Although the 

1969 map was published at the same scale, it reflects an 

increase in the general state of geologic mapping and also 

was compiled from a larger scale map, which the geologist 

had more time to make. The 1986 version, originally 

mapped at a scale of 1 :24,000 but generalized for the new 

1 :500,000-scale State map (shown in fig. 5), reflects a 

large increase in general geologic knowledge. The original 

map, at 1:24,000 scale, is detailed enough to be used for 

almost any purpose for which a geologic map is needed. 

CURRENT GEOLOGIC MAPPING 

Geologic mapping conducted by the Geologic Division of the USGS and by State geological surveys constitutes most of the geologic mapping done in the United 

States today. Supplementing the government mapping is 

mapping by geologists in universities across the country. 

Geologic and geophysical mapping done for mining and 

petroleum companies is usually proprietary and only 

occasionally is made available to the public. Despite these 

wide-ranging mapping activities, a national geologic mapping program in a formal, institutional sense does not 

exist. 

Federal Geologic Mapping 

Almost all geologic mapping done by Federal agencies is done by the USGS. The largest single geologic 

mapping element of the USGS is performed under the 

Geologic Framework and Synthesis ( GFS) Program. Geologic mapping is also a necessary part of other geologic 

research programs carried out by the USGS (for example, 

hazards, minerals, and energy programs). Whereas many 

... acquisition of baseline earthscience information ... provides 

the foundation not only for 

present and future mission 

activities but also for the 

geological sciences overall. 

of the maps produced by these research programs are 

highly specialized, focused on a specific aspect of geology 

rather than covering all aspects of the geologic framework, 

Figure 5. Evolution of bedrock geologic mapping in the ~ 

Big Horn Mountains, west-central Arizona. The three 

maps cover exactly the same area. The 1924 and 1969 

maps were published at a scale of 1:500,000 (1 mile is 

about Vs inch on the map) and were both based on 

reconnaissance geologic mapping. The third map was 

produced under a Federal-State Cooperative Geologic 

Mapping (COGEOMAP) project with the State of Arizona, 

originally at a scale of 1 :24,000 (1 mile equals about 2% 

inches on the map). Recompiled for a planned new State 

geologic map, the 1986 map depicts the same area at the 

same scale as the previous two maps. The increased 

complexity of the maps over time is the result of careful 

detailed geologic mapping, building on previous work 

and using new concepts. The latest version will be of 

greater value to users of the State geologic map because 

it more accurately portrays geologic relationships. This 

type of geologic map evaluation is particularly striking in 

many Western States and Alaska, where large areas have 

never been mapped in detail. (Illustration courtesy of 

Geological Survey Branch, Arizona Bureau of Geology 

and Mineral Technology.) 

10 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
t 

N 

I 

@) 

0 1924 State map 

t 

N ~ 

I 

("') 

~ 

;; 

a 

" (D 

0 

0 

co 

c;· I ' 0 ' ... :;::: COGEOMAP ... 

"0 

"0 

5" 

co 

t 

N 

I 

0 ' ... 1969 State map 

~ SURFICIAL DEPOSITS (Quclerncry end late Tertiary) 

tliiml 

[2] 

~ 

~ 

~ 

~ 

~ . 

+ 

~ 

BASALT (middle Miocene; shown as Quaternary on 1924 mop end Quaternary-Tertiary on 1969 mop) 

CONGLOMERATE AND SEDIMENTARY BRECCIA (middle Miocene) 

VOLCANIC ROCKS (early to middle Miocene; shown os Tertiary -Cretaceous on 1924 

mop end Cretaceous on 1969 mop) 

GRANITE (early Miocene) 

GRANITE (Late Cretaceous) 

GRANITE (Precambrian) 

METAMORPHIC ROCKS (Precambrian) 

~ FAULT- Bar end boll on downthrown side 

/ LOW- ANGLE NORMAL FAULT- Hctchures on upper plate 
Mass spectrometers such as the one shown here are used to determine the age of rocks by analyzing the relative amounts of 

uranium and lead isotopes contained in them. Uranium decays naturally to lead at a uniform rate that has been accurately 

measured by physicists. By measuring the amounts of the uranium and lead isotopes in a mineral, it is possible to calculate 

how long it took for the amount of lead present to form (that is, the age of the mineral and the rock in which it was found). 

Different isotopes, such as rubidium and strontium, potassium and argon, and carbon are also used to date rocks and 

sediments. Knowing the age of rocks is essential to geologic mapping, because the geologic map, in addition to being a basic 

data source, shows the timing of events and rock formation. 

these programs also publish some multipurpose geologic 

maps. Specialized geologic mapping is an essential part of 

these mission programs and commonly emphasizes one 

aspect of the geologic record far beyond what can be 

shown on a general purpose geologic map. 

The GFS Program emphasizes acquisition of baseline earth-science information that provides the foundation 

not only for present and future mission activities but also 

for the geological sciences overall. This program includes 

three main areas of research, of which geologic mapping 

is one. Geochronology and earth processes studies, both 

vital to geologic mapping, are the other two major 

research areas. In addition to providing the basic geologic 

maps for other Geologic Division programs, the geologic 

mapping element of GFS also provides maps for much of 

the other research done under the GFS Program and for 

earth-science research done by the Water Resources 

Division as well as by private industry, academia, and other 

government agencies. 

