If the proposal is approved, the standard will be developed following the FGDC standards development and approval process. Comments may be submitted via Internet mail or by submitting an electronic copy on diskette. Comments must be received on or before January 19, 1998. This standard will describe how geologic map information will be configured in digital format, and will not proscribe methods by which geologic maps will be made.
Geologic maps are very diverse in the type of information contained.
The developers of the geologic map data model recognize this diversity, but will focus on the elements of geologic maps that are common to all or at least most geologic maps. In recognition of the diversity of information in geologic maps, the data model is being designed to allow for development of extensions to the standard. The intent is to develop and propose a standard that is widely accepted by map producers using a wide variety of computer and software systems.