Geologic maps are usually very complex and highly detailed, with text, symbols, branching or coalescing lines that may be dashed, and fault lines that may be depicted with a different line weight. These features create the most problems for any automatic vectorization package. Most of these software packages require custom routines or other methods of postprocessing data which requires more time for completion than for the traditional semi-automated method of digitizing. Most of these packages will vectorize everything including text or symbols, which results in the text being jagged or angular and not of publication quality. This requires adjusting parameter settings and experimenting to achieve the desired results.
Some packages have an attribution function that recognizes line weight or thickness.
They can color code certain attributes to distinguish each layer. This software was unable to resolve fine differences between line weights, which became apparent when some of the same contour lines were interpreted as two distinct vector layers. Some of these packages would work well with simple geologic maps or cross sections, but would not be appropriate with complex maps, which would require extensive postprocessing and clean up to produce a publication-quality map. Currently, our semiautomatic vectorization procedure is still the most accurate and efficient. Staffing The KGS digital geologic mapping program is staffed by one full-time professional to manage the digital program, one GIS professional, one geologist professional, one stratigrapher, several professionals, technicians and students to vectorize quadrangles.