GFS mapping project areas are selected to augment 

the overall national geologic data base and to improve our 

understanding of (1) regional synthesis, (2) regional 

framework problems, and (3) problems related to basic 

earth processes. In addition, the resulting maps provide 

the starting point for specialized mapping. fur example, 

three east-west transects of the Western United States 

12 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
Sedimentary rocks, which are the most important rock type in terms of energy and water resources, do not in general lend 

themselves to isotopic dating techniques. Instead, their ages are determined by the fossils contained in them. In the past few 

decades, microscopic fossils have become extremely valuable for this purpose, perhaps more so than the fossil shells and 

bones that most people think of when they read about fossils. The paleontologist shown here is using a modern high-powered 

microscope to identify extremely small fossil foraminifera, which are critical for determining the age of the rocks containing most 

of the oil in the Western United States. These fossils not only tell the age of the rocks but also furnish the geologic mapper with 

valuable information on the environment in which the rocks were formed. 

provide regional framework maps for analysis of geologic 

provinces typical of larger parts of that region. Other 

examples include (1) compilations of State geologic maps 

(a State map of\\o)'oming, published in 1985, was compiled 

from existing large-scale maps but also entailed conducting additional large-scale mapping in critical areas); (2) 

intermediate-scale geologic mapping (in the eastern Cascade Range in Washington, detailed and generalized geologic maps of areas in which accreted terranes are postulated were produced); and (3) geologic maps of overthrust 

belts (maps ranging from 1:24,000 to 1:250,000 scale in 

W)oming, Utah, and Idaho have been pivotal in unravelling the complex structure of gas and oil fields). Some 

mapping under the GFS Program is done to provide a 

geologic data base for research in support of a specific 

mission study, but much work is sponsored only when the 

mapping will contribute to the national data base. 

State Geological Surveys 

Each State has an official designated as State geologist. Nearly all of these State geologists are in charge of 

a State geological survey, ranging from a few to dozens of 

geologists. The roles of these surveys vary from State to 

State; some have large regulatory responsibilities, espeCurrent Geologic Mapping 13 
cial1y in the area of oil and gas drilling, whereas others 

have more basic research orientations. The emphasis on 

geologic mapping varies accordingly. As a result, some 

States publish several geologic map series, and some 

publish no geologic maps at all. 

Since 1973, the USGS and the State geological 

surveys have made a concerted effort to exchange information on their plans and activities; the Geologic Division 

of the USGS meets annually with regional groupings of 

State geologists for this purpose. In addition, the Division 

sends annual letters to all State surveys describing USGS 

projects that will be active in their States, and proposals 

for new projects are distributed for their comments. 

Geologic mapping is coordinated to varying degrees 

through these communications. 

Joint Federal-State Mapping 

Most State geological surveys have mandates for 

collecting and compiling geologic information within their 

States and thus possess detailed knowledge of their regions 

and resources. This mandate contrasts with the USGS 

mandate to collect and synthesize geologic data from all 

parts of the Nation, a task that includes identifying and 

analyzing regional geologic problems that cross State 

boundaries. Few States have the resources to support 

major geologic mapping programs and also maintain the 

State geologic data bases required for them to respond 

effectively to questions relating to the earth sciences. 

Cooperation between the USGS and State geological 

surveys has augmented the capabilities of both. Cooperative investigations that have benefited the USGS and the 

States over the years are continuing in several programs 

but have not been organized under a single program. 

Cooperation between the USGS 

and State geological surveys has 

augmented the capabilities of 

both. 

In recognition of the contribution that States make 

toward understanding the geologic framework of the 

Nation and helping to reverse the decline of general 

geologic mapping, the Federal-State Cooperative Geologic 

Mapping Program (COGEOMAP) was started in 1985 as 

a component of the GFS Program. The long-term objectives of the program are to augment geologic mapping in 

regions of mutual interest to Federal and State agencies. 

In the COGEOMAP Program, geologic mapping 

proposals submitted by State geological surveys are evaluated by a USGS selection panel after being reviewed by 

scientific managers within the Geologic Division. Program 

priorities include (1) new large- and intermediate-scale 

geologic mapping in areas of high hazard or resource 

potential; (2) geologic mapping to aid formulation and 

synthesis of data for new State geologic maps; (3) subsurface mapping directly related to active surface mapping 

projects to elucidate the relationship between geologic and 

geophysical features; ( 4) geochronologic support for geologic mapping through isotopic and biostratigraphic studies; and (5) formulation of digital geophysical maps in 

States where an adequate geophysical data base already 

exists. 

The COGEOMAP Program provides State geological surveys with an opportunity to take advantage of the 

highly specialized facilities and technical expertise of the 

USGS. Under joint funding agreements with State geological surveys, the USGS fulfills its traditional Federal role of 

coordinating and integrating assistance to the States. 

Because resources, geologic problems, and terrain of the 

States vary greatly, cooperative activities and arrangements 

vary among the States. The many accomplishments of the 

program during its first years reflect the high level of 

enthusiasm of individual State geological surveys. 

Universities, Private Industry, and Geologic 

Mapping 

Although geologic mapping by members of the 

academic community (faculty and students of geoscience 

departments) has declined, many professors who are 

recognized experts on the geology of specific regions 

continue to do geologic mapping and to oversee Master's 

and Doctoral theses involving geologic mapping. These 

professors and their students are funded by research 

grants from a variety of sources, including State surveys 

and the USGS. The costs of such investigations have been 

low but are increasing. In a recently published Geological 

Society of America newsletter, a university professor 

attributed the decline in financial support for university 

geologic mapping to the increasing costs of incorporating 

geophysical and other support studies into field mapping. 

Cooperative efforts with private industry will be encouraged where conflicts of interest are not an issue. 

ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT AND FUTURE 

GEOLOGIC MAP NEEDS 

National Research Council Survey 

In 1983, the National Research Council of the 

National Academy of Sciences sent out questionnaires to 

assess the current and future needs of geoscience map 

users nationwide (fig. 6). Although all types of geoscience 

maps were covered, respondents singled out large-scale, 

multipurpose, colored geologic maps as the type most in 

14 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
40 Gl) C) ... (I) -t 0 Q G) 0 m 0 z Ill -t 0 ;: :a m m -t "" 0 :zr ... z ::c Q ,... c , ' 0 0 iC) 

0 Q c , ,.. Ill z 0 n Q ,. z ::c z :a 0 30 C) ... ,... m L c :a (IJ 0 -< m m Cl) n :a ,.. :a 0 0 

, :a ~ "" 1: ,. m n co a: ::c ,.. z ,.. ,... ,... ,.. c iC) II. , n ,.. -t ,... :a 0 (I) n -t m "'I C) 0 m :a n m Ill 20 z 0 0 c,:, -t ,.. ,... c 0 ,... 0 ... c C) z :a IU 

u 

a: 

"" 

10 

A. 

Figure 6. Relative need for different types of geoscience 

maps as indicated by responses to a nationwide survey of 

geoscience information users. The statistically based survey 

was made by the National Research Council in 1983. Geologic maps are indicated as the geoscience product most in 

demand by a margin of more than 3 to 1. 

demand. The survey addressed such topics as the intended 

uses of geoscience maps, the relative importance of map 

sources, present and future map needs by region, and the 

scales of maps most needed. The questionnaire identified 

Almost every user group 

responding to the survey 

emphasized the need tor general 

or multipurpose geologic maps ... 

geoscience map users by their major scientific discipline 

or by the technical areas to which they applied geoscience 

information. The survey was sent to selected members of 

nine major professional associations spanning the breadth 

of the earth sciences and land use planning: 

American Association of Petroleum Geologists 

Association of Engineering Geologists 

American Institute of Certified Planners 

American Water Resources Association 

Geological Society of America 

Society of Exploration Geophysicists 

Society of Economic Geologists 

Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists 

Society of Mining Engineers-American Institute of 

Mining Engineers 

The National Research Council is preparing a comprehensive report on the survey, the major findings of 

which can be summarized as follows: 

1. Respondents from almost every technical area of the 

geosciences indicated a growing need for large-

(1:24,000 and larger) and intermediate-scale (less 

than 1:24,000 to 1:100,000) geologic maps. 

2. Nearly two-thirds of the invited written responses 

stressed a need for increased emphasis on geologic 

mapping . 

3. Most map users considered that special-purpose 

geoscience maps and derivative maps were best prepared by appropriate agencies or companies but that 

high-quality detailed geologic maps were needed as a 

starting base. 

4. The USGS and, to a somewhat lesser degree, the 

State surveys were considered the most important 

sources of geologic maps (see fig. 7). 

5. The original questionnaire included a map of the 

United States divided into 41 geologic provinces, 9 of 

which were offshore. The National Geologic Mapping 

Program will deal with the 32 onshore provinces 

shown in figure 8. Respondents indicated increased 

future geologic map needs in 30 of the onshore 

provinces. 

Almost every user group responding to the survey 

emphasized the need for general or multipurpose geologic 

maps portraying all aspects of the geologic makeup of a 

40 -

w 

~ 30 <C 

1-

2 

w 20 

(.) 

c: 

w 

c. 10 

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0 

Figure 7. Sources of geologic maps used in the United 

States as indicated by the National Research Council survey 

of geoscience map users. Although USGS maps are most 

frequently used, map users also indicated that State geological surveys meet about 30 percent of their map requirements. Under cooperative agreements, some mapping published by State surveys is done by USGS or university 

geologists, and some published by the USGS is done by 

State or university geologists. 

Assessment of Current and Future Geologic Map Needs 15 
-~· 

... -.. 

Western Cordillera (A) 

AI Pacific Northwest 

A2 Northern California 

A3 Southern California 

A4 Cascades 

AS Sierra Nevada 

_ _},----

Basin Range-Rocky Mountains (B) 

Bl Colwnbia Plateau/Snake River Plain 

B2 Basin Range 

B3 Northern Rocky Mts. Thrust Belt 

84 Central Rocky Mts. Thrust Belt 

BS Southern Rocky Mts. 

86 Foreland Province 

B7 Colorado Plateau 

88 Rio Grande Rift 

Great Plains-Midcontinent (C) 

Cl Northern Great Plains 

(Includes Black Hills) 

C2 Southern Great Plains 

C3 Midcontinent 

C4 Ouachita/Ozark Region 

Canadian Shield (D) 

Dl Lake Superior Region 

D2 Adirondack Region 

Coastal Plain (E) 

El Gulf 

E2 Aorida Platform 

E3 Atlantic 

Appalachian (F) 

Fl Appalachian Plateaus 

F2 Appalachian Fold and Thrust Belt 

F3 Southern-Central Crystalline Belt 

F4 New England Appalachians 

Alaska {G) 

Gl North Slope 

G2 Brooks Range 

G3 Interior Basins 

G4 Aleutian Islands/ Alaska Range 

G5 Southeastern Alaska 

Hawaii (H) 

Hl Hawaii 

Figure 8. Physiographic provinces used in the 1983 National Research Council questionnaire distributed to users of 

geoscience information. Each area or physiographic province outlined on the map is characterized by particular geologic 

structures or rock types. Map users were asked to indicate which provinces they were currently interested in and which they 

would need geologic information on in the future. The responses constitute an important piece of data that will be needed to 

establish geologic mapping priorities in the United States. 

16 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
particular area. Unlike a special-purpose geologic map, 

the multipurpose map is comprehensive and has a wide 

range of uses. fur example, a special-purpose geologic 

map depicting alteration halos around granitic rocks is 

very useful in mineral exploration research but is of 

limited use in earthquake or landslide hazard research, 

research related to energy resources, or general land use 

decisions. Multipurpose geologic maps, on the other hand, 

can be used in all these areas and in many cases provide 

the starting point for special-purpose geologic maps. The 

value of special-purpose geologic mapping should not be 

minimized, however, because it is essential in dealing with 

specific research problems being addressed. 

A National Perspective on the Need for 

Geologic Maps 

Geologic maps are used in a wide range of national 

programs within many departments of the Federal Government (for example, Department of Energy nuclear 

waste repository studies, Department of Transportation 

highway construction and modernization projects, Department of Defense siting of military installations, and Environmental Protection Agency siting of waste disposal sites 

... Geologic maps are used in a 

wide range of national programs ... 

to avoid contamination of ground and surface water). The 

USGS offices responsible for geologic hazards, energy 

resources, and mineral resources were asked to project 

their future mapping needs. Their responses, together 

with the ongoing needs of other Federal agencies, will be 

addressed in another circular to be published at a later 

date. 

EXAMPLES OF AREAS WHERE GEOLOGIC 

MAPPING IS NEEDED 

The following lists of national geologic map needs, 

subdivided by discipline, have been distilled from the 

comprehensive internal USGS review mentioned above. 

The lists are examples only and by no means represent 

complete geologic map needs. 

Geologic Hazards 

Regions that include potential geologic hazards, 

such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and 

land subsidence (fig. 9), require detailed mapping to address both regional and site-specific land use questions. 

Particularly pressing are hazard problems in areas supporting dense populations and in rapidly growing urban 

areas. The table below identifies some potentially hazardous areas where geologic mapping is needed. 

Region Need 

San Francisco Bay region ..... Geologic base is needed for 

variety of hazards application. 

San Andreas fault, . . . . . . . . . Detailed mapping needed to 

California. characterize timing, amount of 

movement, and past movement 

history. 

Cascade Range ............ Active tectonic zone and 

volcanism require geologic 

mapping. 

Seattle-Tacoma ............ Detailed geologic maps are 

regions, Washington. needed to evaluate the potential for large earthquakes and 

volcanic eruptions. 

Island of Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . Active volcanic eruptions and 

tsunami hazards require mapping. 

Intermountain Seismic Belt . . Detailed geologic maps in parts 

of Idaho and Montana are 

needed to ascertain the potential for destructive earthquakes. 

San Andres fault, . . . . . . . . . . Holocene movement on this 

New Mexico. large fault and on the Rio 

Grande Rift must be evaluated, 

because major defense bases 

and cities lie near them. 

Basin and Range province. . . Maps of parts of Nevada, Utah, 

and California are needed to 

determine recency of seismic 

and volcanic activity in this geologic province. 

Wasatch Front, Utah . . . . . . . Active faults and associated 

young volcanism need to be 

evaluated and placed in a 

regional context. 

East-central Arkansas ...... Mapping is needed to determine if recent earthquakes are 

related to major Paleozoic 

faults. 

Cincinnati, Ohio ........... Geologic maps are needed to 

delineate severe landslide hazards. 

Mississippi Embayment . . . . . Several youthful faults need 

further study for earthquake 

hazards, and surrounding area 

needs to be analyzed for seismic risk. 

Adirondack Mountains, . . . . . Detailed geologic maps are 

New York. needed to evaluate recent uplift 

Connection between 

Gettysburg and Newark 

basins, Pennsylvania. 

and seismicity. 

Geologic mapping is needed to 

determine if a recent earthquake may have occurred along 

reactivated faults. 

Alaska coast and Aleutians .. Active volcanoes and faults and 

landslide processes require 

detailed mapping. 

Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Permafrost, landslide, and frost 

heaving problems require mapping, particularly along transportation corridors. 

Examples of Areas Where Geologic Mapping Is Needed 17 
..... 

011 

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II) 

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FIGURE 9. Regions of the United States most in need of geologic mapping for hazards research. 

EXPLANATION 

~ 

~¥,;:. ~~t!'L ~· 

~ 

Areas of high 

earthquake potential 

Areas of high 

landslide potential 

Areas with high 

potential for 

volcanism 
Mineral Resources 

Wide areas of the Western and Eastern United 

States are in need of geologic mapping to provide information for mineral resource research, exploration, and 

assessment (fig. 10). In some areas, mineral resource 

potential must be assessed before land use decisions can 

be made in urban and wik:lerness study areas. The table 

below presents examples of high-priority areas where 

detailed mapping is required to provide mineral resource 

information. 

Region Need 

Belt Supergroup, Montana, . . Detailed maps are needed to 

Idaho, Wyoming. study sediment-hosted silver, 

gold, and massive sulfide 

deposits. 

Southeastern California. . . . . Geologic mapping of recently 

discovered fault-related gold 

deposits is needed. 

Basin and Range province, . . Geologic maps are needed on 

Nevada, Utah, California. which to base studies of a wide 

variety of metals in many settings. 

Western Sierra Nevada,. . . . . Gold resources need to be evalCalifornia. uated. 

Coastal California. . . . . . . . . . Studies of mercury and gold 

deposits require new geologic 

maps. 

Laramie Mountains, . . . . . . . . Geologic mapping is needed to 

Wyoming. evaluate mineralized strata and 

fault zones. 

Colorado Mineral Belt. . . . . . Geologic mapping of mineralized "Laramide" age granite is 

needed. 

Central and southern ...... . 

Idaho batholith. 

Colorado Plateau-Basin 

and Range transition 

zone, Arizona. 

San Juan Field, Colorado ... 

Arizona volcanic rocks ..... . 

Rio Grande Rift, ......... . 

New Mexico. 

Atlantic Coastal Plain ..... . 

Triassic basins in the ...... . 

Appalachians. 

Study of mineralized granite 

requires new geologic maps. 

Geologic maps are needed to 

evaluate Mesozoic plutons and 

Proterozoic metamorphic rocks 

that may contain metallic 

resources. 

Geologic maps are needed of 

selected parts of a volcanic field 

that includes several richly mineralized caldera systems. 

Volcanic rocks associated with 

major porphyry copper deposits 

need geologic mapping. 

Molybdenum and other metallic ore deposits require new 

geologic mapping for detailed 

studies. 

Geologic mapping is needed to 

study sediments that may contain phosphate resources. 

Many basins are potential hosts 

for uranium, copper, nickel, 

platinum, and cobalt resources; 

detailed maps are needed in 

many areas. 

Region 

Halifax County, North 

Carolina, to Brunswick 

County, Virginia. 

Alaska .................. . 

Energy Resources 

Need 

A volcanic-plutonic complex 

having the potential for metal 

sulfides and gold requires geologic mapping for exploration 

and resource studies. 

Six regions containing numerous mineral deposits require 

further study to evaluate 

resources of several metals, 

uranium, and thorium. 

Coal, oil, and gas exploration requires detailed geologic maps for evaluating resources. Several sedimentary 

basins where geologic mapping is needed are shown in the 

table below and in figure 11. 

Region 

Westernmost United 

States (general). 

Alaska .................. . 

Public domain and Forest 

Service lands, mainly in 

Western United States. 

Santa Maria and Ventura ... 

basins, California. 

Anadarko Basin .......... . 

Powder River Basin, ...... . 

Wyoming; San Juan 

Basin, New Mexico; 

Uinta Basin, Utah. 

Rocky Mountains ......... . 

Illinois Basin ............. . 

Need 

Selected areas along the west 

coast should be mapped to better define the accumulation of 

hydrocarbons associated with 

subduction tectonics. 

Selected basins in northern and 

southern Alaska need to be 

mapped. 

Areas in need of land classification for multiple use (or best 

use), planning purposes, and 

coal, oil, gas, and uranium 

assessments for leasing purposes need to be mapped. 

Juncture of the Coast Ranges 

and Transverse Ranges should 

be mapped to understand the 

stratigraphy and tectonics of 

offshore basins and related 

hydrocarbon occurrences. 

Boundary between the basin 

and the Wichita uplift should 

be mapped in detail to understand basin evolution and 

hydrocarbon accumulation. 

Mapping is needed to define 

relationship of bounding tectonic elements to the history of 

basin filling, accumulation of 

fossil fuels, and minerals. 

Selected areas along the western overthrust belt need remapping in light of new geologic 

concepts and subsurface information. 

Detailed stratigraphy of the 

coal beds and their lateral relationships is needed; oil and gas 

resources need more study. 

Examples of Areas Where Geologic Mapping Is Needed 19 
Region 

Central West Virginia, ..... . 

Alabama, Ohio, 

Pennsylvania, Kentucky. 

Eastern Tennessee and ..... 

southwestern Virginia. 

Newark Rift System ....... . 

NEEDS FOR CHANGE 

Need 

Stratigraphic sections require 

detailed mapping to assess coal 

resources. 

Mapping is needed in eastern 

part of the Appalachian overthrust belt to delineate structural traps and the extent of dry 

gas. 

Mapping is needed in selected 

quadrangles in the Hartford, 

Gettysburg, Newark, Durham, 

Danville, and Richmond basins 

to evaluate fossil fuel resources. 

Although geologic mapping has been undertaken by 

various groups, the lack of an overall coordinated mapping program in the United States has resulted in shortcomings that will grow more serious in the future. 

The present output of new geologic maps is inadequate to satisfy the projected requirements of the Nation, 

as the responses to the National Research Council questionnaire indicate. New mapping is needed in every region 

outlined on the questionnaire, but the amount and scale of 

mapping vary from region to region. As the need is 

growing, the production of new general-purpose USGS 

geologic maps is declining. 

... present output of new geologic 

maps is inadequate to satisfy the 

projected requirements of the 

Nation ... 

Much of current geologic mapping does not result 

in general geologic maps describing the overall geology of 

the area but rather focuses on limited aspects of geology. 

The priorities of special-purpose mapping rarely allow 

time to do the additional work necessary for a generalpurpose map. Solutions to this problem include augmenting special-purpose mapping to allow the production of 

general-purpose maps and using digital technology to 

make general-purpose maps that can be easily modified to 

produce derivative specialized forms. 

It is increasingly difficult to establish and guide 

USGS geologic mapping priorities because mapping activities ate scattered throughout a number of programs, each 

of which must be responsive to its particular program 

goals first. A method of monitoring progress toward the 

general goal of adequate map coverage of the Nation and 

the establishment of a national geologic map data base is 

needed. Areas covered by published geologic maps need 

to be indexed annually, and ongoing geologic mapping 

efforts across the country must be coordinated. 

At present, the collection of geologic maps in USGS 

libraries and in the files of the State geological surveys is 

the best national geologic data base available. However, 

these collections are maintained independently, on various 

cartographic bases and projections and at an assortment 

of scales. Until recently, it was not possible to revise a map 

or to combine data obtained for a single purpose (for 

example, a detailed fault map) without completely drafting 

a new map. Consequently, such revisions rarely were 

attempted, and accumulated geologic data were fractionated into a number of data subsets of mixed quality and 

accuracy. 

The USGS has completed trial applications of digital 

technologies for converting geologic maps into a modern 

geologic data base. Work continues on a system to digitize 

new and existing geologic maps. Such a data base could be 

upgraded as new information is added, portrayed at varying scales and projections, and integrated with the wide 

assortment of other geographic data bases already available. Except for geophysical data, which are largely digitized, the present geologic data bases in the USGS cannot 

be integrated with other data bases (for example, those 

used in geographic information systems) to easily address 

land use decisions across the Nation. 

Initial experiments in the USGS and notable efforts 

by other government agencies suggest that the time 

required to produce multicolored geologic maps can be 

shortened and the cost of such work reduced by adopting 

new digital techniques. 

APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY TO 

MAPPING AND MAP PUBLICATION 

The lengthy process leading to publication of a 

geologic map includes geologic field mapping, office compilation and drafting, and scribing and preparing peel coats 

From completion of fieldwork to 

printing typically requires more 

than 3 years. 

for color reproduction. From completion of fieldwork to 

printing typically requires more than 3 years. Currently, 

20 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
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Application of N ew Technology to Mappmg . and Map Publication 21 
over half of that time is needed for the nongeologic 

mechanical procedures involved in preparing the materials 

for printing, procedures essentially the same as those in 

use for nearly half a century. Technology is now available 

for integrating other data bases at the time of fieldwork 

and for modernizing and speeding publication by using 

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high-capacity digital systems, scanners, and sophisticated 

editing programs. Perhaps even more important, the integration of geologic maps, in digital form, with other 

geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and geographic data 

allows rapid generation of specialized derivative maps that 

heretofore could not have been produced. A digital data 

22 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
base will also allow geologic data to be quickly updated or 

compiled at other scales, at major cost savings. 

From Field Mapping to Publication 

Integrating digital cartographic techniques into the 

entire map production process-from data collection 

through publication-will speed up the process and introduce new capabilities. Digital methods allow field data to 

be compiled by using microcomputer-based geologic work 

stations; ~eld data can then be integrated with geophysical, 

geochemical, remote sensing, and other data bases during 

field mapping. In many cases, merging these data sets 

during fieklwork can result in higher quality geologic 

maps. fur example, anomalous values on a digital printout 

of gravity or magnetic data could alert a field geologist to 

areas where subsurface geologic features may be only 

subtly reflected by the surface rocks. Using digital techniques to revise the map data throughout the various 

stages of compilation and review by using digital techniques will end time-consuming and costly redrafting. 

Although they are not yet usable on a routine basis 

systems exist that employ a vector-based digital record 

produced on microcomputers; that record can be converted to raster-based files for editing and laser printing. 

Editing and color selection on such a system allow rapid 

preparation of color separation negatives for publication. 

An automated production system will increase the rate of 

map publication and thereby satisfy projected user 

demands. 

... computer techniques not only 

will accelerate the map 

production process but also can 

produce ... a geologic data base 

that provides a wider range of 

information to users. 

Modernizing the geologic mapping process must 

involve this integrated application of computer technology 

to data collection and publication. Properly applied, computer techniques not only will accelerate the map production process but also can produce a digitally generated 

conventional geologic map plus a geologic data base that 

provides a wider range of information to users. Even 

though conventional paper maps will continue to be the 

most important published form of the geologic map, 

digital data sets designed to be used in geographic information systems will be required by increasing numbers of 

geologic information users. 

Development of Digital Capability 

Modernization and development of automated techniques require two distinct technologies: (1) automated 

digital cartography, for more rapid and efficient production of geologic maps, and (2) geographic information 

systems (GIS's), to analyze geologic data and information 

in preparation for publication and to provide a digital 

delivery format to satisfy the rapidly growing population of 

information users having GIS capabilities. Excellent isolated examples of the application of these two technologies 

exist, but the two have not yet been integrated in a 

production process that will benefit both the geologists 

who produce maps and the users who apply the map 

information. 

Developing a system integrating the two technologies entails: 

1. Establishing a process for producing geologic maps 

that incorporates both manual and automated techniques, that stresses continuity for the most efficient 

transfer of results from step to step, and that has as a 

goal the production of both printed and digital publications. 

2. Evaluating existing techniques and systems by initiat-

~ng pilot projects to apply the systems to specific steps 

m the process. The pilot projects must focus on 

discrete elements that require more design, such as 

geologic work stations, standard data exchange formats, software for data conversion, and methods for 

storing, displaying, and manipulating threedimensional data. 

3. Integrating this process into the National Mapping 

Division's MARK II National Digital Cartographic 

Data Base design concept. 

Approach 

Two specific tasks require initial pursuit: (1) developing and testing the microcomputer scientific work station for map compilation and (2) expanding the use of 

raster-based procedures for producing color separations. 

Pilot projects using these two elements in large-scale 

geologic mapping should provide information regarding 

design requirements and cost -benefit relationships. Subsequent investigations must develop specific procedures to 

link the microcomputer-aided map compilation to the 

raster-based production methods. 

Application of New Technology to Mapping and Map Publication 23 
24 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
A LONG-RANGE PLAN FOR A NATIONAL 

GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM 

The USGS provides a national perspective on geologic mapping. State geological surveys maintain an overview on mapping within their borders and how it contributes to their individual missions. National organizations 

such as the Association of American State Geologists and 

the National Academy of Sciences provide integrated 

scientific perspectives. Because its staff is highly trained in 

all geologic disciplines, the USGS is the Nation's chief 

resource for producing comprehensive geologic data and 

is a logical focal point for any effort to organize and 

coordinate geologic mapping nationwide. The USGS provides leadership in developing standards for maps, developing uniform Indexes of Geologic Mapping for each 

State, and coordinating Federal mapping activities with the 

State geological surveys. After assessing the need for 

general geologic map data and evaluating the concerns and 

interests of various segments of the earth-science community, the USGS has devised a plan for establishing a 

National Geologic Mapping Program. 

The program has three main goals: 

1. To increase geologic mapping in response to increasing national needs for geologic maps. 

2. To improve coordination among all Federal, State, and 

university producers of geologic maps to encourage 

cooperative efforts and avoid unnecessary duplication. 

3. To adopt new technologies and innovative methods for 

improving the geologic mapping and map production 

processes and combining general geologic data with 

..... The geologist shown here is using a digitizing table to 

transcribe his field map onto a computer disk. A cross hair 

in the circular area of the key pad that he holds is centered 

on one point of a line on his map. Pressing one of the 

buttons on the key pad causes the digitizing table to 

record that exact point in the computer. Performing this 

operation for many points along the line allows the computer program to link the points and thereby record the 

line in its memory. The lines displayed on the screen were 

formed by this process and can be printed out to create a 

final map for review or publication. Digital map compilation has a number of advantages over conventional geologic map compilation. Revisions do not entail costly and 

time-consuming redrafting of a map, and the digitized 

geologic map can be digitally integrated with other earthscience (geophysical, geochemical, and so on) and geographic data bases to produce heretofore impossible-tomake second-order customized maps for specific land 

use, mineral, and energy exploration and geologic hazard 

assessment purposes. Also, scale can be changed 

instantly for regional compilation or detailed analysis 

without redrafting. Publication techniques now being 

developed will use the digital materials prepared by 

geologists to allow rapid publication and dissemination of 

information. 

other earth-science and geographic data bases to 

make derivative maps. 

The new program provides for reorganization and 

expansion of USGS mapping efforts, increased cooperation with States and industry, and grants to universities. 

The program will establish national goals and priorities for 

geologic mapping and maintain a data base for the 

completed published work. The program will foster the 

development of tools and methodologies to make the 

acquisition of field data more efficient and will develop 

new techniques for producing thematic maps and customdesigned geologic and derivative maps through GIS techniques. The program will be organized under four major 

components, which result from the reorganization of the 

GFS Program: 

1. A Federal component for geologic data acquisition. 

2. A cooperative component with the States through 

COG EO MAP. 

3. A grants component to universities to utilize their 

capabilities and aid in training graduate students in 

field mapping projects. Grants may be made available 

to other external groups or individuals. 

4. A component to modernize and develop new techniques for data acquisition, presentation, and publication. 

To provide optimum response to the national need 

for basic geologic data, the long-range program has a 

balanced set of activities, which are to be carried out at a 

relatively stable and consistent level of effort for an 

extended period of time. Because of the broad expertise 

needed, the time-consuming work involved in making 

geologic maps, and the developmental phase of the modernization component, the projected time required to 

significantly improve the general geologic data base is 

about 15 years. 

The existing roles and responsibilities of the USGS, 

the State geological surveys, the universities, and other 

organizations will remain essentially the same under the 

proposed program, which will draw on the strengths and 

capabilities that each organization can bring to the national 

need for geologic data. Changes that will have the most 

immediate impact are the improved organization and 

direction of existing geologic mapping activities and the 

establishment of a formal USGS mapping component to 

increase the national geologic data base. 

The following section describes more specifically 

the roles and responsibilities of each participant in achieving the long-range goals of the program and how the 

program will be funded and presents an outline of the 

program's goals, objectives, and tasks. Detailed information on the scientific investigations that will be considered 

for inclusion in the National Geologic Mapping Program is 

being prepared and will be published at a later time. 

A Long-Range Plan for a National Geologic Mapping Program 25 
Roles of Participants in a National Geologic 

Mapping Program 

. The National Geologic Mapping Program will 

mvolve the USGS, State geological surveys, and universities; groups such as the National Academy of Sciences will 

act as consultants. The proposed roles of these participants are outlined below. 

Role of the USGS.-The USGS will assume the 

leadership role in a National Geologic Mapping Program. 

The USGS will coordinate assessments of the requirements of Federal and State governments, other government agencies, industry, and the private sector for geologic 

data and, in consultation with these other groups and with 

the National Academy of Sciences, establish priorities for 

mapping carried out with USGS funds. The USGS will 

also establish standards for a national geologic data base 

and coordinate contributions by the USGS, State geological surveys, universities, and others. It will be the responsibility of the USGS to operate and maintain this data 

base. The USGS will continue to conduct, either on its 

own or cooperatively, projects in geologic provinces where 

mapping is considered to be of national priority. 

Role of the State geological suTVeys.-The State geological surveys will identify mapping needs within their 

States and set appropriate priorities. Just as the USGS has 

assumed leadership in mapping at the national level the 

States will assume leadership at the State level. State 

surveys will be the lead agencies for their respective States 

and will assume primary responsibility for coordination 

with the USGS. After determining their priorities States 

will be requested to communicate them to the USGS to be 

integrated with national goals. If a mapping need is strictly 

a State concern, the State geological survey will be respon-

~ible for funding and carrying out the mapping; if the need 

IS of mutual State and Federal concern, the State will 

propose projects under the COGEOMAP Program to 

obtain assistance and (or) funding from the USGS. 

Role of the universities.-Universities will play a dual 

role in a National Geologic Mapping Program. They will 

continue to train graduate students in the science and art 

of field mapping and, with these same graduate students, 

participate in mapping programs with the USGS and State 

geological surveys. The USGS, under the university grants 

component of the program, will provide support to faculty 

and graduate students and may, in conjunction with certain 

States, publish maps resulting from their work. Supporting 

faculty and graduate students will additionally benefit the 

discipline by helping to train high-quality field geologists 

for the future. Faculty and graduate students will, in turn, 

benefit by having their maps published and made readily 

available to the earth-science community. 

Role of the National Academy of Sciences.-The 

National Academy of Sciences Committee Advisory to the 

USGS will periodically assist in reviewing mapping priorities developed by the USGS and the progress made in 

developing a national geologic data base. The committee 

will advise the Director of the USGS as to whether the 

program has achieved the balance necessary to address 

the projected scientific needs of the Nation as well as to 

support the short- and long-term practical needs of the 

Nation. 

Role of the private sector.-The private sector, consisting chiefly of corporations, consultants, and independent exploration groups, is principally a user of geologic 

data, because most of its geologic mapping is proprietary. 

Even so, members of the private sector contribute important data used in geologic mapping, particularly in studies 

directed at understanding the processes by which certain 

types of rocks form. The private sector can play an 

important supporting role in geologic mapping by participating in workshops, advising on national priorities, and 

allowing access to private property. 

Resources for Conducting a National 

Geologic Mapping Program 

The resources needed to conduct the proposed 

National Geologic Mapping Program will be spread among 

Federal, State, and university sectors to achieve a balanced 

o~erall program. The USGS, supported by appropriation, 

will be responsible for (1) providing matching support for 

State mapping activities through COGEOMAP, (2) preparing new geologic maps in h,jgh-priority provinces, (3) 

augmenting field investigations associated with specialpurpose mapping in the USGS to assure that data collected will result in general multipurpose geologic maps, 

( 4) supporting university geologic mapping in highpriority regions through a grants program, (5) coordinating Federal, State, and university geologic mapping activities in developing the national geologic data base, and ( 6) 

integrating new technologies and techniques into the 

compilation and production of geologic maps. 

State geological surveys are expected to draw upon 

State appropriations as well as matching Federal 

COGEOMAP funds. In addition, States are encouraged to 

work cooperatively with the USGS in the high-priority 

geologic provinces as well as in other USGS programs. 

The USGS will and, at their option, State geological 

surveys may support the research and training efforts of 

universities if general-purpose geologic maps are to be a 

product of those efforts. As it has in the past, support of 

faculty and graduate student fieldwork in geologic mapping both serves to train the mappers and adds to the 

national geologic data base. USGS support of faculty and 

graduate students, in essence, is reciprocated by university 

support in the form of faculty training of graduate students. 

26 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
Proposed National Geologic Mapping Program 

The USGS proposes a program having the following goals, objectives, and tasks: 

Goal I. Increase geologic mapping in response to increasing national needs for basic geologic 

maps. 

Objective A. Identify, on a province-by-province basis, critical earth-science data needs that 

require new or additional intermediate- to large-scale geologic mapping. 

Task L Review the National Research Council survey conducted in 1983 as 

the initial step in identifying user needs for geologic data acquired 

through mapping. 

Task 2. Poll USGS scientists to identify geologic map data needed to 

address major earth-science problems and circulate the results· of 

that poll to non-USGS groups for comment. 

Task 3. Through the COGEOMAP Program and surveys, determine longterm State priorities for geologic mapping. 

Task 4. Solicit, through meetings and questionnaires, the geologic map 

needs of other government agencies. 

Task 5. Publish a document that identifies major geologic data needs to be 

addressed by the National Geologic Mapping Program. 

Task 6. Review this document as needed (but no less than every 5 years) to 

identify and document new needs for geologic data. 

Objective B. Establish national geologic mapping priorities by province in order to focus 

future mapping on critical areas. 

Task L On the basis of needs identified in accomplishing Objective A, 

establish an initial set of national priorities for future geologic 

mapping. 

Task 2. Grculate the initial set of geologic mapping priorities for comment. 

The procedures and priorities will be published in professional 

publications and The Federal Register. 

Task 3. Develop final priorities, taking into consideration recommendations 

received in Task 2. Publish adopted priorities. 

Task 4. At 5-year intervals, evaluate the needs for geologic mapping in all 

provinces, and establish new priorities by using the procedures 

developed above. 

Objective C. Increase the coverage of the United States by intermediate- and large-scale 

geologic maps in provinces or portions of provinces of highest national 

priority. Coordinate with and integrate subsurface studies, particularly 

geophysical, geochemical, and hydrologic investigations, with surface geologic mapping. 

Task L Begin new USGS mapping projects in the most expeditious 

sequence, and augment existing USGS projects in high-priority 

provinces to produce geologic maps appropriate to the National 

Geologic Mapping Program. 

Task 2. Develop and expand COGEOMAP projects with State geological 

surveys in high-priority provinces. 

A long-Range Plan for a National Geologic Mapping Program 27 
Task 3. Encourage universities, through grants, to conduct graduate studies in high-priority provinces that will result in publishable geologic 

maps meeting the established standards. 

Task 4. Where other agencies have concerns in high-priority provinces, 

negotiate reimbursable geologic mapping programs to meet their 

needs as well. 

Task 5. Increase geophysical and geochronological data for high-priority 

provinces to meet the needs of the geologic mapping program, and 

augment seismic reflection transects where warranted. Geophysical 

data are acquired under other programs, but their acquisition will 

be coordinated with geologic mapping. If extra funding becomes 

available, deep subsurface data may be acquired within the mapping program. 

Task 6. Publish biannual reports on mapping progress in high-priority 

provinces or portions of provinces. 

Task 7. Develop an overall synthesis of the geologic framework in regions 

where geologic mapping and geophysical data are adequate. 

Goal II. Improve coordination among all Federal, State, and university producers of geologic maps 

to encourage cooperative efforts and avoid unnecessary duplication. 

Objective A. Prepare and maintain a system for an annual nationwide inventory of current 

geologic mapping and published map coverage. 

Task 1. In cooperation with State geological surveys, prepare a plan for a 

national inventory of current geologic mapping activity. 

Task 2. Obtain and assemble data on current mapping by means of an 

annual questionnaire printed in Geotimes, other periodicals, The 

Federal Register, and publications distributed internally within the 

USGS and State surveys. Provide copies of geographic subsets of 

data to States and interested parties as requested. 

Task 3. Keep records of published maps and completed mapping readily 

available through annual updating of State Geologic Map Indexes. 

Objective B. Encourage greater production and public availability of geologic maps. 

Task 1. Increase geologic map production of State geological surveys by 

assisting them through cooperative COGEOMAP projects. 

Task 2. Increase geologic map production within the USGS by assisting 

programs that could produce general-purpose geologic maps, given 

modest additional resources. 

Task 3. Initiate general-purpose geologic mapping in high-priority areas. 

Task 4. Encourage greater university mapping by supporting their studies 

and publishing the resulting maps. 

Objective C. In cooperation with the State geological surveys and the National Academy of 

Sciences, set standards for future geologic maps. 

Task L Evaluate existing national standards for geologic maps (which were 

adopted by the USGS in 1956 and revised in 1978) for complete28 National Geologic Mapping Program: Goals, Objectives, and Long-Range Plans 
ness and applicability to geologic maps produced by all sources. 

Draft revised standards. 

Task 2. Circulate revised standards for comment by State geologists, professional organizations, and the National Academy of Sciences 

Committee Advisory to the USGS. 

Task 3. Develop standards, taking into consideration the comments and 

suggestions made in Task 2. Discuss new standards at State 

geologist cluster meetings and with the National Academy of 

Sciences Committee Advisory to the USGS. 

Task 4. Adopt agreed-upon standards for geologic maps, and publish a 

USGS circular disseminating information on the standards. 

Goal III. Adopt new technologies and innovative methods for improving geologic map compilation 

and production and combining general geologic data with other earth-science and 

geographic data bases to make derivative maps. 

Objective A. Evaluate new technologies and methodologies for geologic map compilation. 

Task L Review possible new technologies or adaptations of existing methods for producing digitized geologic maps from data collected in 

the field. 

Task 2. Test available methods of producing and revising geologic maps by 

producing prototype digitized maps, evaluating their technical 

aspects, and combining them with other geographic data bases to 

produce derivative maps. 

Objective B. Implement new technologies for geologic map compilation and publication. 

Task L Select the most suitable technologies for assembling and manipulating data away from the office and for expediting map publication. 

Task 2. Obtain the necessary equipment to support field-based digital 

operations and map publication. 

Task 3. Convert map production to new methods by providing training and 

equipment to geologists. 

6U.S. G.P.O. 1987-181-407:40084 A Long-Range Plan for a National Geologic Mapping Program 29 




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